The ifa Research Award on International Cultural Relations stands as one of the most respected recognitions for emerging scholars whose work advances global understanding of soft power, international cultural relations, and Foreign Cultural and Educational Policy (FCEP). For over 25 years, the award has celebrated academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and research that strengthens cultural diplomacy worldwide.

This detailed article provides a full overview of the 2026 call for applications, eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, benefits, jury composition, and the award’s long-standing legacy.

ifa Research Award 2026: A Deep Dive into One of the Leading Global Awards in Cultural Relations

The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) has long been a global leader in promoting international cultural dialogue. Through its annual Research Award, ifa supports young scholars whose work contributes meaningfully to the understanding and practice of cultural diplomacy.

The award is designed not only to recognize academic excellence but also to amplify the visibility of emerging researchers, support publication of their work, and strengthen the global discourse on cultural relations.

Purpose and Vision of the Award

The award aims to:

• Strengthen academic reflection on soft power, international cultural relations, and Foreign Cultural and Educational Policy.
• Promote interdisciplinary exchange and broaden perspectives in cultural diplomacy.
• Bring ifa’s international expertise into German and global debates.
• Support young scholars at different career stages by offering flexible, tailored visibility formats.
• Encourage research that has practical relevance for cultural policy, institutions, and intercultural practice.

Over the past 25 years, 27 scholars have been honored, each contributing to the global understanding of cultural diplomacy.

What the Award Includes

Award recipients receive a comprehensive support package designed to elevate their research and professional visibility:

1. Public Presentation of Research

Awardees can choose a format best suited to their work and career stage, such as:

• Public lecture
• Podcast
• Short video
• Other innovative formats

The goal is to ensure maximum visibility and accessibility of the research.

2. Publication Support

ifa covers the printing costs for publishing the award-winning work in its prestigious series:

• “Kultur und Außenpolitik”
• Published by Nomos Verlag
• Available via open access
• Subject to publisher review

This ensures global reach and academic credibility.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications must be submitted by a recommending professor on behalf of the young academic.

To qualify:

1. Thesis Completion Timeline
   • Must be completed within the last two years
   • No earlier than 30 April 2024
2. Academic Performance
   • Doctoral theses: at least magna cum laude
   • Master’s theses: at least the second-highest grade
3. Research Focus The thesis must:
   • Examine soft power, international cultural relations, or Foreign Cultural and Educational Policy
   • Demonstrate the significance and effectiveness of these concepts
   • Advance theoretical or practical understanding
   • Offer applicability to cultural policy, institutions, or intercultural practice
   • Be an independent and sound scholarly achievement
4. Recommendation Requirement
   • A formal recommendation from a professor is mandatory.

Required Application Documents

The recommending professor must submit one single PDF file (max. 15 MB) containing:

• Complete text of the thesis (PDF)
• Abstract
• Letter of recommendation
• Full assessment or grading documentation (German or English)
• Declaration of independent work + date of completion/publication
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Applicant’s contact information (email + institutional affiliation)

Language: Submissions may be in German or English.

Submission Deadline

30 June 2026 — 11:59 p.m. (CEST)

Selection Process and Jury

Award winners are chosen by ifa based on recommendations from an independent jury of experts.

Jury for 2026

• Professor Nicole Colin (Aix-Marseille University)
• Professor Eveline Dürr (LMU Munich)
• Professor Julius Heinicke (University of Hildesheim)

Legacy of Excellence: Past Award Winners

The award has honored outstanding scholars since 2001, including:

• 2021 – Hendrik W. Ohnesorge
• 2020 – Tobias Reichard
• 2019 – Dominik Herzner
• 2018 – Elisabeth Piller & Sonja Großmann
• 2017 – Lara Jüssen & Manuela Sato-Prinz
• 2016 – Elena Korowin & Jens Adam
• 2015 – Annika Hampel & Katayon Meier
• …and many more distinguished researchers.

Additional special recognitions have also been awarded in various years.