RIFS Fellow Program

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June 21, 2026

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The RIFS Fellow Programme is an international fellowship opportunity at the Research Institute for Sustainability, RIFS, which is part of the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany. RIFS conducts transdisciplinary, transformative, and co-creative research to advance pathways toward sustainability.

Each year, RIFS invites around ten fellows from around the world, depending on available budget and fellowship costs. Fellows work with RIFS research groups, projects, and other fellows to develop innovative ideas connected to sustainability transformations. The programme welcomes applicants from science, public administration, private sector, civil society, media, arts, and other parts of society.

At Darrab Education, we recommend this opportunity for researchers, policy professionals, sustainability experts, civil society actors, and creative professionals who want to work on real-world sustainability challenges in an international research environment. Applicants should always check the official GFZ/RIFS page before applying, because fellowship conditions, documents, deadlines, and themes may change.

Come from any country or sector.
Have a strong idea or project related to sustainability transformations.
Can contribute to the annual theme: Sustainability in Tough Times – How to Move Forwards in Times of Backlash?
Can connect their proposed project to the RIFS work programme.
Can show complementarity with at least two RIFS research groups.
Are willing to work in an international, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary environment.
Can submit the application documents in English.
Can participate in the fellowship in Germany for the proposed period.

RIFS strongly encourages applicants to contact researchers at the institute before applying to make sure the proposal fits the institute’s work.

Read the official GFZ/RIFS fellowship page carefully.
Check whether your project matches the annual theme and RIFS research areas.
Contact relevant RIFS researchers before applying, if possible.
Prepare your project proposal using the official RIFS template.
Prepare your CV and achievements document.
Upload all required documents as individual PDF files.
Submit the application through the official online application portal.
Do not apply by email, because email applications are not accepted.

Fellowship stipend.
Stipend amount based on seniority and family circumstances.
Research stay at RIFS in Potsdam, Germany.
Organisational and financial support for fellowship activities.
Support to expand national and international networks.
Access to an international and interdisciplinary sustainability research community.
Possible housing support. RIFS has a limited number of apartments in Potsdam for fellows not living in Germany or Europe at the time of application.
Support with relocation matters, such as housing, school placement, health insurance, visa, and residence title questions.

Is this a scholarship?

It is better described as a fellowship or research stay, not a traditional student scholarship. It supports fellows who want to work on sustainability transformation topics at RIFS in Germany.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcomed from all parts of society, including science, public administration, private sector, civil society, media, and the arts. Applicants may come from any part of the world.

What is the main theme of this call?

The 2027 call focuses on Sustainability in Tough Times – How to Move Forwards in Times of Backlash?

How long is the fellowship?

Fellowships are usually granted for 6 to 12 months and may be extended up to 24 months, depending on funding and the planned work.

Is the fellowship paid?

Yes. Fellows receive a stipend. The exact amount depends on seniority and family circumstances.

Do I need to contact RIFS before applying?

It is strongly recommended. RIFS encourages applicants to contact researchers before submitting the application to make sure the proposal aligns with the institute’s work.

Can I apply by email?

No. Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal. Email applications are not accepted.

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