Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 in Germany – Fully Funded

Humboldt Residency Programme 2027: Oceanic Horizons – The Future of our Blue Planet

Key facts:

• Organisation: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Category: Fellowship
• Country / region: Germany
• Deadline: 2026-12-14
• Official URL: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/

• Funding: Monthly allowance, travel allowance, accommodation and support for public engagement activities.
• Number of participants: 12.
• Programme duration: Six weeks.
• Programme dates: August 2 – September 10, 2027.
• Host country: Germany.
• Main locations: Schloss Wiepersdorf, Brandenburg, and Berlin.
• Theme: Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.
• Application deadline: December 14, 2026.
• Selection announcement: Expected by the end of February 2027.

About the programme

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is inviting applications for its 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme, titled “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.”

The six-week residency will bring together 12 international participants from research and civil society backgrounds to explore the future of the world's oceans.

The programme encourages participants to work across disciplines, exchange knowledge and develop ideas that connect scientific research with society. It also aims to make ocean-related knowledge accessible to wider audiences through public engagement, creative work and international collaboration.

Who can apply?

The programme has three participant categories, with different eligibility requirements.

1. Humboldt Foundation Alumni – 5 positions

Applicants must:

• Have previously received a fellowship or award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
• Not be receiving other funding from the Foundation when the residency begins.
• Demonstrate expertise connected to the oceanic theme.
• Show a commitment to communicating their work beyond academic audiences.

2. Early-Career Researchers – 3 positions

Applicants must:

• Be pursuing a PhD or have completed their PhD less than four years before August 2027.
• Have experience in science communication or connecting research with wider society.
• Demonstrate expertise related to the programme theme.
• Show an interest in sharing research beyond academic circles.

3. Civil Society Practitioners – 4 positions

This category is intended for professionals working outside traditional academic research.

Eligible backgrounds may include:

• Journalism and writing.
• Filmmaking and the arts.
• Politics and public engagement.
• Social entrepreneurship.
• Non-governmental organisations.
• Consultancy.

Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between their previous work and the oceanic theme.

General eligibility conditions: Applicants must be based outside Germany and hold an academic position, according to the general eligibility statement in the announcement. However, the Civil Society Practitioners category is separately described as not requiring applicants to currently hold an academic position. Applicants should check the Foundation's official guidance for the requirements applicable to their category.

All applicants should demonstrate relevant expertise and a commitment to communicating their work beyond academia.

What does the programme cover?

Selected participants will receive financial and practical support, including:

• A monthly allowance.
• Travel allowance for journeys to and from Germany.
• Accommodation for the full six-week residency.
• Two weeks of accommodation at Schloss Wiepersdorf.
• Four weeks in a Berlin aparthotel.
• A dedicated budget for public engagement events or final programme outputs.
• Suitable family accommodation and childcare assistance for participants travelling with dependent family members, subject to programme conditions.

Programme schedule

The residency will take place across two main locations in Germany.

1. Schloss Wiepersdorf, Brandenburg

• Dates: August 2–13, 2027.
• Duration: Two weeks.
• Activities: Initial residency activities, exchange and collaborative work.

2. Berlin

• Dates: August 13 – September 10, 2027.
• Duration: Four weeks.
• Activities: Continued collaboration, discussions and programme activities.

The programme will also include excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and locations along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.

Virtual kick-off meeting: June 29, 2027.

Participants must be available for the entire in-person residency period.

How to apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website.
2. Find the 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme under “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.”
3. Identify the participant category that matches their background.
4. Review the category-specific eligibility requirements.
5. Prepare the required CV and introduction video.
6. Submit the application before December 14, 2026.

Documents required

According to the announcement, applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae: Maximum of three pages, in PDF format.
• Introduction video: A 60-second video in landscape format.

Check the official application instructions for any additional information or supporting materials required.

Important dates

• Online information session: November 24, 2026, 14:00–15:00 CET.
• Application deadline: December 14, 2026.
• Selection committee meeting: Mid-February 2027.
• Expected final decisions: End of February 2027.
• Virtual kick-off: June 29, 2027.
• Residency begins: August 2, 2027.
• Residency ends: September 10, 2027.

Important: Full attendance throughout the six-week in-person programme is mandatory. Applicants should also confirm the eligibility conditions for their chosen category before submitting an application.