Barbara Huber Scholarship 2026 at Max Planck Institute Open
Researchers planning advanced work in criminal law, public law, or criminology now have a funded opportunity to spend several months at one of Germany’s most respected legal research institutes. The Barbara Huber Scholarship 2026 at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is accepting applications from international academics who want to pursue independent research in Germany with financial support and institutional access.
The Barbara Huber Scholarship is designed for doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, professors, and experienced academics affiliated with foreign research institutions. The programme supports innovative legal and criminology research projects that introduce new perspectives, findings, or approaches in criminal law, public law, or criminology. Successful applicants receive monthly funding of up to EUR 3,200 and may also qualify for additional research or academic travel support during their stay in Europe.
A research-focused opportunity for international scholars
Unlike traditional degree scholarships, the Barbara Huber Scholarship is built around short-term academic research stays. Selected researchers will spend between two and six months at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg, Germany, working on independent projects while engaging with one of Europe’s strongest legal research environments.
For applicants looking to strengthen their international research profile, build European academic collaborations, or gain access to German research networks, this programme offers a focused pathway without requiring full enrolment in a degree programme.
The scholarship is specifically intended for academics from foreign research institutions, making it particularly attractive for international applicants seeking temporary research mobility opportunities in Europe.
Funding depends on academic level
The scholarship amount varies according to the applicant’s academic position. Doctoral candidates receive EUR 1,650 per month, while postdoctoral researchers are awarded EUR 2,700 monthly. Professors and experienced researchers receive EUR 3,200 per month during their funded stay in Germany.
In addition to the monthly stipend, the institute may also provide grants for expenses connected to academic events, conferences, or additional research activities in Germany and other European countries. This added flexibility could benefit applicants planning archival work, collaborative research visits, or participation in international legal conferences during their scholarship period.
Applicants should note that the programme does not include degree tuition because it is a research residency rather than a university admissions scholarship. Health insurance is mandatory, and all selected scholars must arrange adequate insurance coverage before arrival in Germany.
Who should consider applying?
The Barbara Huber Scholarship is best suited for applicants whose research projects are highly specialized and capable of contributing original academic insights. The institute places strong emphasis on innovative research that introduces new perspectives, questions, or findings within its core subject areas.
This opportunity may be particularly relevant for:
- PhD researchers working on advanced legal or criminology topics
- Postdoctoral scholars seeking international research exposure
- Senior academics developing comparative legal studies
- Researchers exploring emerging issues related to crime, law, governance, or security
Because each department at the institute may award only one Barbara Huber Scholarship per calendar year, the programme is expected to remain highly competitive. Applicants with clearly defined, research-driven proposals closely aligned with the institute’s expertise are likely to stand out more strongly than general applications.
What applicants need to prepare?
The application process is heavily research-oriented, meaning the quality of the proposal and previous academic work will play a major role in selection decisions. Applicants are required to submit:
- A detailed CV
- A list of academic publications
- Up to three German or English publications in PDF format
- A research project description between 5 and 10 pages
For many applicants, the research proposal will likely become the most important part of the application because the programme specifically prioritizes projects capable of contributing meaningful scholarly advancements in criminology, criminal law, or public law.
The last date to apply for the Barbara Huber Scholarship 2026 is 31 May 2025 for research stays taking place in the following calendar year.
For international researchers looking for funded academic time in Europe without entering a full degree programme, the Barbara Huber Scholarship offers a relatively rare combination of research freedom, institutional prestige, and financial support. At the same time, the programme is clearly designed for serious academic specialists, meaning applicants with sharply focused research goals and strong publication backgrounds are likely to have the strongest chances of selection.