2026 ZUKOnnect Fellowships for Early Career Researchers from Africa, Asia and Latin America

Up to 8 (post-)doctoral stipends for an on-campus research stay at the Zukunftskolleg are available for 3 months (with justification for up to 4 months). The on-site ZUKOnnect Fellowships are complemented by a digital affiliation extending it to a duration of 12-months. The start date for the digital affiliation is 1 August 2026. The preferred start date for the on-site ZUKOnnect Fellowships is 1 October 2026.

The ZUKOnnect Fellowships support early career researchers from Africa, Asia and Latin America who are associated with one of the thirteen departments at the University of Konstanz. As a ZUKOnnect Fellow, you can use this time to extend your research networks and to get to know the research environment at the University of Konstanz while keeping your position at home. As these fellowships can build a first bridge to the German and European academic system, we also encourage doctoral students in their last year to apply. The Zukunftskolleg will not offer employment contracts for ZUKOnnect Fellows.

The Zukunftskolleg is an Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). It offers fellowships as well as a diverse support network to promote the independence of early career researchers. Researchers at the postdoctoral level can work with minimal administrative constraints, and enjoy the freedom to engage in meaningful exchange with other up-and-coming colleagues as well as with distinguished senior researchers. Researchers in the humanities, social and natural sciences come to Konstanz from around the world to perform first-class research. The Zukunftskolleg is a keystone in the University of Konstanz's institutional strategy and the University of Konstanz is one of Germany’s eleven Universities of Excellence.

The foundation “Manfred Ulmer-Stiftung für Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft” at the University of Konstanz. will be funding one of the fellowships. The “Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour” and the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” will fund up to two fellowships for related projects in one of their interdisciplinary research fields. Free applications are encouraged (Track A – up to 4 scholarships) but also upon nomination (Track N – up to 4 scholarships).

Your responsibilities

• You will live in Konstanz or nearby throughout the on-site ZUKOnnect Fellowship (the Welcome Centre at the University of Konstanz will support you with all organizational aspects of relocating to Konstanz).
• You will actively contribute to the interdisciplinary dialogue at the Zukunftskolleg during weekly Jour fixe meetings (in the semester).
• You will interact with fellows and researchers in relevant departments at the University of Konstanz.
• You will give a presentation in a seminar or a public lecture.
• You will acknowledge the Zukunftskolleg’s support in any publications resulting from the stay.
• You will write a short report on your activities and achievements (within 6 months of completing your
• ZUKOnnect Fellowship).

• Table of Content
• About University Of Konstanz
• University of Konstanz Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Konstanz Fellowship
• Requirements for University of Konstanz Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

University of Konstanz Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of University of Konstanz Fellowship

• During the on-campus research stay, a stipend of € 1,300/month for doctoral students and € 2,000/month for postdoctoral researchers (following DAAD guidelines)
• Standard expenses for one economy-class trip to Konstanz and back.
• The chance to participate in events organized by the Zukunftskolleg.
• Access to library resources.
• Access to IT services.
• Access to research support services (via Research Support).
• Up to 750€ research allowance upon request
• Research Return Visit by a member of U Konstanz to your home institution upon request
• ZUKOnnect Fellows will benefit from a digital affiliation extending the total period to 12 months. The digital affiliation will be supported with up to € 900 (lump sum).

Requirements for University of Konstanz Fellowship Qualification

• You were born AND work in country in Latin America, Asia or Africa.
• You hold a doctorate (max. 2 years, doctoral degree granted after February 2024) OR are a doctoral student in your final year.
• Your doctorate was/ is going to be completed at a university in Latin America, Asia or Africa.
• You do not hold a permanent professorship, nor do you have a habilitation or equivalent qualification (Venia legendi).
• Your research project should tie in with one of the disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz.
• Track A: You should name a researcher at the University of Konstanz with whom you intend to collaborate (no need to contact person(s) in advance!).
• Track N: Nomination by one (Junior) professor of the University of Konstanz
• Preference will be given to applicants who plan to team up with one of our current Zukunftskolleg Fellows or within the Cluster “Politics of Inequality” or “Collective Behaviour”.
• Preference will be given to fellows from countries not represented in our community

The Zukunftskolleg welcomes applications from all individuals, including applicants with disabilities, non-traditional career paths, those who have paused their careers on account of family or caring responsibilities, and applicants who have been displaced due to war or are considered “scholars at risk”.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please submit your application documents in English as separate PDF files via our online application portal. The reference number is 2025/251. Applications should include:

• A letter of motivation (including your objectives for the research stay at the Zukunftskolleg and an explanation of how your research ties in with the research landscape at the University of Konstanz - maximum 2 pages)
• Short summary of your current research project and outlook on your project at the Zukunftskolleg (together maximum 3 pages incl. references)
• A detailed work and time plan for your on-campus research stay
• Your curriculum vitae
• Relevant certificates (doctoral certificate OR a letter from your doctoral supervisor confirming the status of your doctoral thesis)
• Track A: One academic letter of reference, on official letterhead paper and signed by the respective reviewer 
• Track N: Nomination Letter by Konstanz (junior) professor will be sent directly to the Zukunftskolleg

Other additional certificates and documents uploaded to the application platform will not be considered and will manually be removed during the eligibility check.
More information is available online, where you will also find an extensive FAQ document. Further questions can be directed to Renate Kruessmann via e-mail: [email protected].
For more information, kindly visit Unikonstanz webpage.