Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) Fellowship 2026

Omran Aburayya
1 day ago
3 min read

If you're a changemaker, researcher, or creative professional passionate about sustainability, the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany, invites you to apply for its 2026 Fellow Programme. This prestigious opportunity welcomes up to 20 fellows annually from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on transformative sustainability projects within a vibrant international community.

🎓RIFS Fellowship Summary

Location: Potsdam, Germany
Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
Study Level: Mid-career professionals, academics, and practitioners
Target Group: Individuals from academia, public administration, private sector, civil society, media, and the arts
Fields of Focus: Sustainability transformations across disciplines
Funding:
- Monthly stipend (amount varies based on experience and family circumstances)
- Reimbursement for relocation and travel expenses, including family members
- Assistance with housing, visa/residency support, educational placements, and insurance
- Access to RIFS housing in Potsdam (limited availability)
Duration: 6 to 12 months; extendable up to 24 months in exceptional cases
Application Deadline: 9 June 2025, 23:59 Central European Standard Time
Start Date: Spring 2026 (earliest start date: 1 April 2026)
Eligible To: Global applicants meeting the specified criteria

📚 Fellowship Overview

The RIFS Fellow Programme is designed to foster innovative ideas and projects that contribute to sustainability transformations. Fellows collaborate closely with RIFS research groups, engaging in activities such as scientific research, policy development, public discourse, art-making, education, and outreach. Projects should align with at least one of RIFS's three overarching Research Themes and identify relevant Research Groups for collaboration. Applicants are encouraged to contact RIFS researchers, ideally at the group leader level, to align their proposals with ongoing work.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support:
- Monthly stipend tailored to experience and family needs
- Reimbursement of relocation and travel expenses for fellows and their families
Logistical Support:
- Assistance with housing arrangements in Potsdam/Berlin
- Support for visa/residency processes, health insurance, and educational placements
Community Engagement:
- Integration into a global network of over 300 former fellows from more than 50 countries
- Opportunities to participate in RIFS events, seminars, and collaborative projects

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Academic Applicants: PhD or equivalent experience by the start of the fellowship
Non-Academic Applicants: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience
Project Alignment: Proposals must complement RIFS's research programme and engage with at least one Research Theme and associated Research Group
Diversity and Inclusion: RIFS actively promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background

📝 Application Procedure

Application Process:

Review RIFS's Research Themes and identify relevant Research Groups for your project.
Contact RIFS researchers to discuss potential alignment and collaboration.
Prepare the following documents (each as a separate PDF, max 5MB):
- Letter of Motivation (max 2 pages): Explain your motivation, expectations, and specify the Research Theme and Groups your project engages with.
- CV and Achievements (max 3 pages combined): Outline your career milestones and key professional achievements.
- Project Proposal (max 5 pages): Include title, abstract (max 300 words), detailed description, intended outputs, time plan, and estimated budget. Exclude personal information for blind review.
Optional: Submit an annex (single PDF, max 10MB) with additional materials like publications or artistic portfolios.
Submit your application through the RIFS application portal by the deadline.

🕵🏻 Selection Process:

Internal review of applications for completeness and alignment with RIFS's work.
Shortlisted proposals undergo double-blind external review.
Final interviews with top candidates scheduled for October/November 2025.
Final decisions announced by November or early December 2025.

📝 Webinars for Applicants: