Brief Information
Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026 is a prestigious fully funded multidisciplinary doctoral program hosted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with the Max Planck Society. The program focuses on democracy, national security, human rights, rule of law, and emerging challenges such as AI and democratic governance. Successful candidates will join an international research community and receive generous annual funding.
This call is for the second cohort of doctoral fellows, starting in October 2026.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Multidisciplinary PhD Program in Democracy, Security and Human Rights (Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026)
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Start Date: October 2026
- Location: Jerusalem, Israel (on-site, Mount Scopus Campus)
- Funding: €24,000 per year (up to 3 years)
- Additional Benefits: Travel funding for international conferences
- Host Institutions: Faculty of Law, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Organisers: Max Planck Center for Democracy, Security and Human Rights & Minerva Center for Human Rights
- Study Fields: Law, Social Sciences, Humanities (including Education & Social Work)
Table of Contents
Overview
The Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026 is offered under the International Max Planck Center for Democracy, Security and Human Rights, a joint initiative between the Minerva Center for Human Rights at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg, Germany, operating under the Max Planck Society.
The program responds to some of the most urgent global challenges of our time, including democratic decline and resilience, the balance between national security and human rights, judicial review and the rule of law, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on democratic systems. Doctoral fellows will work closely with leading scholars from Israel, Germany, and beyond, benefiting from a truly international and interdisciplinary academic environment.
Participants are integrated into a vibrant research community, with regular seminars, conferences, and an annual joint workshop in Freiburg, Germany. Dedicated workspace is provided at the Minerva Center for Human Rights on the Mount Scopus campus, and fellows are expected to be present on campus at least three days per week, actively contributing to academic life.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible for doctoral studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Academic background in Law, Social Sciences, or Humanities (including Education and Social Work)
- Research proposal directly related to democracy, security, human rights, and/or rule of law
- Strong academic record and research potential
- Candidates not yet enrolled at Hebrew University may apply, provided they indicate potential supervisors
The program strongly encourages applications from diverse disciplinary, national, and social backgrounds.
Application Details
Applicants must submit the following documents in English:
- Letter of interest
- Detailed academic CV
- Doctoral research proposal (2–3 pages) outlining relevance to democracy, security, and human rights
- Two recommendation letters (one from current doctoral supervisor if already enrolled)
Submission Format:
All documents must be combined into one PDF file and sent by email.
Application Email:
📧 [email protected]
Recommendation letters may be submitted separately.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in late March or early April 2026, with final decisions announced shortly thereafter.
FAQ
1. Is the Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026 fully funded?
Yes. Selected fellows receive €24,000 per year for up to three years, subject to annual review.
2. Do I need to be enrolled at Hebrew University before applying?
No. Applicants who are not yet enrolled may apply but must indicate potential supervisors.
3. Is international travel supported?
Yes. Additional travel funding for international conferences may be available.
4. Where will the PhD be awarded?
The degree will be awarded by the relevant department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Official Link
👉 Apply and read the full official- Democracy Security and Human Rights PhD 2026 – call here:
https://en.minervacenter.huji.ac.il/sites/default/files/minervacenteren/files/phd_program.pdf
For further academic context on human rights research, you may also explore resources from the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law.
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