Gerda Henkel Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Germany: Apply Now

About the Fellowship

The Gerda Henkel Foundation offers prestigious postdoctoral research fellowships to scholars with a PhD or Post-Doctoral Lecture Qualification. These fellowships provide an opportunity for independent, groundbreaking research in various fields within the humanities and social sciences. Fellows can engage in research across disciplines such as archaeology, history, law, Islamic studies, and history of science. This fellowship allows researchers to pursue their projects autonomously, without needing an institutional affiliation, fostering innovation and independent academic growth.

Fellowship Details

Fellowship Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Host Institution: Gerda Henkel Foundation
Administering Organization: Gerda Henkel Foundation
Location: Germany
Fellowship Type: Independent Research Fellowship
Research Fields: Humanities, Archaeology, History, History of Science, Law, Islamic Studies
Eligible Nationalities: Open to international applicants
Duration: 1 to 24 months
Funding/Compensation: Monthly stipend of €3,720, with additional allowances for family support and overseas research
Start Date: Flexible, with earliest start in December 2025
Scholarship Can Be Taken At: Research can be conducted in Germany or abroad, depending on project requirements
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD or Post-Doctoral Lecture Qualification

Research Areas

This fellowship is designed to support research in the following academic disciplines:

Archaeology
History
History of Science
Islamic Studies
Law
History of Art
Prehistory and Early History

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

A completed PhD or Post-Doctoral Lecture Qualification
An independent research project proposal
Demonstrated academic excellence and relevant research experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Publications in peer-reviewed academic journals
Experience in international research collaborations
Proficiency in relevant research languages

Not Eligible:

Applicants who have not completed their PhD
Those currently receiving a salary or retirement pension exceeding 5 hours of work per week
Individuals seeking funding for tuition fees or overhead costs

Fellowship Benefits

Visa Sponsorship: Yes, for international applicants
Monthly Stipend: €3,720
Health Insurance: Coverage provided during the fellowship period
Travel Allowances: Funding for research-related travel
Professional Development Funding: Support for attending conferences and workshops
Dependent Support: Family grants available for children under 18

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your application electronically via the Gerda Henkel Foundation’s online portal.
Upload all required documents in PDF format.
Request letters of recommendation through the online recommendation system.

Required Documents:

Research proposal (max. 8 pages)
Time schedule and working plan
Detailed cost calculation in euros
Curriculum vitae with list of publications
Copies of academic certificates (PhD or Post-Doctoral Lecture Qualification)
At least one letter of recommendation