DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship 2026: Apply to Conduct Transatlantic Research in Washington, DC (Deadline: 5 September, 2025)

The DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the calendar year 2026. Funded by a generous grant from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), this fellowship is designed to bring scholars and specialists working on key issues of central importance to the German-American relationship to the American-German Institute (AGI) in Washington, DC, for research stays of up to six consecutive months.

Junior scholars and specialists are especially encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Monthly stipend between approximately €2,800 and €3,200 (depending on seniority).
• Transportation to and from Washington, DC.
• Financial support for research-related travel to institutions within the DAAD center network (Centers for German and European Studies) in North America.
• Office space at the Institute.

Please note: Implementation of the program in 2026 is dependent on the availability of funds from the German Federal Foreign Office through the DAAD.

Fellowship Expectations

During their tenure, DAAD/AGI Research Fellows will be expected to:

• Present their research results at a workshop to the Washington, DC, policy community.
• Produce a short analytical essay to be published on the AGI website and distributed via the AGI Advisor newsletter.
• Engage in scholarly interaction on their research, such as seminars or lectures at universities and research institutions (AGI can help organize this if needed).

Who Should Apply

AGI welcomes applications from individuals at academic institutions, think tanks, and public policy or research organizations who focus on subject areas dealing with transatlantic relations, especially:

• Policy
• Politics
• Economics
• Law
• Education
• Social Sciences
• Humanities

Eligibility:

• German nationals who are doctoral candidates or PhD holders active at an academic institution, think tank, or public policy/research organization.
• Foreign (non-German) nationals who are doctoral candidates or PhD holders, active in a similar capacity, and permanently living in Germany.
• German and foreign doctoral candidates and PhD researchers at the network centers of currently or formerly supported DAAD Centers for German and European Studies. (For U.S. citizens: only if at DAAD Centers outside of the United States.)

Program Focus Areas

Projects should relate closely to one or more of AGI’s three research and program areas:

• Foreign and Security Policy
• Society, Culture & Politics
• Geoeconomics

Projects should be compatible with AGI’s mission:

• Anticipating challenges and proposing solutions.
• Bolstering the German-American partnership.
• Providing objective and original analysis on developments in Germany, Europe, and the U.S.
• Creating new transatlantic networks.
• Collaborating with policymakers, corporate leaders, and scholars to develop actionable analysis and fresh ideas.

Networking and Mentorship

Accepted fellows will have opportunities to:

• Expand and strengthen their networks with scholars, policy experts, practitioners, and officials in Washington, DC, and beyond.
• Receive mentoring, guidance, and networking assistance from AGI senior staff.
• Collaborate and exchange ideas with AGI experts and other fellows.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be German OR
• Be non-German, permanently working in Germany, OR affiliated with DAAD Centers for German and European Studies (special conditions apply for U.S. citizens).
• Have completed or be working on a PhD.
• Submit all application materials in English.
• Not have received DAAD support within three years of the fellowship start date (exceptions for DAAD Center affiliates).
• Be proficient in English.

Application Procedure

There is no formal application form. Applicants should submit the following in one PDF file via email to Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants, at sdieper@aicgs.org:

• Cover letter including citizenship/eligibility and how you heard about the fellowship.
• Curriculum vitae, with list of publications (if relevant).
• Project proposal (5–7 pages, double-spaced) that includes:
  • The research’s substantive focus and relevance to AGI’s mission.
  • Reasons for conducting it at AGI and in Washington, DC.
  • Proposed timeframe (two to six months), including start and end dates.
  • Outline of key organizations and individuals in Washington, DC, relevant to the project.
  • If planning to travel to DAAD centers in North America: reasons for selecting a specific center.
• Two recent letters of reference (required for PhD students and PhDs awarded within the last five years; optional for senior researchers).

Deadline

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025

Visa Requirements

Selected fellows must:

• Be eligible for and obtain a J-1 visa (unless they already have U.S. work authorization).
• Be aware that J-1 visas may be subject to the two-year rule, restricting return to the U.S. on certain visas for two years after completion of the fellowship.
• AGI will provide detailed visa process guidance upon selection.

For More Information & Applications:
Visit HERE
Email: sdieper@aicgs.org
American-German Institute (AGI), Washington, DC