Fellowship Summary
The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany, offers the RIFS Fellow Programme 2026. This prestigious international fellowship invites up to 20 exceptional professionals worldwide to pursue innovative sustainability projects through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Program Features
- Location: Potsdam, Germany
- Duration: Fellowship-level research program
- Available Positions: Up to 20 fellowships
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
- Eligibility: All nationalities welcome
- Sectors: Academia, policy, arts, civil society, private sector
Research Focus Areas
Core Research Themes:
- Sustainability Governance and Transformation
- Policy development and implementation
- Institutional change processes
- Governance innovations
- Digitalization, Technology, and Societal Change
- Technology impact assessment
- Digital transformation effects
- Societal adaptation strategies
- Climate, Environment, and Society
- Climate change mitigation
- Environmental sustainability
- Social-ecological systems
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support:
- Monthly Stipend: Variable based on seniority and family situation
- Travel Reimbursement: Full relocation costs covered
- Family Support: Relocation assistance for family members
- Housing Options: RIFS apartments available for international fellows
Additional Benefits:
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Visa processing assistance
- School placement support for families
- Research infrastructure access
- Networking opportunities with global experts
- Institutional support and mentorship
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Track:
- PhD degree or equivalent research experience
- Strong research background in relevant fields
- Alignment with RIFS research themes
Professional Track:
- 3-5 years relevant professional experience
- Background in policy, NGOs, business, arts, or media
- Demonstrated expertise in sustainability-related work
General Requirements:
- Project compatibility with RIFS research groups
- Pre-application contact with researchers encouraged
- All nationalities eligible
Apply Also
- CQUniversity Australia RTP Stipend Scholarship 2025
- Islamic University Madinah Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded
Application Requirements
Required Documents (English, max 5MB each):
- Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Personal goals and expectations
- Selected research themes alignment
- Relevant research groups identification
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Key achievements highlighted
- Exclude personal details (age, photo, marital status)
- Focus on professional accomplishments
- Project Proposal (maximum 5 pages, anonymized)
- Project title and 300-word abstract
- Clear methodology and objectives
- Realistic timeline and budget estimation
- Optional Annex (maximum 10MB)
- Publications, artworks, previous projects
- Supporting materials for application
Application Timeline
Key Dates:
- Information Webinars: May 12 & 26, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 9, 2025
- Review Period: July-September 2025
- Interviews: October-November 2025
- Final Decisions: November-December 2025
- Fellowship Commencement: April 1, 2026
Program Opportunities
Professional Development:
- Cutting-edge sustainability research
- International expert collaboration
- Policy recommendation development
- Business model innovation
- Community-based solution creation
- Public outreach and education
- Artistic sustainability expressions
Global Network:
- Join 300+ alumni from 50+ countries
- Expanding international professional network
- Long-term collaboration opportunities
- Career advancement prospects
Diversity and Inclusion
RIFS Commitment:
- Women applicants strongly encouraged
- Minority candidates welcomed
- People with disabilities supported
- Gender equality actively promoted
- Diverse perspectives valued for sustainability transformation
 at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany, offers the RIFS Fellow Programme){kind=link}