ZUKOnnect Fellowships 2025 for Early Career Researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America

The ZUKOnnect Fellowship at the Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, supports early career researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America by offering a 3-month on-campus research stay and a subsequent 9-month digital affiliation. Fellows gain access to state-of-the-art resources, engage with an interdisciplinary research community, and participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives. This program fosters global academic networks and offers a pathway to integrate into the German and European academic systems.

Eligibility:

1. Geographical and Employment Criteria:
   • Born and currently working in a country in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
   • Must have been residing and working in these regions immediately before starting the fellowship.
2. Academic Requirements:
   • Doctoral students: Must be in the final year of doctoral studies and submit their thesis before the fellowship start date (October 2025).
   • Postdoctoral researchers: Must have completed their PhD on or after February 15, 2023, with no more than two years of postdoctoral research experience.
3. Institutional and Research Background:
   • Doctoral degree or doctoral studies must be completed or ongoing at a university in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
   • Applicants should not hold a permanent professorship, habilitation, or equivalent qualification (e.g., Venia legendi).
4. Research Relevance:
   • Proposed research project must align with the disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz. Preference will be given to projects that engage with the Zukunftskolleg, Cluster of Excellence Politics of Inequality”, or the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour.
5. Other Criteria:
   • Candidates must demonstrate the ability to participate actively in the Zukunftskolleg community and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions.
   • Applicants with limited international exposure will be prioritized, although prior short-term research stays (up to one year) abroad are acceptable.
6. Language Skills:
   • While knowledge of German is not required, applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to communicate effectively in the Zukunftskolleg environment.
7. Diversity and Inclusion:
   • Applications from individuals with non-traditional career paths, career interruptions (e.g., due to family responsibilities or caregiving), and those displaced by war or identified as scholars at risk” are strongly encouraged.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend (€1,300 for doctoral students, €2,000 for postdocs).
• Travel reimbursement for an economy-class round trip.
• Research allowance of up to €750.
• Access to digital tools and resources during the 9-month digital affiliation.
• Networking opportunities through events, seminars, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Support from the Welcome Centre for relocation to Konstanz.
• Participation in weekly academic events, access to library and IT services, and tailored research support.