The Kohli Foundation for Sociology is an initiative that promotes research, education, and awareness in the field of sociology. It focuses on understanding societal structures, issues, and changes, with the goal of contributing to social development and policy-making.
The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology supports researchers who have successfully completed their dissertation.
It offers financial support for a two-year postdoctoral stay at either the WZB Berlin Social Science Centre in Germany or the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole/Florence, Italy.
The fellowship aims to enable researchers to engage in new research projects, advance their publications, and develop research collaborations.
How you will benefit;
Successful fellows will,
Receive a monthly stipend of 2,500 EUR.
A research allowance of 100 EUR per month is provided.
A subsidy of 70 EUR per month is allocated towards the cost of private (travel) health and liability insurance.
To be eligible;
Open to scholars of all nationalities whose research aligns with the host institutions.
Applicants must have defended their doctoral dissertation and been awarded a Ph.D. no more than five years before the fellowship’s start date. For the 2025-2026 application, candidates should have received or submitted their Ph.D. between 01/09/2020 and 01/09/2025, with the Ph.D. defence no later than 31/12/2025.
Extensions to the five-year rule may be granted for career interruptions due to maternity/paternity leave, illness, or mandatory military service.
Preference may be given to those who have recently completed a doctorate, have not held a postdoctoral position before, and/or are on the job market.
Application Requirements
A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications.
An “Academic Career Statement”.
A Research Proposal.
The names and contact details of two to three academic referees.
At least two letters of academic reference.
Deadlines
WZB (2025 Call): Application deadline is November 16, 2025. Interviews and selection will take place in Winter 2025/2026, with the fellowship starting on October 1, 2026.
EUI: Application deadline is in Fall 2026. Interviews and selection will take place in Winter 2026/2027, with the fellowship starting on September 1, 2027.
Selection process;
Candidates are selected based on scholarly excellence, the quality and feasibility of their research proposal, and an interview (in person or via video conference).
The Kohli Foundation particularly encourages applications from women and scholars belonging to academically underrepresented groups.
Additional Information;
Fellows are expected to reside in either Berlin or Florence and actively participate in the intellectual life of their host institute.
At the EUI, Kohli Fellows become part of the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies and are assigned a faculty mentor.
At the WZB, fellows become part of a vibrant intellectual community and participate in the scholarly life of their host research unit.
