University of Bonn SDG Fellowship in Germany 2026 – A Fully Funded Research Opportunity

Are you a passionate researcher eager to contribute to global sustainability? The University of Bonn SDG Fellowship 2026 offers a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers worldwide to collaborate on cutting-edge research aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This fellowship fosters international academic partnerships, supports innovative research, and strengthens global knowledge networks.

Why the Bonn SDG Fellowship Matters

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address urgent global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and education. The Bonn SDG Fellowship actively supports researchers working on solutions to these issues, especially those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, by enabling collaboration with faculty at the University of Bonn.

Key Features of the Fellowship

1. Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

✔ Be a postdoctoral researcher with foreign citizenship.
✔ Receive an invitation from a tenured professor at the University of Bonn.
✔ Have a long-term affiliation with a university or research institute outside of Germany.
✔ Demonstrate expertise in SDG-related fields, such as climate action, health equity, sustainable agriculture, or education.

2. Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides full financial support for a period of 3 to 12 months, covering:

💰 Monthly stipend of €3,000
👨‍👩‍👧 Family allowance of €300 for a spouse and €250 per child
✈️ Travel allowance (varies by country of origin)
📚 Research expense support of up to €500 per month

3. Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic Quality & Impact (50%) – Research relevance, regional significance, and contribution to the University of Bonn.

• Strategic Relevance & Collaboration (50%) – Plans for long-term partnerships, integration into the university, and dissemination of research findings.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify a Host Professor
   Reach out to a tenured professor at the University of Bonn whose research aligns with your area of expertise.

2. Prepare a Research Proposal
   Collaborate with your host professor to create a well-structured and compelling research proposal.

3. Submit the Application
   The host professor is responsible for submitting the completed application along with the required documents.

Required Documents

• Online application form

• Project description (Max. 8 pages, PDF format), including:

  • A 250-word abstract summarizing the proposed research.

  • A detailed outline of the research project to be conducted during the fellowship, written for a multidisciplinary audience.

  • Justification for the invitation, explaining the fellow’s contribution to research and teaching at the University of Bonn and their role in university activities.

  • A summary of previous collaborations between the host professor and the applicant.

  • Integration plan outlining how the fellow will be involved in the host institute’s research and teaching activities.

  • Future collaboration plan, including expected outcomes of the fellowship and potential long-term cooperation.

• Applicant’s CV (PDF format)

• Financial plan (to be completed using the provided Excel template).

Evaluation Process

1. Preliminary Assessment: Anonymous evaluation by independent experts.

2. Final Selection: A university-wide committee will review applications and select the successful candidates.

Application Deadline:

For research funding between January 2026 and October 2026, applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025.

This fully funded fellowship is a remarkable opportunity for researchers dedicated to sustainable development, enabling them to collaborate internationally, expand academic networks, and contribute to global research impact.

Final Thoughts

The Bonn SDG Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for researchers dedicated to sustainable development and global impact. If you are ready to contribute to innovative solutions for SDG challenges, start preparing your application today!

🌍 For more details, visit the official Bonn SDG Fellowship page.