Are you a postdoctoral researcher with a promising academic track record and an ambitious research project? The FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2026-27 is now open for applications. Offered by the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) at the University of Freiburg, this prestigious fellowship provides early-career researchers from all disciplines and nationalities the opportunity to conduct high-quality research in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.
This is an exceptional chance to further your research career at one of Germany’s top research institutions, while becoming part of an international academic community committed to innovation, collaboration, and scholarly excellence.
Overview of FRIAS Early Career Fellowships 2026-27:
● Location: Freiburg, Germany.
● Duration: Fellowships from 4 to 10 months.
● Fellowship Period: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027.
● Application Deadline: 12 September 2025.
● Eligibility: Open to researchers of any nationality and academic discipline.
The fellowship is ideal for postdoctoral researchers with a completed doctoral degree and a maximum of eight years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates must propose research projects that are innovative, interdisciplinary, and contribute to scholarly discourse across disciplines.
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About Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies:
The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) is the international research college of the University of Freiburg. Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is among the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. With eleven faculties, approximately 240 academic programmes, and a robust teaching and research faculty, it offers a diverse and rich academic ecosystem that ranks highly in national and international rankings.
FRIAS is dedicated to promoting high-level academic exchange. It attracts researchers from around the world to work on interdisciplinary projects, share insights, and benefit from a highly collaborative academic environment. By offering fellowships like the Early Career Fellowship Programme, FRIAS aims to nurture groundbreaking research and support the next generation of scholars.
Fellowship Benefits:
Selected fellows will benefit from a broad range of institutional support, financial benefits, and academic resources. Key offerings include:
● Full access to the University of Freiburg’s infrastructure, academic resources, and professional networks.
● Fellowship funding (via either a contract with the University or alternate compensation, depending on the applicant’s employment status).
● Mobility allowance and travel reimbursement (for inbound and outbound travel, if applicable).
● Contribution toward research costs.
● Dedicated workspaces and integration into the FRIAS academic community.
● A collaborative research environment with regular academic events, discussions, and exchange of ideas.
Note: Full-time residency at FRIAS during the fellowship period is mandatory, as one of the key goals is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and in-person scholarly engagement.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship 2026-27, applicants must meet the following criteria:
● Doctoral Degree: Applicants must have a completed PhD and no more than eight years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application.
● Publications: At least four peer-reviewed publications published after 1 January 2021.
● International Research Experience: A minimum of six months of research or study must have been undertaken at an academic institution in a country different from the country of the applicant’s first academic degree.
● Disciplinary Scope: Applicants from any academic discipline that aligns with the research strengths of the University of Freiburg are encouraged to apply.
● Innovative Project Proposal: Applications must include a research proposal that demonstrates high academic quality, innovation, and interdisciplinary relevance.
With a success rate of approximately 10%, the selection process is highly competitive and based strictly on academic merit.
Selection Criteria:
The selection of fellows is carried out through a rigorous peer-review process. Proposals are evaluated based on:
● Academic excellence and innovation.
● Feasibility and relevance of the research proposal.
● Interdisciplinary potential and compatibility with FRIAS's academic environment.
● Track record of international research exposure.
● Strength of reference assessments.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the University of Freiburg’s research priorities to ensure that their projects align with institutional strengths.
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Application Documents:
To apply for the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship, candidates must submit a complete application package through the official online portal:
● Online Form (mandatory fields):
1. Personal and academic information.
2. Abstract of the research project.
3. Layman’s abstract (to communicate your research to the general public).
4. Motivation statement.
● Additional Required Documents:
1. Project Proposal:
Maximum of 3,000 words (including footnotes, bibliographical references, headers/footers, and up to 4 graphs).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Must be in tabular format using the mandatory template provided in the application portal.
3. Publication List:
● A list of no more than 8 publications in total.
● At least 4 peer-reviewed and published after 1 January 2021.
4. PhD Diploma:
● Copy of official doctoral degree certificate.
● Letter of Support (for experimental scientists only).
● Must identify a host laboratory in Freiburg that can support the proposed research.
● Experiment Sketch & Timetable (for experimental scientists only).
● Detailed description of planned experimental procedures and timeline.
5. References:
Applicants must also provide contact information for two academic referees who can offer a detailed assessment of their qualifications and potential.
Ensure all documents are completed and submitted before the deadline. Prepare your proposal thoughtfully, consult referees early, and explore the research landscape of the University of Freiburg to tailor your application.
Why Apply to FRIAS?
The FRIAS Early Career Fellowship offers much more than just funding—it provides an unparalleled platform to advance your academic career, refine your research vision, and collaborate with global peers.
Key advantages include:
● Immersion in a world-class academic environment.
● Access to top-tier research facilities and interdisciplinary networks.
● Career development through collaborative workshops, colloquia, and public lectures.
● An opportunity to engage with one of Germany’s leading universities.
Whether your work is theoretical, experimental, or applied, FRIAS offers the intellectual resources, institutional support, and vibrant community needed to take your research to the next level.
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Applications Deadline:
To apply for the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship, candidates must submit a complete applications by the deadline of 12 September 2025.
Conclusion:
The FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2026-27 represents an outstanding opportunity for emerging scholars looking to expand their research capacity, establish international connections, and contribute to high-impact academic work in Germany. With an emphasis on excellence, innovation, and international collaboration, this fellowship provides the tools and support researchers need to succeed in today’s competitive academic landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this elite community of scholars and pursue your research in one of Europe’s most dynamic intellectual environments. So to apply and know more visit FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2026-27 official link here.