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Study in Germany | Gerda Henkel Fellowship 2026 at Martin Luther University

January 20, 2026 7:40 am

Study in Germany | Gerda Henkel Fellowship 2026 at Martin Luther University

For scholars dedicated to the history of knowledge and science, a distinguished opportunity now awaits. The Gerda Henkel Fellowship, hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for European Enlightenment Studies (IZEA) at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, is currently accepting applications. This prestigious program offers fully funded research residencies in Germany, providing scholars with the rare gift of uninterrupted time to advance their work at the heart of Enlightenment scholarship.

Why This Fellowship is a Career-Defining Opportunity

This fellowship represents a profound academic investment. Supported by the renowned Gerda Henkel Foundation, it connects researchers directly with a vibrant intellectual ecosystem. Furthermore, IZEA serves as a premier hub for Enlightenment studies, offering unparalleled access to historical archives and interdisciplinary dialogue. Consequently, receiving this award does more than fund your project; it integrates you into a global network of scholars and amplifies your research impact.

Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a robust package of support designed for scholarly productivity:

A competitive monthly stipend: €2,760 for postdoctoral researchers and €1,920 for doctoral candidates.
A dedicated private office within the IZEA research center.
Full, privileged access to world-class libraries, including the University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt and the Francke Foundations Library.
A platform to present findings through public lectures and international publishing channels like Café Lumières, a collaboration with Oxford’s Voltaire Foundation.
Three full months of focused research, completely free from teaching or administrative duties.

Essentially, this fellowship provides the essential resources—time, funding, and access—to transform a research vision into significant scholarly output.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

This fellowship seeks doctoral and postdoctoral researchers whose work aligns with its core themes. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

Be currently enrolled as a doctoral researcher or hold a postdoctoral position.
Conduct research focused on the history of knowledge or the history of science, with clear relevance to the Enlightenment period.
Be available to complete a research stay of up to three months in Halle, Germany.
Commit to actively participating in the IZEA academic community, including presenting your work publicly.

A Focus on Enlightenment Scholarship

The program specifically encourages projects that investigate the creation, order, and dissemination of knowledge, particularly during the 18th century. This period remains critically important for understanding contemporary scientific and political thought. Therefore, your research will contribute to ongoing global conversations that trace their roots to Enlightenment ideas.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: Prospective applicants must note the final submission deadline: 15 January 2026. This date is fixed, so preparing your application materials well in advance is strongly advised.

Advance Your Research in Germany

If you are a historian of knowledge or science seeking a fully supported, immersive research experience, the Gerda Henkel Fellowship is an ideal opportunity. It combines financial support with exceptional academic resources in a historically rich setting, offering a perfect environment to produce groundbreaking work.

Do not miss this chance to dedicate three uninterrupted months to your scholarship within one of Europe’s most inspiring research communities. This fellowship is more than a grant; it is an invitation to contribute your voice to the enduring legacy of Enlightenment study, backed by the full support of a leading foundation and research center. Your pioneering work on how knowledge was shaped in the past can illuminate our understanding of the present, and this program provides the perfect stage to develop and share those insights.