Apply for the RIFS Fully Funded Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany and receive stipend support, housing assistance, networking opportunities, and sustainability research collaboration.
Overview
The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences has officially opened applications for its RIFS Fellow Programme 2027.
This prestigious international fellowship invites professionals, researchers, policymakers, artists, civil society leaders, and innovators from around the world to collaborate on transformative sustainability research in Potsdam.
Programme Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | RIFS Fellow Programme 2027 |
| Institution | Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) |
| Host Organization | GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences |
| Location | Potsdam |
| Fellowship Duration | 6–12 Months |
| Possible Extension | Up to 24 Months |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Earliest Start Date | 1 April 2027 |
About the Fellowship
The RIFS Fellow Programme brings together approximately ten fellows annually from:
- Science
- Public administration
- Civil society
- Media
- Arts
- Business sectors
to collaborate on sustainability transformation research.
The programme supports:
- Transdisciplinary research
- Innovative sustainability ideas
- International collaboration
- Policy-relevant solutions
- Co-creative approaches to global challenges
2027 Fellowship Theme
“Sustainability in Tough Times – How to Move Forwards in Times of Backlash?”
RIFS is especially interested in proposals exploring:
- Sustainability backlash across societies
- Climate justice and transition challenges
- Political polarization and sustainability narratives
- Knowledge and political power relations
- New alliances for sustainability
- Transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability resistance
What Fellows Receive
1. Fellowship Stipend
Selected fellows receive:
- A funded stipend
The amount depends on:
- Seniority
- Family circumstances
2. Housing Support
RIFS may provide:
- Access to institute apartments in Potsdam
for fellows relocating from outside Europe/Germany.
3. Relocation Assistance
Support may include:
- Visa assistance
- Residence support
- School placement support
- Health insurance guidance
- Relocation assistance
4. Professional Networking
Fellows gain:
- Access to international sustainability networks
- Collaboration opportunities with researchers and institutions
- Organisational and financial support for activities
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open globally to individuals from:
- Academia
- Government
- Private sector
- NGOs
- Civil society
- Media
- Arts and creative industries
Project Requirements
Applicants must propose projects that:
- Complement RIFS research programmes
- Align with at least two RIFS research groups
- Address sustainability transformation themes
RIFS strongly encourages applicants to contact institute researchers before submitting proposals.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Project Proposal | Official template required |
| CV | Maximum 3 pages |
| Optional Annex | Publications, portfolio, additional materials |
All documents must:
- Be submitted in English
- Be uploaded as separate PDF files
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a three-stage process:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Internal Review | Initial screening |
| External Jury Review | Proposal evaluation |
| Interviews | Conducted if necessary |
Final interviews are expected in:
- November 2026
Successful fellows are expected to begin:
- Spring 2027
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Webinars | 18 May & 1 June 2026 |
| Final Decisions | November–December 2026 |
| Earliest Fellowship Start | 1 April 2027 |
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through:
RIFS Application Portal
Important:
- Email applications are not accepted.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The RIFS Fellowship stands out because it combines:
- Fully funded support
- Sustainability leadership
- International collaboration
- Policy engagement
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
Participants join a global network working on:
- Climate transitions
- Sustainability governance
- Social transformation
- Environmental justice
Commitment to Diversity
RIFS strongly encourages applications from:
- Women in science
- Underrepresented communities
- International applicants
- Diverse professional backgrounds
The institute actively promotes:
- Inclusion
- Equal opportunities
- Diversity in leadership and research
Contact Information
For inquiries:
- Head of Fellow Programme: Achim Maas
Programme information:
RIFS Fellow Programme
Final Thoughts
The RIFS Fully Funded Research Fellowship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals and researchers committed to advancing sustainability transformations globally.
With:
- Fully funded support
- Housing and relocation assistance
- International networking
- Collaborative sustainability research
this fellowship provides a powerful platform for driving meaningful global impact.
Keywords
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