Through fellowships, scholarships, and infrastructure support, the Berlin-based Kohli Foundation for Sociology is committed to promoting cutting-edge sociological research and academic excellence. Its goal is to support innovative social science research that has a long-lasting social impact.
The Kohli Foundation funds the esteemed postdoctoral Kohli Fellowship for Sociology, which supports outstanding early-career sociologists who have just received their PhD. A two-year postdoctoral research position at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence/Fiesole, Italy, or the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) in Germany is fully funded by the fellowship.
This fiercely competitive fellowship enables academics to carry out independent, high-impact research while boosting their publishing profiles, forming global research partnerships, and actively participating in the scholarly and intellectual life of top European research institutions.
Host Country: Germany, Italy
University: German Universities, Italian Universities
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subject: Sociology
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Requirement: A PhD in sociology or a closely related field is required of applicants.
- Time Since PhD: The doctorate must have been granted no more than five years before the fellowship’s start date.
- Dissertation Status: Prior to the start of the fellowship contract, the PhD dissertation must be completed and successfully defended.
- Research Fit: The suggested study must be in line with the WZB or EUI’s research agenda.
- Scholarly Excellence: Applicants should exhibit a solid academic background and a definite capacity for producing articles of the highest caliber.
- Residency Requirement: During the whole fellowship, fellows must be prepared to live in Berlin or Florence.
- Academic Engagement: A strong dedication to actively participating in the intellectual and academic activities of the host institution
Benefits:
Fellowship Duration: Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship for a period of two years
Financial Coverage: Comprehensive funding provided for:
- Living and subsistence expenses
- Research-related activities
- Participation in academic conferences
- Fieldwork costs, where applicable
Research & Academic Opportunities: Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Develop and pursue an independent research project
- Strengthen their peer-reviewed publication record
- Build and expand international research collaborations
- Organize workshops, seminars, and academic events
Professional Development & Support: Fellows gain access to:
- Specialized training programs and academic seminars
- National and international conferences
- Strong mentoring, networking, and long-term career development support
Deadline: Open
