Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to transformative solutions? Have you ever wondered how you can collaborate with leading experts and make a global impact in the field of sustainability? The Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) invites you to explore these opportunities through their prestigious Fellow Program for 2025.

The RIFS Fellow Program offers an environment where around 20 individuals from across the globe come together annually to engage in innovative research and activities. Supported by RIFS’s robust infrastructure and resources, fellows can develop their ideas and extend their networks.

The RIFS Fellow Program provides financial and organizational support and ensures that your work aligns with the Institute’s research goals, enhancing your contribution to sustainability transformations.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 14 July 2024, 23:59 Central European Standard Time
• Result Announcement Dates: December 2024
• Webinars: 10 June and 1 July 2024
• Fellowship Starts: Spring 2025
• Funding Type: Stipend
• Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS)
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Individuals from science, public administration, the private sector, civil society, media, and the arts
• Focus Area: Sustainability transformations
• Study Level: PhD or equivalent experience for academics; 3-5 years of relevant experience for non-academics
• Number of Opportunities: 20 fellows annually
• Duration: 6 to 12 months, extendable up to 24 months in exceptional cases
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Germany

Benefits and Financial Aids

Fellows will benefit from the following benefits:

• Stipend: Provided based on the fellow’s seniority and family circumstances
• Relocation and Travel Expenses: Covered, including expenses for family members
• Housing Support: Limited number of apartments available; assistance in finding housing in Potsdam/Berlin
• Additional Support: Help with resettlement matters such as school placements, health insurance, and visa/residence titles

Eligibility Criteria

All candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Applicants: PhD or similar level of experience
• Non-Academic Applicants: At least 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience
• Proposed Research/Activities: Must complement the Institute’s research program and engage with at least one of its research groups

Required Documents

These are the required application documents, and each should not exceed more than 5 MB:

• Letter of Motivation: Max. 2 pages
• CV and Achievements: Max. Three pages combined
• Project Proposal: Max. 5 pages
• Optional Annex: Single PDF, max. 10MB

Selection Process

Application review has a three-stage process as follows:

• First Step: Internal review of applications; shortlist created based on motivation, professional background, and proposal quality.
• Second Step: Double-blind external review of shortlisted project proposals.
• Third Step: Interviews with the most promising candidates in November 2024.
• Decision: Announced in December 2024.
• Fellowship Start: Approximately Spring 2025.

How to Apply?

• Prepare all the required documents mentioned above
• Apply through the application portal or directly to [email protected] if technical difficulties arise.

Apply Now

Further details are available on the RIFS’ official website.

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