Open Call for Leibniz Summer Fellowship Program

The Leibniz-Zentrum für Zeithistorische Forschung Potsdam (Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam, ZZF) invites applications for two Leibniz Summer Fellowships in the field of “German and/or European (including Eastern European) History in the Twentieth Century.” Each fellowship lasts two months and supports international post-doctoral researchers to carry out individual research in Germany and participate in the institute’s academic life. The application deadline is 30 November 2026. The ZZF is a major historical research centre in Germany focused on contemporary European history. Through these fellowships, the institute offers international scholars the opportunity to pursue individual research in Germany while engaging with the academic life of the ZZF. Applicants may pursue research aligned with their individual interests. The ZZF prefers projects related to one or more of its research departments. The fellows will be assigned to one of the ZZF’s departments, participate in departmental activities, and are asked to present their project as part of the institute’s research seminar. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

The ZZF also indicates a preference:

Fellows can pursue research related to their own individual interests. However, the ZZF prefers topics connected to its research departments, which include: The fellowship field is specifically defined as: This fellowship is designed for internationally based scholars conducting research on twentieth-century German and/or European history, while benefiting from structured academic engagement at a leading contemporary history research centre. Beyond financial support for living and travel, the ZZF provides access to facilities and expects fellows to contribute to the institute’s intellectual exchange through departmental activities and a seminar presentation. Additional application notes from the source:

Official program information (ZZF): https://www.zzf-potsdam.de

Data protection information: https://zzf-potsdam.de/de/datenschutzhinweise

How many fellowships are available? The ZZF plans to award two Leibniz Summer Fellowships. What is the fellowship grant amount? The fellowship provides a monthly grant of €3,000, expected to cover living and travelling expenses, including appropriate insurance. Where and when must fellows reside? Fellows are asked to reside in Berlin or Potsdam for two consecutive months between April and October 2027. Is a doctoral degree required? Yes. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree at the time of application. Who can apply from a location perspective? The fellowships are intended for international applicants—candidates who reside outside Germany. What is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026. What documents are required? The application must include: a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a project proposal (maximum 1,500 words). Letters of recommendation are not required. Review the official ZZF fellowship guidance and confirm you meet the stated requirements (doctoral degree at application time and residence outside Germany), then prepare a project proposal within the 1,500-word limit. Submit your application by 30 November 2026 via email as instructed in the official call.