Brief Information
The HIIG Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious international research fellowship hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany.
This six-week, in-person program brings together interdisciplinary researchers working at the intersection of society, technology, and democratic governance.
The fellowship focuses on the 2026 priority theme Democratic Change and Knowledge, addressing critical challenges of democracy in the digital age.
Key Dates & Details
Mandatory Component: One-week collaborative sprint on democratic change and knowledge
Program Name: Internet and Gesellschaft (HIIG) Fellowship 2026
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
Fellowship Period: 1 June – 18 July 2026 (6 weeks, in-person)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Type: On-site research fellowship
Target Group: Master’s graduates with PhD in progress, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers
Funding: Unpaid (office desk fee and research activities covered)
Organizer: Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
Mandatory Component: One-week collaborative sprint on democratic change and knowledge
Table of Contents
Overview
The HIIG Fellowship 2026 is designed for innovative and interdisciplinary researchers interested in exploring how digital technologies shape democratic societies. Hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, the fellowship provides fellows with the opportunity to work in Berlin within one of Europe’s leading research institutes focused on internet governance, digital transformation, and social change.
During the six-week residency, fellows benefit from a balance of independent research time and collaborative academic exchange. Participants become part of HIIG’s international research environment and actively engage with resident scholars, research directors, and visiting experts.
A defining feature of the HIIG Fellowship 2026 is its central research focus on Democratic Change and Knowledge. This theme examines how knowledge, science, and expertise influence democratic self-determination in times of digital disruption, contested facts, and rising populism.
The program integrates political science, law, sociology, and media studies to analyze how democratic systems can remain resilient in the digital era. Fellows are encouraged to contribute fresh perspectives, theoretical approaches, and empirical insights related to democratic governance and digital knowledge systems.
Eligibility
Applicants for the HIIG Fellowship 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree with a PhD in progress or planned (Junior Fellow), or
be an advanced PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher (Senior Fellow) - Demonstrated academic or applied research experience
- Clear research focus aligned with democratic change and knowledge
- Strong interest in digital society, governance, and technology
- Fluency in English (working language of the fellowship)
- An initial research idea to be developed during the fellowship period
HIIG particularly welcomes applications that address questions such as:
- How does declining trust in scientific expertise affect democratic institutions?
- What legal and institutional frameworks can support democratic knowledge systems?
- How do AI-based systems influence accountability in democratic decision-making?
- How should expertise contribute to liberal democratic processes?
- How can science engage citizens and strengthen trust in democracy?
Application Details
To apply for the HIIG Fellowship 2026, candidates must submit their application online by 31 January 2026.
Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter (1 page), outlining:
- Interest in the HIIG Fellowship
- Research background
- Expectations from the fellowship
- Research Idea Outline (maximum 1 page), including:
- A) Research interest and connection to Democratic Change and Knowledge
- B) Proposed research project or initiative
- C) Expected outcomes or deliverables
- (Optional) One writing or work sample (English or German) relevant to the research area
Applications must be submitted through the official HIIG application form. Applicants are encouraged to review the official FAQ section before applying.
For additional guidance on academic research fellowships in Europe, you may also explore resources from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Is the HIIG Fellowship 2026 funded?
No. The fellowship is unpaid, but HIIG covers office desk fees and supports workshops and collaborative activities.
Is participation in the sprint mandatory?
Yes. Participation in the one-week sprint on democratic change and knowledge is compulsory.
Can fellows stay longer than six weeks?
Yes. Extensions beyond the official six-week period are possible at the fellow’s own expense.
What language is used during the fellowship?
All fellowship activities are conducted in English.
Official Link
Apply now and access full official details for the HIIG Fellowship 2026 on the institute’s website:
👉 Official Application Page: https://www.hiig.de/call-for-applications-fellowship-2026/
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