Deadline: January 9, 2026
The Baden-Württemberg Early Career Rescue Fellowships 2026–2028 offer a unique and vital opportunity for early-career researchers whose academic work in the United States is threatened by political pressure. Running from July 2026 to November 2028, the programme provides a secure, well-supported research environment in Germany, enabling scholars to continue their academic careers without disruption. This post outlines all essential details of the Baden-Württemberg Early Career Rescue Fellowships 2026–2028, including eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and timelines.
About the Opportunity
The Baden-Württemberg Early Career Rescue Fellowships 2026–2028 aim to support outstanding early-career researchers who are unable to continue their research in the United States due to political restrictions. Fellows will conduct their research at one of three renowned German institutions:
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
- Tübingen College of Fellows
- Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz
The fellowship provides scholars with a conducive environment, extensive research support, and resources to advance their work in safety and stability.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a completed PhD.
- Have 1 to 7 years of post-doctoral experience. (Career gaps due to family leave, illness, or non-academic work do not count against this.)
- Must not occupy a permanent or tenured professorship position.
- Must be able to provide credible evidence of political pressure in the USA, which may include:
- Travel restrictions or visa complications
- Cancelled academic appointments, grants, or collaborations
- A formal letter from an academic authority confirming that the applicant’s research is threatened due to political circumstances
- Must select a first and second choice host institution among the three participating universities.
- Must identify a local academic host/supervisor at each selected institution.
- Research proposals requiring laboratory work must have a confirmed local lab host with adequate infrastructure.
- Proposed research must align with ethical guidelines and must not fall under restricted research categories.
Benefits and Fellowship Details
The Baden-Württemberg Early Career Rescue Fellowships 2026–2028 offer extensive support, including:
Financial Support
- A monthly salary of up to €6,000 (pre-tax and prior to mandatory contributions), depending on experience.
- A 24-month employment contract with full access to the host institution’s research facilities.
Research Funding
- Additional funding for research activities, academic collaborations, and mobility.
- Travel compensation for inbound and outbound relocation.
Professional and Personal Support
- Access to academic development workshops, language courses, and networking events.
- Support for families, including assistance with accommodation and integration services.
- A vibrant interdisciplinary community of fellows and researchers.
Application Requirements
A complete application must include:
- A letter of motivation, clearly explaining the nature of political pressure faced in the USA and how it affects academic work.
- A research proposal, fully aligned with the infrastructure available at the chosen host institution.
- Documentation or letters confirming political risk or restrictions.
- Identification of two host institution choices and confirmation of potential supervisors.
Applications exceeding page limits, submitted late, or lacking required documents will not be considered.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 November 2028
How to Apply
Applicants will need to select their preferred host institutions, contact potential supervisors, assemble all required documentation, and submit their application through the official application portal.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Credibility and clarity of the political risk situation
- Feasibility of the proposed research
- Suitability of the chosen host institution and supervisor
- Adherence to application guidelines
Additional Information
The programme strongly emphasises the importance of demonstrating genuine political risk in the USA. Applicants must clearly outline their circumstances and provide appropriate supporting evidence. This fellowship is designed as a protection-oriented academic opportunity, and strong alignment between proposed research and host institution capacity is essential.
Host Organisations
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
- Tübingen College of Fellows
- Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz
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