Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27

Brief Information

The Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27 is a prestigious international fellowship hosted by the Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) at Sabancı University in partnership with Stiftung Mercator.
The program brings together academics, journalists, and policy professionals to conduct independent, policy-relevant research.
Fellows are based in Istanbul and become part of a dynamic international policy and research environment.

Key Dates & Details

• Program Name: Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27
• Host Institution: Istanbul Policy Center (IPC), Sabancı University
• Organiser: IPC – Sabancı University & Stiftung Mercator
• Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
• Program Type: Fully funded research fellowship
• Thematic Areas:
  • EU / German–Turkish Relations
  • Climate Change
• Target Group: Academics, journalists, practitioners, policy professionals
• Application Deadline: N/A (see official call)
• Working Language: English

Overview

The Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27 is designed to support high-quality, independent research that contributes to evidence-based policymaking and informed public debate. Hosted at the Istanbul Policy Center, the program offers fellows the opportunity to work in a highly stimulating academic and policy-oriented setting in Istanbul.

The fellowship focuses on two strategically significant thematic areas: EU / German–Turkish relations and climate change. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative research projects that address contemporary policy challenges, offer comparative or interdisciplinary perspectives, and demonstrate clear relevance for decision-makers and the broader public.

Throughout the fellowship period, participants benefit from IPC’s extensive academic resources, policy networks, seminars, and public events. The Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27 also promotes dialogue between academia, media, and practice, making it particularly suitable for professionals aiming to bridge research with real-world policy impact.

Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the intellectual life of the Istanbul Policy Center by participating in workshops, producing publications, and engaging in outreach activities that enhance the visibility and societal relevance of their research.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27 should meet the following criteria:

• Be an academic, journalist, practitioner, or policy professional
• Demonstrate strong interest or expertise in:
  • EU / German–Turkish relations, or
  • Climate change and related policy fields
• Submit a clear, original, and well-structured research proposal
• Have an excellent command of English
• Be available to reside in Istanbul for the fellowship duration

The program is open to applicants from all countries worldwide.

Application Details

To apply for the Mercator IPC Fellowship Program 2026/27, candidates must prepare a complete application package in line with the official call. Application requirements typically include:

• A detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing samples or publications (where applicable)
• Any additional documents requested by the organizers

Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines and submit their materials according to the instructions provided by the Istanbul Policy Center. Due to the competitive nature of the program, early preparation is strongly advised.

FAQ

Official Link

👉 Read the full official Mercator IPC Fellowship Program call and application details here:
🔗 https://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/en/about-55cfa89a

🔎 Visit more global fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities on
👉 Visit More Opportunities – oppotify.com