Senckenberg Global Fellowships 2026 and Natural History Museum, Germany

The Senckenberg Global Fellowships 2026 provide a prestigious opportunity for highly motivated doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers from the Global South to conduct advanced research in Germany. These fellowships are designed to support excellence in biodiversity, anthropology, and geosciences by granting access to one of the world’s most significant natural history collections. Consequently, fellows benefit from state-of-the-art research infrastructure and the opportunity to build long-term international scientific networks.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Senckenberg Global Fellowships
Organizing Institution	Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Target Audience	PhD Students & Postdocs from the Global South
Fellowship Duration	3 to 6 Months
Application Deadline	1 March 2026 (12:00 CET)
Stipend Support	Research grant and travel allowance up to €1,200

Program Overview

The Senckenberg fellowship program aims to foster global knowledge exchange by integrating international talent into the German research landscape. Specifically, fellows gain access to over 41 million objects in the Senckenberg collections, as well as specialized laboratories and libraries across various institutes in Frankfurt, Dresden, and Görlitz.

The research focus is broad, covering biodiversity, genomics, conservation ecology, and collection-based research. Furthermore, the program emphasizes equal opportunities, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups to ensure a diverse and inclusive scientific community.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Senckenberg Global Fellowships 2026, applicants must meet the following residency and academic requirements:

• Academic Level: Must be a doctoral candidate or a postdoctoral researcher.
• Residency: Applicants must be residents of a country belonging to the “Global South” as defined by the OECD.
• Exclusions: Researchers with permanent residence in Germany, the EU, North America, or Australia are not eligible, regardless of nationality.
• Host Agreement: Applicants must secure a scientific host at a Senckenberg Institute prior to submission.

Research Infrastructure and Collections

Fellows at Senckenberg have the advantage of working with the largest natural history collection in Germany, which is ranked approximately sixth worldwide.

Infrastructure Unit	Description
Natural History Collections	40 million+ units spanning biology, geology, and anthropology.
Research Laboratories	Advanced facilities for genomics, imaging, and chemical analysis.
Libraries & Databases	Comprehensive access to rare literature and biodiversity data.
Specialized Institutes	Locations in Frankfurt, Dresden, Görlitz, and other German cities.

Application Requirements

The application process is handled through an online portal that opens four weeks before the deadline. Required documents include:

• Motivation Letter: A one-page description of the project idea and how it enriches the applicant’s research portfolio.
• Host Support Letter: A letter from a Senckenberg scientist acknowledging the project and its value to the institute.
• Application Form: Submitted via the official online system.
• OECD Compliance: Verification that the home country is on the current OECD list of ODA recipients.

Evaluation and Selection

The selection process is highly competitive and takes approximately eight weeks following the deadline. A scientific committee evaluates applications based on:

• Scientific Potential: The likelihood of achieving the proposal’s stated goals.
• Excellence: The quality and innovation of the proposed research work.
• Future Prospects: The potential for the fellowship to lead to follow-up projects and additional funding.

Contact Information

• Fellowship Coordination: fellowships@senckenberg.de
• Institutes Overview: Senckenberg Research Institutes
• Collection Access: Senckenberg Collections Portal
• Headquarters: Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany.

Key Highlights

Successful fellows must start their fellowship within three months of receiving confirmation. The program also offers comprehensive administrative support, including help with visas, hosting agreements, and visiting scientist contracts. If travel costs exceed the €1,200 reimbursement limit, candidates are expected to secure additional funds independently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the definition of the “Global South” for this fellowship?
Senckenberg strictly adheres to the OECD list of countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Applicants should verify their country’s status on the OECD website.

Can I apply if I don’t have a temporary affiliation at a research institution?
Yes. Applicants without a current affiliation are encouraged to contact the fellowship team at fellowships@senckenberg.de for guidance.

Is a project report required after the fellowship ends?
Yes, a project report must be submitted within three months of completion. This should include an outlook on planned publications and future collaboration plans.

Who books the travel to Germany?
In principle, fellows should advance the costs of their journey, which are reimbursed up to €1,200. In exceptional cases, the Senckenberg host can arrange the booking.

Does Senckenberg provide office space?
Yes, the fellowship includes access to office space, research infrastructures, and the expertise of Senckenberg’s scientific staff.