The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 (Oceanic Horizons) is a fully funded six-week residency in Germany. It is hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and welcomes researchers, creatives, and civil-society practitioners from around the world.
This residency focuses on the theme “Oceanic Horizons: the future of our blue planet.” In addition, it offers an international space for participants working across research, arts, and civil society.
Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Application Closing Deadline: 14 December 2026 (Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis).
- Selection Committee Meeting: Mid-February 2027.
- Decision Notification: End of February 2027.
- Programme Dates: June – October 2027
- Virtual Kick-off: 29 June 2027.
- Schloss Wiepersdorf Residency (Brandenburg): 2 – 13 August 2027 (2 weeks).
- Berlin & Northern Germany Excursions Residency: 13 August – 10 September 2027 (4 weeks; mandatory in-person presence).
- Remote Output Finalisation: September – October 2027.
- Virtual Wrap-up Event: 26 October 2027.
Tell Me About The Program:
The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027, hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, brings together an international, transdisciplinary cohort of 12 participants to intensively cooperate on the annual theme: “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.” The residency tackles pressing challenges concerning marine ecosystems, climate regulation, blue economies, coastal adaptation, and ocean governance. Beyond interdisciplinary peer-to-peer learning, participants collaboratively design and implement innovative public-outreach formats (such as debates, media appearances, workshops, or publications) to communicate key messages beyond academia.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All Academic Disciplines & Professional Sectors: Marine science, climate science, ecology, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, journalism, literature, the arts, curation, civil society advocacy, and social entrepreneurship, provided applicants can demonstrate a strong, relevant connection to the annual theme.
Type:
Fully Funded Transdisciplinary International Residency & Science-Communication Fellowship
Who can Apply:
The 12-person cohort is split into three distinct profiles (all applicants must not be currently based in Germany at the start of the residency):
- Humboldt Alumni (5 places): Humboldt Foundation alumni with relevant academic or professional expertise related to the annual theme, willing to communicate their work beyond academia (past science-communication experience not strictly required). Must not hold active funding in another Humboldt programme in August 2027.
- Early Career Researchers (3 places): PhD candidates or researchers who completed their PhD less than four years prior to August 2027, with prior experience in science communication or connecting research to wider social/political contexts.
- Civil Society Practitioners & Creatives (4 places):
- Creatives: Journalists, authors, filmmakers, curators, artists, or designers.
- Practitioners: Professionals working in politics, social entrepreneurship, NGOs, campaigns, or specialized consultancy. (Must not hold an academic position).
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee based on academic or professional excellence, a demonstrated connection to the annual theme, potential for transdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to effective public science communication.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to international applicants worldwide who are not currently based in Germany).
Where will the Program be Taken:
- Schloss Wiepersdorf (Brandenburg, Germany) & Berlin, Germany, alongside excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North and Baltic Sea coasts. (Note: Full in-person participation from 2 August to 10 September 2027 is strictly mandatory).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
12 Participants total per cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Stipend & Allowances: Monthly allowance during the 6-week residency in Germany, plus travel allowances to and from Germany.
- Accommodation: Provided accommodation at Schloss Wiepersdorf (2 weeks) and an aparthotel in Berlin (4 weeks). (Family accommodation and childcare support available for participants travelling with dependent family members).
- Output Budget: Dedicated financial budget for arranging public event formats and end-of-year outreach outputs.
How Long Will it Last:
- 6-Week Residential Period in Germany (2 August – 10 September 2027), bookended by virtual orientation and remote wrap-up sessions from June to October 2027.
Required Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Maximum 3 pages in PDF format).
- Introduction Video (Maximum 60 seconds in landscape/horizontal 16:9 format; upload via Smash at
[https://fromsmash.com/](https://fromsmash.com/)and paste the link into the application form).
How to Apply:
- Prepare your 3-page CV in PDF format and record your 60-minute introduction video.
- Upload your video to Smash (
[https://fromsmash.com/](https://fromsmash.com/)) to generate a shareable link. - Access the official online application portal via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Application Page.
- Complete the online application form, paste your video link, attach your CV, and submit before the rolling deadline on 14 December 2026.
- For program or application inquiries, contact
[email protected].
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
