Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2026 in Germany and Italy (Fully Funded)

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, designed to support outstanding early-career sociologists who have recently completed their PhD. The fellowship provides full financial support for a two-year postdoctoral research stay at either the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Germany, or the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence/Fiesole, Italy.

This highly competitive fellowship enables scholars to pursue an independent research project, strengthen their publication record, develop international collaborations, and actively participate in the intellectual life of leading European research institutions.

• Fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship
• Financial support for:

1. Living expenses
2. Research activities
3. Conference participation
4. Fieldwork (where applicable)

• Opportunity to:

1. Work on a new independent research project
2. Advance peer-reviewed publications
3. Build international research collaborations
4. Organize workshops and academic events

• Access to:

1. Training programs and seminars
2. National and international conferences
3. Strong mentoring and career development support

Fellowship Structure

Kohli Fellow at WZB (Berlin)

• Integration into a dynamic research unit
• Academic mentor from WZB staff
• Participation in seminars, conferences, and training
• Support tailored to the fellow’s research and career goals

Kohli Fellow at EUI (Florence/Fiesole)

• Membership in the Max Weber Programme
• Assigned faculty advisor at EUI
• Opportunities for:

1. Fieldwork
2. International networking
3. Workshops and training activities

• Strong interdisciplinary and international research environment

• Postdoctoral Fellowship (PhD required)

• Sociology
• Preference is given to projects focusing on:
• Life course research
• Generational studies

However, all sociological research topics aligned with the host institute’s research agenda are welcome

Host Institutions

• Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Germany
• European University Institute (EUI), Florence/Fiesole, Italy
• Fellows at EUI join the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies

Open to scholars of all nationalities.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in Sociology or a closely related field
• Doctoral degree must have been awarded no more than five years before the fellowship start date
• PhD dissertation must be submitted and defended before the contract begins
• Research project must align with the research program of WZB or EUI
• Demonstrated scholarly excellence and strong publication potential
• Willingness to reside in Berlin or Florence for the duration of the fellowship
• Commitment to active participation in the institute’s academic life

The Kohli Foundation particularly encourages applications from women and scholars from academically underrepresented groups.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications
• Academic Career Statement
• Detailed Research Proposal
• Names of two to three academic referees
• Referees must agree in advance to provide a reference letter if requested

Applications are evaluated in close collaboration with the host institution.

Selection Process

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence
• Quality and originality of the research proposal
• Fit with the host institution
• Interview (in person or online)

One Kohli Fellow is selected per year

Important Dates

Current Call – WZB (Berlin)

• Application Deadline: 16 November 2025
• Interviews & Selection: Winter 2025/2026
• Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026

EUI (Florence/Fiesole)

• Max Weber Programme Deadline: Fall 2026
• Interviews & Selection: Winter 2026/2027
• Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2027

Note: Deadlines may vary, visit official websitefor more updates.

About the Kohli Foundation for Sociology

The Kohli Foundation for Sociology, based in Berlin, supports innovative sociological research and academic excellence through fellowships, prizes, and infrastructure funding. Its mission is to promote cutting-edge social science research with long-term societal impact.