Early Career Rescue Fellowship 2026–2028

The Early Career Rescue Fellowship (2026–2028) offers two-year fully funded research positions in Baden-Württemberg for postdoctoral scholars whose academic freedom is restricted due to political pressure in the USA. Learn more about funding, eligibility, and how to apply.

Upholding Academic Freedom in Challenging Times

Academic freedom continues to face unprecedented challenges across the globe. In response to growing political pressure affecting researchers in the United States, three leading German institutions—the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), the Tübingen College of Fellows (CoF), and the Zukunftskolleg Konstanz (ZuKo)—have launched the Baden-Württemberg Early Career Rescue Fellowships 2026–2028.

This initiative, supported by the State of Baden-Württemberg, offers a vital sanctuary for early career scholars whose work and freedom to research have been compromised. Through these prestigious fellowships, researchers are offered stability, intellectual freedom, and international prospects to continue their scientific pursuits.

A Fellowship Built on Protection, Opportunity, and Excellence

The Early Career Rescue Fellowship provides:

14 Postdoctoral Fellowship positions
Duration: 2 years
Fellowship Period: Between July 2026 and November 2028
Monthly salary: Up to E14 (approx. €6,000 before tax and mandatory social/health contributions)
Eligibility: Scholars with 1–7 years of postdoctoral experience whose research is restricted due to political pressure in the USA

The programme welcomes researchers from all disciplines represented at the three host universities and from all parts of the world. Its primary ambition is to safeguard academic inquiry and nurture intellectual freedom by creating an environment where scholars can focus on research without fear of interference.

A Strong Collaborative Foundation

The fellowship is jointly administered by:

Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz
FRIAS, University of Freiburg
Tübingen College of Fellows, University of Tübingen

Together, these institutions form a robust, interdisciplinary network that provides fellows with:

Access to world-class research environments
Opportunities for collaboration with local and international scholars
Interdisciplinary dialogue across diverse fields
Full institutional support, mentorship, and community engagement

The fellowship is designed not only to protect scholars but to strengthen their global career trajectories by placing them in vibrant academic communities.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is specifically intended for early career researchers who cannot conduct or continue their academic work in the USA due to actual political pressure. These pressures may include:

Interference in academic work
Restriction of research topics
Threats to personal safety or professional integrity
Institutional or government-level political constraints

Applicants must demonstrate between one and seven years of postdoctoral experience in a discipline represented at one of the host universities. They may select the university at which they prefer to conduct their fellowship.

What Fellows Can Expect

1. A Safe and Stimulating Research Environment

Fellows receive an appointment at one of the three partner universities, allowing them to continue their research safely and productively.

2. Financial Stability

With a competitive salary and social benefits from the German academic system, fellows gain the security needed to fully focus on their scholarship.

3. International Exposure

The fellowship opens doors to global networks, expanding academic and professional opportunities long after the fellowship period.

4. Interdisciplinary Engagement

Fellows become part of a diverse community of international researchers, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking.

How to Apply

Applicants must follow the outlined steps:

Consult the Programme and Application Manual
Detailed guidance on criteria, required documents, evaluation processes, and selection timelines is provided.
Submit the online Application Form
Deadline: 9 January 2026, 11:00 AM (CET)

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and prepare strong, well-documented proposals.

Need Support? Contact the Institutions Directly

Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz
Mihaela Mihaylova
✉️ [email protected]
FRIAS, University of Freiburg
Annette Doll
✉️ [email protected]
Tübingen College of Fellows, University of Tübingen
Niels Weidtmann
✉️ [email protected]

These teams provide detailed support for applicants requiring clarification or guidance throughout the process.

Why This Fellowship Matters

In an era marked by uncertainty, threats to academic freedom, and rising geopolitical tensions, programmes such as the Early Career Rescue Fellowship serve as essential lifelines. They reaffirm the fundamental values of scholarship: independence, curiosity, critical inquiry, and global collaboration.

By supporting displaced or endangered researchers, Baden-Württemberg not only protects individuals but strengthens the global scientific community as a whole. Through this programme, outstanding scholars gain the freedom to pursue bold ideas while contributing to an international ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, and impact.

👉 Submit your Early Career Rescue Fellowship application today!