[Call for Applicants] Humboldt Residency Programme 2026

Greetings from Germany!

The Humboldt Foundation is sponsoring scientists and scholars, irrespective of academic discipline and nationality. It also strengthen Germany as a research location through international research exchanges. In addition, it is supporting the sponsorship recipients during their entire lifetimes and actively promote international understanding, scientific progress and development.

We are pleased to inform you that the application for Humboldt Residency Programme 2026 on the topic “Democracy 2.26: Designing Political Participation”  is now open.

Website Information

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

• The Humboldt Residency Programme brings together twelve international participants from diverse fields, including researchers, artists, writers, civil society actors, and social entrepreneurs. Over six weeks in Brandenburg/Berlin, they work together daily, gaining deep insight into each other’s disciplines and building transdisciplinary connections. Participants explore synergies, ask bold questions, and engage with stakeholders locally and internationally on the topic “Democracy 2.26: Designing Political Participation”. 
• They also design innovative ways to communicate their key ideas beyond academia, such as debates, media appearances, workshops, or online publications.

SUBTOPIC

• Political Legitimacy: Can political participation rebuild public trust in institutions and, thereby, in governance – especially amongst those who are, or perceive themselves to be, marginalized by the current system?
• Deliberative and Participatory Democracy Models: What potential do existing mechanisms such as citizens’ councils, participatory budgeting, and direct democracy tools hold?
• Representation of Minorities: How can both formal and informal political participation be designed to ensure the representation of marginalized voices in political decision-making?
• Political Participation in the Digital Age: How can risks such as disinformation and polarizing echo chambers—and opportunities such as the accessibility of digital deliberation and online civic engagement – be balanced sustainably?

PROGRAM DATE

The program runs from June to October 2026 and includes:

• 23 June: Virtual kick-off meeting
• 3 – 14 August: Two-week residency at the Cultural Foundation Schloss Wiepersdorf
• 14 August – 11 September: Four-week residency in Berlin
• September – October: Remote finalization of output formats
• 27 October: Virtual wrap-up event

In-person participation during the entire residency from 3 August to 11 September 2026 is a requirement for participating in the program.

FUNDING SPECIFICATION

• A monthly allowance during the six-week residency period in Berlin/Brandenburg
• Travel allowance for the trip to and from Germany
• Accommodation at Schloss Wiepersdorf (2 weeks) and at an aparthotel in Berlin (4 weeks)
• A budget for arranging public event formats or end-of-year output
• For participants travelling with dependent family members, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will provide suitable family accommodation and support participants in arranging childcare.

ELIGIBILITY

• Three Alumni/ae of the Humboldt Foundation, who have received any form of fellowship or prize in the past but are not involved in another one of the foundation’s programs at the start of the residency (August 2026). They hold an academic position and are currently not based in Germany.
• Three early career researchers, who are either in the final stages of their PhD or have completed their PhD less than four years ago at the start of the residency (August 2026). They hold an academic position and are currently not based in Germany.
• Five persons from civil society, journalism, arts or social entrepreneurship, who do not currently hold an academic position.
• Applications from individuals from all (academic) disciplines who can prove a relevant connection to the annual theme either in their work or other forms of engagement.
• Applications are also open to individuals who bring innovative or creative approaches to the topic.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Curriculum Vita (max. 3 pages, PDF Format)
• Introduction Video : Introducing yourself and telling why you think you are the right person to take part in this program (max. 60 seconds). Feel free to demonstrate your personality and creativity in the video!

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Apply directly to The Humboldt Foundation.  Kindly refer to website information attached. 
2. The deadline is 15 December 2025.
3. The FINAL decision is from The Humboldt Foundation.

INFO SESSION

• Should you have any questions about the program or application process that are not addressed in the FAQs, you are invited to attend the digital info session on 25 November 2025, 20:00 – 21:00 (WIB).
• You can register for the Zoom session here.

CONSULTATION INFO

Please reach out to residency[at]avh.de should you have any questions regarding the program or application process.