Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2027

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2027 supports early-career sociologists with a Ph.D. completed within the past five years to pursue a two-year postdoctoral research project at either the WZB (Berlin) or the EUI (Florence). The fellowship focuses on advancing publications, research collaborations, and professional development through fieldwork, training, and networking. The fellowship is designed to foster academic excellence and career growth in sociological research, particularly on topics like life course and generational issues, though other relevant fields are also welcome. The Kohli Foundation encourages applications from women and scholars from underrepresented academic groups.⁠‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​⁠

What it offers

• Two-year postdoctoral fellowship at WZB (Berlin) or EUI (Florence).
• Financial support for research, publications, and professional development activities.
• Access to Max Weber Program at EUI or WZB’s intellectual community, including mentorship, training, and participation in conferences.
• Opportunity to conduct fieldwork, organize workshops, and engage in internal and external training.
• Support for career development and collaboration with academic advisors.
• One fellowship awarded annually.

Who can apply

Scholars of all nationalities are eligible if they have:

• Completed a Ph.D. in sociology no longer than five years before the fellowship start date.
• Successfully defended their dissertation before the fellowship begins.
• A research proposal aligned with the host institute’s research focus (e.g., life course, generational issues).

What you'll do

• Work on a new research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Publish research findings and expand academic collaborations.
• Participate in fieldwork, training seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Engage in the intellectual life of the host institute (Berlin or Florence).
• Contribute to networking and professional development through the Max Weber Program or WZB community.

How to apply

1. Submit the following documents:
   • Academic Career Statement
   • Research Proposal
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication list
   • Graduation certificates
   • Names and contact details of 2–3 academic referees (referees must agree to provide letters if requested).
2. Apply via the Kohli Foundation’s official application process (deadline: Fall 2026 for WZB; Fall 2027 for EUI).
3. Complete an interview (in person or via video) as part of the selection process.

Good to know

• Deadline for WZB (Berlin): Fall 2026 (start: Winter 2026/2027).
• Deadline for EUI (Florence): Fall 2027 (start: Fall 2027).
• Selection is based on scholarly excellence, research proposal, and interview performance.
• The fellowship is not fully funded—exact financial details are not provided in the source.
• The Kohli Foundation also supports Connect funding for events (e.g., workshops, mentoring receptions) for early-career sociologists, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the annual budget is exhausted.