RIFS Fellow Programme 2026 – Fully Funded Sustainability Fellowship in Germany

The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam, Germany – formerly the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) – invites applications for its Fellow Programme 2026 under the theme “Sustainability in Tough Times.” This fully funded fellowship brings together highly qualified individuals from academia, business, civil society, politics, journalism, and the arts to address pressing sustainability challenges.

The programme supports about 20 fellows each year, offering them the opportunity to develop ideas within an international community of world‑class researchers in Potsdam and Berlin. Additionally, the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship is awarded once a year to an individual with a long‑term commitment to sustainable development and bridge‑building between science, politics, and society. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Germany, explore fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Institute: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Potsdam, Germany

• Theme for 2026: “Sustainability in Tough Times”

• Number of Fellows: Approximately 20 per year

• Eligibility: Highly qualified individuals from academia, business, civil society, politics, journalism, arts – all disciplines and areas of society

• Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

• Application Portal: Online submission via RIFS website

For students seeking other funded programs across Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

What the Fellowship Offers

RIFS fellows are a key resource for the institute. They support research, improve transdisciplinary methodology, and reach out to political, economic, and social actors. In return, RIFS offers fellows:

• The opportunity to develop their ideas in an international community of world‑class researchers

• Access to the wider research landscape of Potsdam and Berlin

• Active support in making new connections and developing activities together with RIFS researchers

• Visibility for their research through the institute’s platforms

• Networking opportunities with former and current fellows, RIFS staff, and partners

Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship

As part of the Fellow Programme, RIFS awards the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship once a year. Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer was the Founding Director of IASS (now RIFS) and embodied the unique combination of science, politics, and non‑profit perspectives. This fellowship honours individuals who, like Prof. Töpfer, build bridges between science, politics, and society.

Past Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellows include:

• 2019: Dr. Nicole de Paula (Brazilian health expert)

• 2020–2021: Dr. Natalia Realpe Carrillo (start‑up founder)

• 2022: Prof. Louis Kotzé (law professor)

• 2023: Nino Jordan (environmental policy and governance)

• 2024: Florian Lennert (sustainable ocean use and blue‑green economy)

• Since April 2025: Adina‑Iuliana Deacu (redefining profit‑driven business models for sustainable impact)

For applicants interested in other research fellowships in Germany, see Germany's latest scholarships in 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

The Fellow Programme is open to highly qualified individuals from all disciplines and areas of society, including:

• Academia (all career stages)

• Business and industry

• Civil society and non‑governmental organizations

• Politics and public administration

• Journalism and media

• Arts and culture

For the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship, RIFS seeks applicants from Germany or abroad who have worked for many years on sustainability issues and have the potential to shape the future. Applicants should bring innovative ideas from their respective fields.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the official RIFS website and download the full call for applications for “Sustainability in Tough Times 2026.”

Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and fellowship conditions carefully.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents (typically: CV, publication/list of achievements, a proposal outlining your planned work during the fellowship, and a cover letter explaining your motivation and fit with the theme).

Step 4: Complete the online application form via the RIFS application portal.

Step 5: Upload all required documents in the specified format.

Step 6: Submit your application before the deadline. There is no application fee.

Application Deadline

21 June 2026 – late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Fellow Alumni Network

RIFS strives to maintain contact with former fellows upon successful completion of their fellowship. In recent years, about 300 fellows from over 40 countries have conducted research and carried out projects at RIFS. The RIFS Fellow Alumni Network offers:

• Networking among an active international science community

• Updates on alumni activities and news from RIFS

• Personal invitations to exclusive RIFS events

• Promotion of fellows’ research and visibility

• Opportunities to become guest authors for the RIFS website/blog

• Exchange of ideas at Fellow Meetings and Tuesday Talks

• Support in implementing innovative ideas and making projects happen

• Possibility to become an Affiliate Scholar

For additional financial aid options across Europe, explore financial aids for students in Europe.

Why Apply for the RIFS Fellow Programme?

• Prestigious institute – RIFS is a world‑leading research institute for sustainability.

• Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary – Work alongside experts from science, policy, business, and civil society.

• Prime location – Potsdam and Berlin offer a vibrant research and cultural environment.

• Impact‑oriented – Contribute to real‑world sustainability solutions.

• Global network – Join a community of 300+ alumni from over 40 countries.

Final Thoughts

The RIFS Potsdam Fellow Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for sustainability leaders from all backgrounds – academia, business, politics, civil society, journalism, and the arts. Under the theme “Sustainability in Tough Times,” selected fellows will collaborate with world‑class researchers, develop new ideas, and make meaningful contributions to global sustainability challenges. The deadline is 21 June 2026. Apply online through the RIFS portal.

For a complete list of open fellowships and scholarships in Europe, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Apply Now for RIFS Fellow Programme 2026