The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2027 offers early-career sociologists an opportunity to undertake a two-year postdoctoral research stay at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center or the European University Institute in Fiesole/Florence. Open to scholars of all nationalities, the fellowship supports new research projects, publications, academic collaboration and career development.
The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2027 is designed to support outstanding early-career sociologists who have recently completed their doctoral studies and are ready to develop an independent research programme in an international academic environment.
Offered through the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, the fellowship provides financial support for a two-year postdoctoral stay at either the WZB in Berlin or the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole/Florence. Fellows are expected to use the period to develop new research, advance publications, establish collaborations and participate actively in the intellectual life of their host institution.
The opportunity is open to scholars of all nationalities whose research aligns with the research programme of the relevant host institution. The foundation particularly welcomes projects addressing life-course and generational issues, although applications on other sociological topics are also considered.
Background & Job Description
The Kohli Fellowship forms part of the Kohli Foundation for Sociology’s Growth programme, which focuses on supporting early-career researchers, particularly sociologists pursuing or having recently completed doctoral studies.
The fellowship is intended for researchers who have demonstrated strong academic performance and successfully completed their doctoral dissertation. Rather than simply providing financial support, the programme offers fellows an opportunity to spend two years embedded within a leading research environment.
At the European University Institute, Kohli Fellows join the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies. Fellows are appointed to an EUI faculty member who serves as an academic advisor and supports the development of their research and broader academic profile.
At the WZB, fellows become part of the intellectual community of their host research unit. They receive support from a designated contact person and participate in seminars, conferences and other scholarly activities.
The fellowship can therefore provide early-career sociologists with time and institutional support to develop independent research while building professional relationships with established scholars and other postdoctoral researchers.
Tasks
During the fellowship, successful candidates are expected to pursue their proposed research project while actively contributing to the academic environment of their host institution.
Activities may include:
- Developing and conducting an independent research project.
- Advancing academic publications.
- Conducting fieldwork where relevant to the research project.
- Participating in internal training and research seminars.
- Attending national and international academic conferences.
- Developing research collaborations.
- Organizing an academic workshop.
- Engaging with researchers and scholars at the host institution.
- Participating in the wider Max Weber Programme at the EUI where applicable.
- Building an academic and professional profile.
- Contributing to the intellectual life of the host research community.
The fellowship is designed to encourage researchers to develop both their scholarship and their professional networks during the two-year postdoctoral period.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in Sociology or a related research area appropriate to the respective institute’s research programme.
The source specifies that applicants must have held their doctoral degree for no longer than five years before the starting date of the fellowship.
Applicants must have submitted and defended their doctoral dissertation before the fellowship contract begins.
The fellowship is particularly aimed at early-career researchers who have recently completed their PhD and demonstrated scholarly excellence.
Experience
Applicants should have a strong academic record and a research project that is suitable for the programme of the proposed host institution.
The application should demonstrate the quality and potential of the applicant’s proposed research. Successful candidates are selected based on scholarly excellence, the research proposal and an interview.
Applicants should also identify appropriate academic connections at their prospective host institution. For the WZB application, for example, applicants are asked to identify a research unit and at least one potential collaborator and explain why that research unit would be a good fit for their proposed project.
The Kohli Foundation particularly welcomes applications from women and scholars belonging to academically underrepresented groups.
Only one fellow is selected per year, making the fellowship a highly competitive opportunity for early-career sociologists.
Additional Information
Fellowship Locations
The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology supports two potential host environments.
European University Institute, Fiesole/Florence
Kohli Fellows at the EUI join the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies and work with a faculty advisor. They can participate in fieldwork, training, conferences and workshops while connecting with other postdoctoral researchers through the programme.
The supplied information lists September 1, 2028 as the start date for the EUI fellowship following the Fall 2027 application cycle.
WZB, Berlin
Kohli Fellows at the WZB become members of a research unit and participate in the institution’s scholarly activities. Fellows can conduct fieldwork, attend internal seminars and conferences, organize workshops and receive support tailored to their research and career-development needs.
The supplied information lists October 1, 2027 as the WZB fellowship start date.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
- Academic Career Statement.
- Research Proposal.
- Names of two to three academic referees.
Applicants are encouraged to contact their referees in advance and confirm that they are willing to provide a reference if required.
The application material should demonstrate the applicant’s academic achievements, research direction and suitability for the proposed host institution.
Application Timeline
For the WZB fellowship, the supplied information gives the following timeline:
- Fall 2026: Application deadline
- Winter 2026/2027: Interviews, selection and notification
- October 1, 2027: Fellowship begins at WZB
For the EUI fellowship, the supplied information gives:
- Fall 2027: Deadline for the Max Weber Programme application
- Winter 2027/2028: Interviews, selection and notification
- September 1, 2028: Fellowship begins at EUI
Applicants should carefully check the applicable call and official application materials for the exact deadline and fellowship route they intend to pursue, as the supplied information presents separate timelines for WZB and EUI.
Connect Funding for Early-Career Sociologists
The Kohli Foundation also operates a separate Connect funding programme supporting events designed to promote the academic development and professional growth of early-career sociologists.
Eligible formats include academic schools, mentoring and professional-development events, workshops and retreats. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis until the annual budget has been exhausted.
For the latest fellowship information, application forms and funding guidelines, applicants should consult the official Kohli Foundation for Sociology website.
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