2026 Internet and Society Fellowship in Berlin, Germany

The Internet and Society Fellowship 2026, hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), invites researchers from around the world to participate in a six-week, in-person research programme in Berlin.

The fellowship provides an interdisciplinary space for scholars exploring the relationship between technology, society, and democratic governance, with a special focus in 2026 on Democratic Change and Knowledge.

Participants will pursue independent research while actively engaging with HIIG’s international research community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative formats.

Host Institution: Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programme Type: Research Fellowship
Format: Fully In-Person
Duration: 6 Weeks
Fellowship Dates: 1 June – 18 July 2026
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

What Fellows Will Do

During the six-week programme, fellows will:

• Conduct independent research projects
• Collaborate with HIIG researchers and fellow participants
• Present work in internal seminars, workshops, or discussion sessions
• Contribute to HIIG publications, including the Digital Society Blog
• Take part in peer-learning sessions and knowledge-exchange formats
• Join “Fellow Coffee Talks” with senior researchers and institute directors
• Participate in a mandatory one-week research sprint focused on Democratic Change and Knowledge
• Attend the Long Night of the Sciences, engaging with HIIG’s wider research community

Fellowship Structure & Support

• Duration: 6 weeks (1 June – 18 July 2026)
• Location: Berlin (in-person only)
• Extension: Fellows may extend their stay beyond the official programme period
• Funding: This is an unpaid fellowship
• Support Provided:
  • Office desk space
  • Access to HIIG’s research community
  • Support for workshops, seminars, and collaborative events

Junior Fellows

• Hold a Master’s degree
• Currently pursuing or planning a PhD

Senior Fellows

• Advanced PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers

All applicants must also demonstrate:

• Relevant research experience
• Strong alignment with the 2026 theme Democratic Change and Knowledge
• Fluency in English
• A clear and feasible research idea to pursue during the fellowship

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter (1 page) outlining:
  • Research background
  • Interest in the fellowship
  • Expectations from the programme
• Research Idea Outline (maximum 1 page), including:
  • Alignment with the 2026 theme
  • Research focus during the fellowship
  • Expected outcomes or deliverables
• (Optional) One writing or research sample (English or German)

Deadline: 31 January 2026 at 11:59 PM (CET)