RIFS Fellowship Programme 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
If you are passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to transformative research, the RIFS Fellow Programme 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with experts from diverse fields. Hosted by the Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), this fellowship is designed for individuals from academia, public administration, business, politics, civil society, and the arts who seek to advance sustainability solutions. Details in this article
🗒️ Fellowship Summary
Location: Potsdam, Germany
Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS)
Academic Level: Open to professionals and researchers
Areas of Focus: Sustainability research, policy development, business models, public discourse, education, and outreach
Target Group: Academics, policymakers, business leaders, civil society members, journalists, and artists
Award Value & Funding: Stipend based on seniority and family circumstances, relocation and travel expenses covered
Duration: 6 to 12 months (exceptionally extendable up to 24 months)
Application Deadline: 9th June 2025
Eligible To: Individuals with a PhD or equivalent experience (academics) or 3-5 years of relevant work experience (non-academics)
🎓 Fellowship Overview
The RIFS Fellow Programme is a transdisciplinary initiative that brings together experts from various sectors to address sustainability challenges. Fellows work closely with RIFS research groups, contributing innovative ideas and engaging in transformative projects. The programme fosters collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange, enabling fellows to develop solutions that align with RIFS’s research agenda.
🧩 Curriculum & Activities
Fellows engage in a range of activities, including:
Conducting independent research aligned with RIFS’s sustainability themes
Developing policy recommendations and business models
Participating in public discourse and outreach initiatives
Collaborating with RIFS researchers and other fellows
Attending workshops, seminars, and networking events
Contributing to educational and artistic projects
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Fees Covered: Stipend provided based on experience and family circumstances
Relocation & Travel: Expenses covered, including family travel costs
Housing: Limited apartments available for fellows relocating from outside Europe
Networking: Access to a global community of over 300 former fellows from 50+ countries
Professional Development: Opportunities to collaborate with leading sustainability researchers
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academics: PhD or equivalent experience
Non-Academics: Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience
Research Alignment: Proposed projects must complement RIFS’s research agenda
Collaboration: Fellows must engage with at least one RIFS research group
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted online through the online application portal, the application consists of the following:
Research Proposal: Outline of the intended project and its relevance to RIFS’s research themes
CV: Detailed academic and professional background
Cover Letter: Explanation of motivation and expected contributions
Recommendation Letters: At least two references supporting the application
Proof of Qualifications: Academic certificates or professional experience documentation
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