Applications are now open for the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program 2026, a prestigious opportunity for scholars and experts to conduct impactful research on key issues shaping the German-American relationship. This fellowship is funded through a generous grant from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and hosted by the American-German Institute (AGI) in Washington, D.C.
The program is designed to foster academic exchange, deepen policy-relevant research, and strengthen transatlantic cooperation. Fellows will undertake two to six consecutive months of research at AGI, engaging directly with policymakers, academics, and thought leaders in the German-American space.
This fellowship particularly encourages junior scholars and early-career specialists, but applications from senior researchers are also welcomed. Fellows benefit from access to AGI’s extensive policy network, opportunities for public engagement, and a unique platform to share their findings with a transatlantic audience.
Fellowship Expectations
During the fellowship period, participants will:
- Present their research findings at a public policy workshop in Washington, D.C., attended by key stakeholders and the broader transatlantic policy community.
- Publish a short analytical essay summarizing their research outcomes on the AGI website, which will also be circulated in The AGI Advisor newsletter.
- Participate in organized scholarly interactions such as university lectures, roundtables, or seminars.
- Collaborate with AGI’s in-house experts and other visiting fellows to exchange ideas and refine research outputs.
AGI provides organizational and logistical support for these engagements.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- A monthly stipend of approximately €2,800–€3,200, depending on experience and seniority.
- Round-trip transportation between the fellow’s home location and Washington, D.C.
- Funding for research-related travel to other institutions within the DAAD Center for German and European Studies network across North America.
- Office space at the American-German Institute with access to research resources and administrative support.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be a German citizen.
- Be a non-German scholar working permanently in Germany.
- Be a U.S. citizen affiliated with a DAAD Center for German and European Studies outside the United States.
Additional requirements:
- Must have completed or be actively pursuing a PhD.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Must not have received DAAD funding within the three years prior to the fellowship start date, unless affiliated with a DAAD Center for German and European Studies.
- All application documents must be submitted in English.
Application Process
There is no formal application form. Interested applicants should submit one PDF file containing:
- Cover Letter – stating your eligibility, citizenship, and how you learned about the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including a list of publications, if applicable.
- Research Proposal (5–7 pages, double-spaced) – clearly outlining:
- The main focus and objectives of your research.
- Its relevance to AGI’s mission and to the German-American relationship.
- Why AGI and Washington, D.C., are essential to your work.
- Proposed fellowship duration (two to six months) with start and end dates.
- Potential individuals and institutions in the Washington area relevant to your project.
- Reasons for potential travel to specific DAAD Centers in North America.
- Two recent letters of reference – required for PhD candidates and scholars within five years of earning their PhD; optional for senior researchers.
Applications should be submitted via email to Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants at: sdieper@aicgs.org.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, with shortlisted candidates invited for interviews (either in person or virtually). Selection will be based on:
- Academic merit and research quality.
- Relevance to transatlantic issues.
- Potential to contribute to AGI’s mission and policy discussions.
Deadline
All application materials must be received by the published deadline to be considered. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for follow-up questions or clarifications.
For more information, visit DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship.
