Visiting Scholar Position @German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany

Researchers from around the world are invited to apply for two prestigious short-term Visiting Scholar positions offered by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, Germany.

The fully funded research opportunity will take place between September and November 2026 and is designed for scholars whose work aligns with key themes explored by IDOS’s Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order.”

The programme offers selected researchers the chance to spend between three and six weeks at one of Germany’s leading think tanks and research institutions dedicated to sustainable development, global governance, democracy, conflict studies, and international cooperation.

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany: A Unique Opportunity for International Researchers

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), formerly known as the German Development Institute (DIE), is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge research on sustainable development and transformation processes worldwide. Through this visiting scholar initiative, IDOS seeks to foster international academic exchange and strengthen collaboration with researchers working on issues related to political order, democracy, conflict, displacement, and fragility.

Selected scholars will join the Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order,” engaging with IDOS researchers, contributing to ongoing discussions, and advancing their own research projects in a collaborative academic environment.

The programme is open to researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds whose work directly connects with the department’s thematic priorities and complements the research interests of department staff members.

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany: Research Areas of Interest

Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with at least one of the department’s primary research clusters:

Democracy in a Polarized World

This research cluster examines contemporary challenges facing democratic governance, including democratic backsliding, polarization, authoritarian tendencies, political participation, representation, and institutional resilience. Researchers exploring transformations in democratic systems, governance innovations, and the future of democratic institutions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Conflict, Displacement and Fragility

This thematic area focuses on the causes and consequences of conflict, forced migration, humanitarian crises, state fragility, peacebuilding, and resilience-building processes. Scholars investigating displacement dynamics, conflict transformation, post-conflict governance, or international responses to fragility will find strong alignment with this cluster.

Researchers whose work intersects with these themes and contributes fresh perspectives to ongoing debates are especially welcome.

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany: Fully Funded Benefits

One of the major advantages of the programme is its comprehensive financial support package.

According to IDOS, selected guest researchers will receive:

• Coverage of travel costs to and from Bonn, Germany.
• Accommodation support during the research stay.
• A daily allowance in accordance with German Travel Law.
• A formal support letter for researchers who require a visa to enter Germany.

These benefits ensure that scholars can focus fully on their research and academic engagement without worrying about major financial barriers.

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany: Why Apply?

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme provides far more than funding. Participants gain access to a vibrant intellectual environment and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in development studies and political transformation.

Benefits include:

• Working alongside internationally recognized researchers.
• Access to academic networks and policy communities.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Exposure to global debates on democracy, governance, conflict, and development.
• Time and space to advance ongoing research projects.
• Strengthened international partnerships and future research opportunities.

For early-career and established scholars alike, the programme offers an exceptional platform to expand research impact and build meaningful professional connections.

DOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany: Who Should Apply?

The opportunity is particularly suitable for:

• PhD candidates nearing completion of their doctoral research.
• Postdoctoral researchers.
• University faculty members.
• Policy researchers.
• Independent scholars working in relevant thematic areas.
• Researchers from institutions in the Global South and beyond.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed research and the thematic priorities of the Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order.”

Strong applications will show how the proposed stay at IDOS will contribute to both the applicant’s research agenda and the institute’s ongoing work.

Research in Bonn, Germany

Located in Bonn, Germany, IDOS offers an ideal setting for international academic exchange. Bonn is home to numerous international organizations, United Nations agencies, research institutions, and policy centers, making it one of Europe’s leading hubs for sustainable development and global governance research.

Visiting scholars will have the opportunity to engage with a dynamic research community while enjoying access to Germany’s extensive academic and policy networks.

Application Information

Interested researchers should carefully review the research clusters and identify how their work aligns with the department’s priorities before preparing their application.

The visiting scholar positions will be hosted between September and November 2026, with individual stays ranging from three to six weeks.

Given the competitive nature of the programme and the limited number of positions available, prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare strong research proposals that clearly demonstrate thematic relevance, academic excellence, and potential for collaboration with IDOS researchers.

This is an outstanding fully funded opportunity for researchers seeking international exposure, collaborative research experiences, and the chance to contribute to important global discussions on democracy, conflict, displacement, and political transformation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. 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

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