Call for Applications: Research Opportunities for Early-Career Scholars from the Global South
The German Association for Peace and Conflict Studies (AFK) invites applications for its
fellowship program supporting early-career researchers (late-stage PhD or early postdoc) from
the Global South.
With the programme “Research Access for Early Career Researchers from the Global South,”
AFK is committed to promoting greater equality of opportunity, diversity, and epistemic justice
within the international academic system. The programme aims to specifically support early
career researchers from the Global South, increase the visibility of their research, and foster
their long-term integration into networks of German-speaking peace and conflict research.
As part of an annual call for applications, selected early career researchers are given the
opportunity to present their work at the AFK Colloquium and to complete a one-week research
stay at a university or research institution in Germany. The programme is accompanied by
structured mentoring, individual matchmaking with suitable host institutions, support with
travel and visa arrangements, as well as preparatory and follow-up online formats.
The programme promotes academic exchange between the Global South and the Global North,
strengthens underrepresented perspectives in peace and conflict research, and contributes to
the critical internationalisation and decolonisation of academic knowledge production. In the
long term, an international alumni network is being established to enable sustainable
cooperation, joint projects, and new impulses for research and academic practice.
About the Program
The program offers selected scholars the opportunity to:
- Present their research at the annual AFK Colloquium in Germany (next event: 10-
12.03.2027 in Freiburg). - Spend one week at a German university or research institute.
- Exchange with an academic mentor.
- Receive structured mentoring and academic networking opportunities with German
researchers. - Participate in preparatory online briefings.
- Join a post-program online reflection and become part of an emerging alumni network.
The program is designed to strengthen epistemic justice, diversify academic debates, and build
long-term connections between Global South researchers and the German peace and conflict
research community
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be based at an institution in the Global South.
- Be in the late stages of a PhD or in an early postdoc phase (not more than 5 years after
completing the PhD). - Conduct research in peace and conflict studies or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate innovative and relevant research with strong potential for academic
exchange.:
Applications from scholars who belong to underrepresented groups (e.g. along lines of gender,
sexuality, race, class, or other marginalized backgrounds) are especially encouraged.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following documents (in English) by 7th of September 2026:
- Paper proposal for presentation at the AFK Colloquium. The Call for Papers can be found
online. - Motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- One reference letter.
Application Timeline
- Application period: Juli – 7
th of September 2026 (for the following year’s colloquium). - Notification of results: by October 2026.
- Program start in Germany: March/April 2027 (AFK Colloquium + research stay).
Funding
The program covers:
- International travel costs, visa, and health insurance.
- Accommodation and per diem in Germany.
- Participation fees for the AFK Colloquium.
How to Apply
All documents should be submitted online.
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Samantha Ruppel (afk-gf@afk-web.de)