Bridge Your Research to Europe: The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowship 2026 For the Pioneering Minds of the Global South

  

Bridge Your Research to Europe: The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowship 2026

For the Pioneering Minds of the Global South

Are you an early-career researcher in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, ready to propel your work onto the global stage? Do you envision your ideas taking root in new soil, fuelled by international collaboration and cutting-edge resources? Your gateway awaits. The Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz proudly announces the ZUKOnnect Fellowships for 2026, a visionary programme designed not merely as a fellowship, but as a strategic launchpad for the world's most promising academic talent. This is more than funding; it's an invitation to integrate into a vibrant, supportive academic ecosystem on the shores of Lake Constance, Germany.

Why This Fellowship is Your Catalyst

In a world where research excellence is increasingly defined by global networks, the ZUKOnnect Fellowship offers a unique hybrid model: a substantial, fully-funded on-site immersion in Konstanz complemented by a year-long digital affiliation. We believe true collaboration begins with a handshake and deepens through sustained connection.

Forge Unbreakable Networks: Move beyond the virtual. Spend 3 to 4 months at the Zukunftskolleg, an Institute for Advanced Study renowned for its interdisciplinary spirit. Integrate into research groups, spark ideas over coffee with leading and fellow junior researchers, and lay the groundwork for partnerships that will define your career.

Access, Without Leaving Your Roots: This programme is designed for building bridges, not permanent migration. You retain your position at your home institution while gaining privileged access to the University of Konstanz’s world-class facilities, libraries, and research support services. It’s the best of both worlds.

A Tailored Path to Integration: We don't just open the door; we guide you through. Benefit from our Career Kit Plus—a curated series of workshops on open science, grant writing, and career strategy. Settle into life in Konstanz with our "Fellows go Local" programme, connecting you with the community. Enhance your toolkit with a dedicated German language course.

Amplify Your Impact: This is your research, supercharged. Upon request, unlock a 750€ research allowance and the unique opportunity for a Research Return Visit, where a University of Konstanz scholar can visit your home institution, strengthening the bidirectional flow of knowledge.

A Fellowship Structured for Your Success

We seek doctoral candidates in their final year and postdoctoral researchers (within 2 years of their doctorate) whose bold ideas resonate with the disciplines at the University of Konstanz. Your journey can begin through two tracks:

Track A (Application): You identify a potential collaborator at Konstanz whose work aligns with yours. No prior contact is needed—show us your initiative and vision for partnership.

Track N (Nomination): Be championed by a (Junior) Professor at the University of Konstanz who recognises your potential.

Special consideration will be given to projects aligning with our research clusters on the "Politics of Inequality" or "Collective Behaviour," or to collaborations with our current Fellows. We are committed to broadening our geographical and intellectual diversity.

Your Fully-Funded Academic Retreat in Germany

Stipend: A monthly stipend of €1,300 (doctoral) or €2,000 (post-doc) during your on-campus stay.

Travel: One economy-class return journey to the picturesque city of Konstanz.

Digital Extension: A €900 lump sum to support your 12-month digital affiliation, ensuring collaboration continues seamlessly.

Full Institutional Access: Library, IT services, and professional research support at your fingertips.

Are You the Visionary We Seek?

You must have been born and be working in a country in Latin America, Asia, or Africa. You hold a doctorate (awarded after 15 February 2024) or are in the final year of your PhD, completed at a university in these regions. This fellowship is for those on the ascent, not yet holding a permanent professorship.

Craft Your Pathway: Application Essentials

Deadline: 1 February 2026, 12:00 CET.

Reference Number: 2025/251

Prepare to present your story through our online portal. We require:

A compelling Letter of Motivation (max 2 pages): Articulate your ambitions for the stay and how your research intertwines with Konstanz’s landscape.

A Summary of Your Research Project (max 3 pages).

A detailed Work & Time Plan for your on-campus project (max 2 pages).

Your Curriculum Vitae.

Your Doctoral Certificate or a confirmation letter from your supervisor.

For Track A: One strong Academic Letter of Reference.

This is your moment to step beyond borders. The ZUKOnnect Fellowship is more than a line on your CV—it's the beginning of a European chapter in your research story, a chapter of growth, collaboration, and global impact.

Seize Your Connective Advantage.

For full details and to begin your application, visit the Official ZUKOnnect Fellowships Webpage.