Southeast-Asia Biocultural Evolution Fellowship 2026

About the Grant

The Southeast-Asia Biocultural Evolution Research Fund 2026–2027 by the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Germany supports early-career researchers exploring human evolution and palaeo-biodiversity. Targeted at researchers within ten years of their PhD, this prestigious fund enables field and laboratory research in Southeast Asia, including explorations, excavations, and fossil site analyses. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, the grant encourages innovative projects that contribute to the Senckenberg research programme on Biocultural Evolution.

Awardees receive comprehensive support for travel, accommodation, equipment, and research assistance, fostering high-impact scholarship and international collaboration. This programme is designed to strengthen research networks, facilitate scientific mobility, and address unresolved questions in early human dispersal and evolutionary biocultural processes, offering a significant platform for academic growth and global recognition.

Grant Details

Grant Name: Southeast-Asia Biocultural Evolution Research Fund 2026–2027
Funding Agency/Institution: Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany (with field research in the home country)
Research Field(s): Human Evolution, Palaeoanthropology, Archaeology, Geosciences, Life Sciences
Grant Type: Project Grant / Academic Fellowship
Project Duration: 24 months (01 January 2026 – 31 December 2027)
Funding Amount: €75,000 per year, up to two years, possible extension for a third year
Grant Start Date (Expected): January 2026
Mode of Research: Individual, Interdisciplinary
Application Type: Open call

Where Did We Come From? Turn the Page and See

INDIA: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HISTORY (2ND EDITION) (OIP)

Research Areas Supported

Human evolution
Palaeo-biodiversity and palaeoanthropology
Fossil site exploration and excavation
Biocultural evolution studies
Field and laboratory research in life sciences, geosciences, and archaeology

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: PhD in Geosciences, Life Sciences, or Archaeology
Career Stage: Early-career researchers (up to 10 years post-PhD)
Nationality/Residency: Citizens of Southeast Asian countries
Affiliation Requirements: Must be affiliated with a university or official research institution
Experience Level: Active research experience, preferably with prior project work

Preferred Qualifications

Strong publication record
Experience in field or lab research
Interdisciplinary research skills

Not Eligible

Undergraduate or Master’s students
Applicants without formal institutional affiliation

Grant Benefits

Funding Support: Salary/stipend up to €2,500/month, travel, fieldwork, laboratory costs, consumables
Travel Allowance: For domestic/international field trips and conferences
Lab/Research Material Costs: Covered for project-related expenses
Collaborative Research Funding: Allowed for team projects or assistants
Publication Support: Open-access fees, dissemination workshops
Host Institution Support: Administrative guidance and research facilitation
Professional Development: Participation in workshops, colloquia, and mentoring

Key Responsibilities

Execute the proposed research project and methodology
Conduct fieldwork and laboratory analysis
Submit detailed progress reports and final research outputs
Present findings at seminars, workshops, or conferences
Ensure ethical compliance and adherence to institutional regulations

Application Process

How to Apply

Submission Mode: Email only
Application Portal: recruiting@senckenberg.de

Submission Steps:

Prepare all required documents as a single PDF
Include CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, project outline, detailed budget, and letter of support
Submit before the deadline

Required Documents