The Heinz Heinen Fellowship Program 2026/2027 at the University of Bonn in Germany offers an excellent opportunity for international researchers, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars, senior academics, and creative professionals to conduct research in an international academic environment. Hosted by the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS), this fellowship supports research into slavery and different forms of strong asymmetrical dependency across historical periods and cultural contexts.

The fellowship provides financial support, travel allowances, accommodation assistance, and research facilities, allowing selected fellows to focus on their projects while collaborating with experts from different disciplines.

Financial Benefits of the Heinz Heinen Fellowship

The Heinz Heinen Fellowship offers several financial and academic benefits to selected participants. The stipend depends on the applicant’s academic career stage.

The published fellowship benefits include:

• Doctoral Fellows: €1,700 monthly stipend.
• Junior Postdoctoral Fellows: €2,600 monthly stipend.
• Postdoctoral Fellows: €3,100 monthly stipend.
• Senior Fellows: €3,600 monthly stipend.
• Travel Support: Allowance for the outward and return journey for eligible fellows living outside Bonn and its surrounding area.
• Accommodation Allowance: Additional financial assistance for accommodation for eligible fellows living outside the local area.
• Research Facilities: A dedicated workspace, including a desktop computer, at BCDSS.
• Workshop Opportunities: Possibility of organizing research workshops and applying for financial support.
• Additional Assistance: Organizational support before and after arrival, along with assistance in finding childcare.

These benefits make the fellowship an attractive option for researchers seeking international academic exposure and dedicated time to advance their research projects.

Who Can Apply for the Heinz Heinen Fellowship?

The fellowship welcomes applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds whose work relates to dependency and slavery studies.

Eligible categories include:

Doctoral Fellows: PhD candidates who are approaching the completion of their dissertations. Fellowships may last up to six months.

Junior Postdoctoral Fellows: Researchers from six months after completing their PhD to four years after their dissertation, eligible for up to 12 months.

Postdoctoral Fellows: Researchers with more than four years since their dissertation, including postdoctoral researchers and assistant or associate professors. The fellowship may last up to 12 months.

Senior Fellows: Full professors interested in contributing to research and academic exchange, with fellowships lasting up to 12 months.

Alternative Knowledge Producers: Professionals such as journalists, artists, creatives, museum professionals, curators, and intellectuals whose work contributes to relevant research themes. Their fellowships may last up to six months.

Applicants should review the official fellowship announcement for the specific eligibility requirements and research priorities of the relevant academic year.

Research Areas and Academic Opportunities

The Heinz Heinen Fellowship focuses on strong asymmetrical dependencies, including slavery and other unequal relationships of power. Fellows can explore these subjects across different historical periods, geographical regions, and cultural contexts.

Participants can present their research at seminars, attend lectures and conferences, participate in workshops, and connect with an international network of scholars. They may also organize topic-focused academic events and explore publication opportunities through BCDSS peer-reviewed formats.

How to Apply for the Heinz Heinen Fellowship

Interested candidates should visit the official University of Bonn fellowship webpage and review the relevant call for applications. Applicants should prepare the required documents according to their career category. These may include a curriculum vitae, research proposal or personal statement, academic certificates, publication list, and recommendation letters, depending on the applicant’s status.