Max Planck Institute Research Fellowships 2025 – Doctoral, Postdoctoral & Senior Scholars Welcome
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
If you are a highly motivated doctoral student, postdoctoral researcher, or senior academic planning a research visit to Germany, the prestigious Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg has just opened applications for its 2025 Research Stay Fellowship. This short-term funded opportunity provides you with a chance to engage in impactful research within one of Europe’s top research environments.
Whether you are exploring new theoretical dimensions or expanding empirical inquiries, this fellowship supports researchers eager to collaborate with world-class experts and become part of a vibrant academic network in the heart of Europe. Let's dig into details!
Fellowships Summary
Location: Freiburg, Germany
Host Institution: Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law
Academic Level: PhD candidates, Postdoctoral researchers, Senior scholars
Target Group: International researchers
Fields of Study: Law, Criminology, Social Sciences, Security, and related disciplines
Award Value:
- Doctoral Students: Up to €1,365/month
- Postdocs: Up to €2,500/month
- Professors/Seniors: Up to €3,000/month
Award Duration: 2 to 4 months (maximum 6 months for PhDs)
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Start Date: Flexible within 2026
Eligible To: Researchers not directly affiliated with MPI directors
Fellowships Overview
The MPI Research Stay Fellowships are designed for early-career and senior researchers seeking to undertake short-term academic visits to collaborate, engage in scholarly exchange, and advance research in topics relevant to the institute’s core areas.
The fellowship promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical dialogue, and scholarly impact in the fields of criminal law, security law, criminology, and legal theory. The MPI environment is intellectually stimulating, offering extensive library resources, expert faculty interactions, and opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and internal research colloquia.
Fellowship Benefits
Monthly Stipend: Ranges from €1,365 to €3,000 depending on academic level
Duration: 2–4 months (up to 6 months for PhDs in exceptional cases)
Research Environment: Full access to MPI’s facilities, mentorship, academic events, and collaborative projects
Community Engagement: Join an international network of fellows and scholars
Optional Larger Grant: Exceptional cases with special circumstances may be considered for increased funding
⚠️ NOTES
Travel costs are generally not reimbursed
Health Insurance: Proof of valid coverage is mandatory
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply if you meet any of the following conditions:
Doctoral student from a non-German institution or from a German university not affiliated with an MPI director
Postdoctoral researcher affiliated with an international institution
Senior academic or professor based at a non-German university or research center
Application Procedure
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List of Publications
1–3 Academic Publications
Research Project Description: 5–10 pages outlining goals, methods, and relevance
Doctoral Students: If no prior publications, a more detailed research plan (~10 pages) is required
Academic Certificates: Degree and PhD certificates (if applicable)
Interested candidates can Submit their applications via the official online application portal.
ℹ️ For further information, visit the official website of MPI
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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