The Academy of International Affairs NRW Fellowship 2026–2027

If you're an experienced academic or a seasoned practitioner eager to explore critical questions in international politics or structural transformations, then the Academy of International Affairs North Rhine-Westphalia (AIA NRW) Fellowship 2026–2027 might be the perfect fit for you. Applications are now open for this prestigious fellowship based in Bonn, Germany — a hub for international policy and diplomacy. Whether you’re focused on geopolitical dynamics, digital transformations, energy security, or the reorganization of societies, this program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an intellectually vibrant and interdisciplinary environment.

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🗒️ Fellowship Summary

• Location: Bonn, Germany

• Host Institution: Academy of International Affairs North Rhine-Westphalia (AIA NRW)

• Level: Postdoctoral researchers and senior academics; experienced practitioners in politics, diplomacy, media, business, and civil society

• Target Group: Scholars and professionals in international politics, structural transformation, or related fields

• Fields of Focus: International Politics, Structural Transformations (e.g., energy, technology, infrastructure, societal reorganization)

• Funding:

  • Accommodation for fellows and their families

  • Travel expenses

  • Office space and research infrastructure

  • Research funding

  • Stipends or compensation (case-dependent)

• Duration: 3 to 10 months

• Application Deadline: 29 June 2025

• Fellowship Period: Between April 2026 and March 2027

• Eligible To: Postdoctoral researchers and above, or practitioners with relevant professional experience

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🎓 Fellowship Overview

The AIA NRW Fellowship brings together a distinguished cohort of international scholars and practitioners to address the pressing challenges in global politics and societal transformation. The fellowship is structured around two core tracks:

• Academic Track: For those with an explicitly academic agenda, offering contributions to scholarly debates and enriching understanding of global political dynamics.

• Practitioner’s Track: For professionals aiming to reflect on real-world experiences and inform policy through a practical lens.

Fellows are expected to pursue innovative, impact-driven projects exploring:

• The interplay of geopolitical and domestic changes

• Energy security and new energy models

• Digitalization and technological transformation

• Green growth, de-growth, and aging societies

• Infrastructure transformation and societal adaptation

Both individual and tandem projects are encouraged, with the opportunity to contribute to AIA NRW's interdisciplinary publications and events.

🧩 Fellowship Structure

The fellowship includes:

• Residence in Bonn: Minimum of three consecutive months

• Participation Requirements: Active engagement in research group meetings, colloquia, and AIA NRW events

• Collaborative Environment: Fellows will interact within a diverse, international academic and professional community

• Research Output: Fellows are expected to contribute to AIA NRW's publication series and may propose joint research outputs

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🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Living Accommodation: Provided for fellows and accompanying family members

• Travel Costs: Covered to and from Bonn

• Financial Support: May include a stipend or reimbursement to home institutions depending on circumstances

• Research Support: Access to office space, infrastructure, and research funding

• Networking: Immersive engagement with global experts and thought leaders

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Track: Open to postdoctoral scholars and above from all disciplines with a focus on international politics or structural transformations

• Practitioner’s Track: Open to professionals in relevant fields (e.g., policy, diplomacy, media) with demonstrable impact and experience

• Projects must clearly articulate their contribution to understanding international politics or societal transformations

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📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents in one PDF file, along with the completed application form:

1. Letter of Motivation

2. Project Proposal (max. 5 pages including abstract, research questions, brief literature overview, timetable, targeted outputs, and the expected value of residency at AIA NRW)

3. Short CV (max. 2 pages)

Additional documents for Academic Track applicants:

4. List of Publications

5. 2–3 Recent Academic Publications (in PDF)

📬 Submission Email: application@aia-nrw.org

🗓️ Deadline: 29 June 2025

🕵🏻 Notification of Results:  Early October 2025

ℹ️ For further inquiries, you may contact:

• Dr. Katja Freistein – k.freistein@aia-nrw.org

• Dr. Manuel Becker – m.becker@aia-nrw.org

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

The Academy of International Affairs AIA NRW Fellowship 2026–2027

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