Apply now for the 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme on Oceanic Horizons
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme, 'Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet'. The six-week programme for twelve international participants runs from August to September 2027, with a deadline of 14 December 2026.
Applications for the 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme on Oceanic Horizons are now open. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation seeks twelve international participants for a six-week, transdisciplinary exchange focused on the future of the world's oceans.
The programme will unfold across Germany. It starts with a two-week stay at Cultural Foundation Schloss Wiepersdorf in Brandenburg from 2 to 13 August 2027. Participants then move to a Berlin aparthotel for four weeks, from 13 August to 10 September. The schedule includes excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. A virtual kick-off meeting is set for 29 June 2027, and full in-person attendance for the entire period is mandatory.
Participant categories and eligibility
Twelve places are allocated across three distinct participant categories. Each group has specific eligibility criteria, but all applicants must demonstrate expertise related to the oceanic theme and a commitment to communicating their work beyond academia. They must also hold an academic position and be based outside of Germany.
| Category | Number of Positions | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Humboldt Foundation Alumni | 5 | Must have previously received a fellowship or award from the Foundation; cannot be receiving other foundation funding at the residency's start. |
| Early-Career Researchers | 3 | Must be pursuing a PhD or have completed it less than four years before August 2027; must have experience in science communication or linking research to societal contexts. |
| Civil Society Practitioners | 4 | Cannot currently hold an academic position; must demonstrate a clear connection to the theme through previous work in eligible fields. |
Civil Society Practitioners can come from diverse backgrounds. This includes creatives like journalists, authors, filmmakers, and artists. It also encompasses practitioners in politics, social entrepreneurship, NGOs, or consultancy.
Funding and support details
Selected residents receive comprehensive support. The package includes a monthly allowance and a travel allowance for trips to and from Germany. All accommodation is provided: two weeks at Schloss Wiepersdorf and four weeks in a Berlin aparthotel. A dedicated budget is available for organising public engagement events or final outputs. The Foundation also offers suitable family accommodation and assistance with childcare for participants travelling with dependent family members, subject to programme conditions.
Application process and timeline
The application deadline is 14 December 2026. Candidates must submit a Curriculum Vitae of no more than three pages in PDF format and a 60-second introduction video in landscape format. The Foundation will assess applications on a rolling basis. A selection committee meets in mid-February 2027, with final decisions expected by the end of that month.
An online information session is scheduled for 24 November 2026, from 14:00 to 15:00 CET. The Foundation states the initiative aims to ensure the knowledge generated reaches wider audiences and contributes to public conversation. "The six-week residency will provide twelve selected participants with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop innovative ideas and establish international collaborations," the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation said. The programme encourages moving beyond traditional disciplines to engage with stakeholders and incorporate creative perspectives on the ocean's influence on identities and global imaginations. Applicants are encouraged to attend the November information session and submit their materials before the December deadline.
