The Megatrends Afrika project has announced its 2025 Fellowships, offering three African postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research in Germany. Hosted by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), the fellowships focus on the intersection of global megatrends and African political and economic development.
Facts About the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
- Leading Think Tank: The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is one of the leading think tanks in Europe, focusing on global sustainable development.
- Interdisciplinary Research: IDOS conducts interdisciplinary research, combining economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology to address complex development issues.
- Global Network: The institute has a strong global network, collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.
- Policy-Relevant Research: IDOS is committed to producing policy-relevant research, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
- Capacity Building: The institute offers capacity-building programs for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from developing countries.
- Publication Powerhouse: IDOS publishes numerous reports, working papers, and journal articles, making it a powerhouse of development research.
- Diverse Funding: The institute receives funding from a diverse range of sources, including the German government, international organizations, and private foundations.
- Located in Bonn: IDOS is located in Bonn, Germany, a city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and international organizations.
- Strong Alumni Network: The institute has a strong alumni network, with former researchers and staff holding prominent positions in governments, international organizations, and academia.
- Committed to Sustainability: IDOS is committed to sustainability, both in its research and operations, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Rewards For Megatrends Afrika Fellowships 2025 at German Institute of Development and Sustainability
Selected fellows for German institute of development and sustainability for the class of 2025 will receive:
- A monthly grant of €2,800 for the duration of the 3-month fellowship.
- Economy-class round-trip airfarebetween their home country and Germany.
- Financial support for public transport, mobile phone credit, and ancillary costs in Germany.
- A support letter for visa applications, if required.
Fellows will have access to resources and mentorship at their host institution in Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS), or Kiel (IfW), and will actively participate in project meetings, events, and other activities.
Eligibility For Megatrends Afrika Fellowships 2025 at German Institute of Development and Sustainability
The fellowship is open to African researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Ph.D. in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or related fields.
- Have a strong research and publication record relevant to the Megatrends Afrika project.
- Demonstrate an ability to produce impactful, policy-relevant work.
- Experience in scientific policy advice is an added advantage.
Research Topics For Megatrends Afrika Fellowships 2025 at German Institute of Development and Sustainability
Applicants are encouraged to propose a Megatrends Policy Brief aligned with one of the following themes:
- Violent Actors and Transformation of Conflict
- Examining how violent conflicts reshape political order.
- Exploring the influence of technological innovations and global power dynamics on armed conflict in Africa.
- Megatrends and Democratization vs. Autocratization
- Investigating how trends like demographic change, digitalization, urbanization, and climate change influence democratic or autocratic developments.
- Global Power Shifts and Multipolarity
- Analyzing the evolving roles of external actors (e.g., China, Russia, UAE, Turkey, USA) in Africa’s international relations.
How To Apply For Megatrends Afrika Fellowships 2025 at German Institute of Development and Sustainability
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file and include:
- A 1-page letter of motivation.
- An academic CV, including a list of publications.
- A sample of two recent publications.
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts and diplomas.
- A concept note (maximum 2,000 words) detailing the proposed research project, including its academic and policy relevance, feasibility, and theoretical and methodological framework.
Submit applications via email to Megatrends-Afrika@swp-berlin.org
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CET.