Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 (Funded)

Overview

The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 brings together a transdisciplinary group of twelve participants to intensely cooperate on the annual topic of Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet. Over the course of a six-week residency in Germany, participants work collaboratively to generate and communicate tangible new impulses with a broad audience. The programme includes shared working spaces, daily meetings, excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North and Baltic Sea coasts, and opportunities to connect with relevant stakeholders. Participants will also select and implement innovative communication formats such as public debates, media appearances, bar talks, interactive workshops, blogs, social media posts, or publications.

Who can apply

The programme selects twelve participants divided into three specific groups. Five participants must be alumni of the Humboldt Foundation who hold an academic position, are not currently based in Germany, have received a fellowship or award in the past, are not funded by another foundation programme at the start of the residency in August 2027, and demonstrate relevant expertise and a willingness to communicate their work beyond academia. Three participants are early career researchers who are either currently pursuing a PhD or completed it less than four years before August 2027, hold an academic position, are not based in Germany, have a clear academic profile related to the theme, show potential for an academic career, and have prior experience in science communication or connecting research to wider contexts. Four participants are civil society practitioners who do not currently hold an academic position, have a clear connection to the theme, and can act as multipliers for the generated ideas. These practitioners fit into profiles as creatives such as journalists, authors, filmmakers, curators, artists, or designers, or as professionals working in politics, social entrepreneurship, campaigns, NGOs, or consulting.

What you get

Funding for the residency includes a monthly allowance during the six-week period in Berlin and Brandenburg, as well as a travel allowance for the trip to and from Germany. Accommodation is provided at Schloss Wiepersdorf for two weeks and at an aparthotel in Berlin for four weeks. Additionally, participants receive a budget for arranging public event formats or end-of-year output. For participants traveling with dependent family members, suitable family accommodation is provided alongside assistance with arranging childcare.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae of a maximum of three pages in PDF format and an introduction video through the application form. Applications can only be submitted once these required documents are fully uploaded.

Key dates

The application deadline is December 14, 2026. The residency itself takes place starting in August 2027.