The iDiv Fellowship Programme 2026 is an international research opportunity offered by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). The programme supports visiting scientists working in biodiversity-related fields to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

The fellowship aims to strengthen scientific exchange and contribute to iDiv’s mission of becoming a global leader in biodiversity research. Selected fellows are expected to actively participate in the institute’s intellectual and collaborative environment, sharing their expertise while developing impactful research outputs.

Purpose and Objectives of the Fellowship

The primary goal of the iDiv Fellowship Programme is to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in biodiversity science. Fellows contribute to advancing the iDiv Science Strategy through interdisciplinary engagement and research excellence.

Key objectives include:

Promoting high-level scientific collaboration
Encouraging interdisciplinary biodiversity research
Supporting innovative and impactful research outputs
Strengthening global scientific networks
Enhancing mentorship and academic exchange within the iDiv community

The programme emphasises both intellectual contribution and community engagement within the research centre.

Scope of Research and Eligible Fields

The fellowship is open to a wide range of disciplines within biodiversity research. This includes both natural and social science perspectives, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the programme.

Eligible research areas include:

Biological sciences and ecology
Environmental and conservation science
Social sciences related to biodiversity
Computational and data-driven biodiversity research

Proposals must align closely with the iDiv Science Strategy and demonstrate clear relevance to biodiversity challenges. Projects may include:

Laboratory-based research
Fieldwork components
Data analysis and modelling
Policy-relevant research outputs

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is targeted at senior researchers with established professional experience. Applicants from all nationalities are encouraged to apply, with particular emphasis on inclusion of underrepresented regions.

Minimum eligibility requirements include:

Holding a position in an academic or research institution, NGO, governmental body, or scientific organisation
Demonstrated experience in biodiversity-related research
Ability to collaborate across disciplines
Identification of at least one iDiv Member as a host

Fellows must work closely with their host institution to develop a structured hosting plan that supports integration into the iDiv research community.

Fellowship Structure and Expectations

The fellowship is flexible in structure, allowing researchers to design projects that align with their expertise and interests. However, there are clear expectations regarding participation and engagement.

Key requirements include:

Spending at least 50% of the fellowship period in residence at the iDiv Core Centre in Leipzig
Actively participating in the iDiv research community
Delivering formal and informal research presentations
Initiating or contributing to collaborative research projects
Supporting mentorship of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

Fellows are expected to integrate fully into the academic environment and contribute to ongoing research initiatives.

Duration and Timeline

The fellowship supports research stays of up to one year. All funded projects must be completed within the programme timeframe:

Funding period: 2026–2027
Final project completion deadline: December 2027

The flexible timing allows fellows to design research stays that fit their professional commitments.

Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship provides financial support to cover costs associated with the research stay in Leipzig. Funding includes:

Monthly stipend of up to €3,500 (depending on circumstances)
Child allowance:
- €400 per month for the first child
- €100 per month for each additional child
One round-trip travel allowance between the fellow’s home location and Leipzig

The funding is intended to:

Offset living expenses during the fellowship
Compensate for potential salary gaps
Support relocation and family needs

Research Environment and Collaboration

The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) provides a dynamic research environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows benefit from:

Access to leading biodiversity researchers
Opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration
Participation in seminars, workshops, and lab meetings
Engagement with graduate and postdoctoral programmes

The centre promotes open science practices, including fair and transparent data and code sharing. Fellows receive support in data management and research dissemination.

Proposal Evaluation Process

Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process. Proposals may be submitted directly or through nomination by iDiv Members.

Evaluation is conducted by the Fellowship Board, which consists of scientists from institutions within the iDiv consortium. Selection is based on:

Scientific quality and innovation
Alignment with the iDiv Science Strategy
Feasibility and impact of the proposed research
Potential for collaboration and integration

Reporting and Expected Outputs

The fellowship places strong emphasis on producing high-impact research outcomes. Fellows are expected to:

Engage regularly with collaborators and research teams
Participate in institutional activities and meetings
Produce high-quality publications or equivalent outputs
Contribute to long-term research collaborations

At the end of the fellowship, participants must submit a final report detailing their work and outcomes.

Former fellows may also be invited to:

Join the iDiv alumni network
Participate in future programme activities
Contribute as reviewers for funding proposals

Institutional Framework

The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) is a collaborative research institution supported by leading German universities and research organisations. It is headquartered in Leipzig and operates across multiple locations, including Halle and Jena.

The centre is governed by an executive board and supported by founding institutions such as:

Leipzig University
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)

Summary

The iDiv Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an opportunity for senior researchers to engage in cutting-edge biodiversity research within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. With flexible project design, strong financial support, and access to leading experts, the programme enables fellows to produce impactful research while contributing to global biodiversity science.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.