The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2026 has officially opened its call for applications, marking an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral researchers from across the globe to take their academic careers to the next level.
This fellowship, funded by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, is one of Europe’s most respected postdoctoral awards. It enables young sociologists to carry out independent research for two years at either the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) in Germany or the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.
This guide provides a detailed explanation of what the fellowship offers, who can apply, where successful applicants will study, and why this opportunity is particularly valuable for international scholars seeking to expand their academic horizons in sociology.
Understanding the Purpose of the Kohli Fellowship
The Kohli Fellowship was established in honor of Professor Martin Kohli, a distinguished sociologist known for his pioneering work in life course and generational studies. The fellowship is designed to continue his intellectual legacy by supporting promising young scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies with exceptional results.
The program is not just a research stay—it is a platform for fellows to launch new academic projects, refine their postdoctoral research ideas, build international collaborations, and publish groundbreaking work in sociology and related fields.
The fellowship provides financial support for a two-year postdoctoral appointment, during which fellows are expected to pursue a new research agenda, attend professional development activities, and engage actively in the academic life of their host institution.
Academic Destinations: Berlin and Florence
Kohli Fellows have the option of conducting their research at one of two world-renowned European institutions, each offering distinct advantages and research environments.
1# The Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Germany
The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a hub for interdisciplinary social science research and one of Europe’s largest non-university research institutions. It focuses on investigating social and political change in modern societies, addressing issues such as inequality, governance, democracy, and the transformation of work.
As a Kohli Fellow at WZB, you will become part of a vibrant intellectual community composed of international researchers working on a wide array of topics within sociology, political science, and economics. Fellows are integrated into one of WZB’s specialized research units that best fits their academic background and proposed project.
During the fellowship, you will be able to conduct fieldwork, participate in internal seminars, attend national and international conferences, and organize your own workshops or academic events. WZB’s open and collaborative structure encourages innovative thinking and provides continuous support through mentoring and career development programs.
2# The European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy
The European University Institute (EUI), located in Fiesole, a picturesque area overlooking Florence, is a leading institution for advanced research in the social sciences and humanities. Kohli Fellows hosted at EUI join the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, which is the largest postdoctoral training program in Europe.
At EUI, each fellow is assigned a faculty advisor who helps guide their research progress and professional development. Fellows enjoy access to EUI’s extensive academic resources, interdisciplinary seminars, and training workshops. They also participate in conferences, undertake field research, and organize their own scholarly events.
The fellowship at EUI provides a culturally rich and academically diverse setting that allows researchers to grow as independent thinkers and contributors to the global sociological discourse.
Who Can Apply for the Kohli Fellowship in 2026?
The Kohli Fellowship welcomes applicants of all nationalities who have completed their PhD in sociology or a related discipline within the past five years. Candidates must have successfully defended their dissertation before the fellowship begins.
The selection committee is particularly interested in candidates whose research aligns with the thematic focus of either WZB or EUI, especially those dealing with life course research, generational dynamics, and the sociology of social change. However, innovative projects from other areas of sociology are also welcome.
The program is committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from women and scholars from underrepresented academic backgrounds.
What the Fellowship Offers?
The Kohli Fellowship provides far more than financial support—it offers a structured academic environment where researchers can thrive and strengthen their professional standing in international academia.
During the two-year fellowship, successful applicants receive institutional affiliation, access to research infrastructure, mentorship from established scholars, and opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects. The fellowship is designed to allow maximum flexibility for the researcher’s own project while ensuring access to the intellectual and professional resources of the host institution.
Fellows are encouraged to use their time to develop their research project into publishable articles, participate in international conferences, and organize workshops to disseminate their findings. They are also expected to contribute to the intellectual community of their host institution by engaging in discussions, seminars, and collaborative events.
By the end of the fellowship, participants emerge not only as specialists in their chosen field but also as active contributors to the global sociology community.
The Application Process in Detail
Applying for the Kohli Fellowship requires a clear, well-prepared application that demonstrates your research excellence and alignment with the program’s goals. The application process is rigorous and emphasizes both academic quality and the potential impact of your proposed research.
Each application must include the following documents to this application portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This should detail your academic qualifications, research experience, publications, awards, and other relevant achievements.
- Academic Career Statement: A concise narrative outlining your academic journey, main research interests, and long-term career aspirations.
- Research Proposal: The most critical part of the application. Your proposal should outline the research question, methodology, theoretical framework, expected outcomes, and how your project contributes to the field of sociology.
- References: The names and contact details of two to three academic referees who can provide letters of recommendation if requested. Candidates should ensure that referees have agreed in advance to support their application.
Applications are evaluated by academic experts based on scholarly excellence, originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to the host institution’s research themes.
The Selection Procedure
Selection for the Kohli Fellowship follows a competitive, merit-based process. After an initial eligibility screening, applications undergo academic review by faculty members and research committees at the host institutions.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, which may be conducted in person or online. During these interviews, applicants discuss their research proposal, academic background, and motivation for applying.
Final selections are made collaboratively between the WZB, EUI, and the Kohli Foundation for Sociology. Only one fellow is selected each year, ensuring that the chosen researcher receives extensive attention, mentorship, and institutional support.
Successful candidates are expected to take up residence in either Berlin or Florence for the full duration of the fellowship and to actively participate in the academic life of the host institution.
Important Dates to Remember
The timeline for the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2026 has been clearly defined to help applicants plan their submissions in advance. All interested candidates must submit their complete application packages by 16 November 2025, which is the official application deadline for the WZB.
Following the submission phase, the interview and selection process will take place during Winter 2025/2026, when shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation through interviews and academic review.
Successful applicants will officially begin their fellowship on 1 October 2026, marking the start of their two-year postdoctoral research term at either the WZB Berlin Social Science Center or the European University Institute in Florence.