The Einstein Fellowship 2027 in Germany is a prestigious 6-month fully funded research opportunity for outstanding young thinkers under 35 who want to pursue interdisciplinary projects beyond their previous academic work. Hosted by the Einstein Forum in collaboration with the Wittenstein Foundation, fellows reside in Albert Einstein’s historic summerhouse garden cottage in Caputh, Brandenburg, receiving €10,000 stipend, travel reimbursement, and accommodation while developing original research at the intersection of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Supports outstanding young thinkers with interdisciplinary interests
- Inspired by Albert Einstein
- Organized by Einstein Forum and Wittenstein Foundation
- Fellowship name: Einstein Fellowship 2027.
- Host organizations: Einstein Forum & Wittenstein Foundation.
- Location: Caputh, Brandenburg (Einstein summerhouse); near Potsdam/Berlin.
- Duration: 5-6 months.
- Application deadline: May 15, 2026.
- Stipend: €10,000 total.
- Eligibility: Under 35 years; university degree (humanities/social/natural sciences).
- Annual award: 1 fellowship.
Institution Details
The Einstein Forum, located near Potsdam and Berlin, promotes interdisciplinary dialogue following Albert Einstein’s intellectual legacy of crossing disciplinary boundaries. Partnering with the Wittenstein Foundation, the fellowship provides unparalleled access to Einstein’s summerhouse in Caputh – just 30 minutes from Berlin’s academic ecosystem – creating an inspiring environment for bold, unconventional thinking that transcends traditional academic silos.
Study Areas
The fellowship supports bold interdisciplinary projects crossing traditional boundaries:
Humanities-Science Intersections:
- Philosophy of science and technology
- History of ideas and scientific discovery
- Art-science collaborations.
Social Science-Natural Science:
Natural Sciences-Humanities:
- Quantum physics and metaphysics
- Biology and philosophical implications
- Environmental science and cultural narratives.
Emerging Frontiers:
- Complex systems theory across disciplines
- Technology ethics and human values
- Global challenges requiring hybrid approaches.
Projects must demonstrate originality beyond applicant’s prior work.
Einstein Fellowship Benefits
- Stay 5–6 months in Einstein’s summerhouse (Caputh, Germany)
- Travel expenses covered
- €10,000 stipend for 6 months (~€1,667/month).
- Fully furnished accommodation in Einstein’s garden cottage, Caputh.
- Travel reimbursement (international/domestic).
- Workspace at Einstein Forum, Potsdam/Berlin access.
- Research support (printing, materials).
- Public presentation opportunity at Einstein Forum/Wittenstein Foundation.
- Interdisciplinary networking with Forum scholars.
- Historic inspiration – Einstein’s personal summerhouse.
Benefits not included
- Visa costs (Schengen visa self-funded).
- Private health insurance supplements.
- Family/dependents accommodation.
- Extended stay beyond 6 months.
- Publication costs post-fellowship.
- Conference travel funding.
Eligibility Criteria for the Einstein Fellowship
- Age: Under 35
- Must have a university degree (any field: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences)
- PhD not required
- Academic: University degree in humanities, social sciences, OR natural sciences.
- Project originality: Must explore different field from previous research.
- Not for: Completing PhD/dissertation or ongoing academic work.
- Open globally: All nationalities eligible.
- Intellectual qualities: Superior ability, creativity, interdisciplinary curiosity.
Project Criteria
- Must be different from your previous field/work
- Should be original, high-quality, and feasible
- Can be the start of a long-term project
- ❌ Not for dissertation or ongoing academic research
After Selection
- Present your project in a public lecture at:
- Einstein Forum
- Wittenstein Foundation
⚠️ Important Notes
- Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged
- Recommendation letters can be sent directly by referees via email
Required Documents for the Application
Submit as PDF (English):
- CV
- 2-page project proposal
- 2 recommendation letters
- (Optional) Cover letter
- All documents must be in PDF
Email to: [email protected] by 15 May 2026.
Einstein Fellowship Application Process
- Step 1: Develop interdisciplinary project outside your expertise.
- Step 2: Write concise 2-page proposal (problem, approach, impact).
- Step 3: Secure 2 strong recommenders (contact Einstein Forum if needed).
- Step 4: Prepare professional CV highlighting intellectual versatility.
- Step 5: Submit PDF package to [email protected] by 15 May 2026.
- Step 6: Selection committee review (June 2026).
- Step 7: Notification (July 2026).
- Step 8: Relocate to Caputh; commence fall/winter 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- True interdisciplinarity: Blend distinct fields (physicist + philosophy).
- Einstein spirit: Bold, unconventional, boundary-breaking proposal.
- 2-page constraint: Ruthless editing; maximum impact.
- Referee strategy: Cross-disciplinary recommenders strengthen case.
- Caputh context: Leverage Einstein Forum/Potsdam/Berlin resources.
- Publication potential: Outline tangible research outputs.
- Early submission: May 15 deadline; referees need lead time.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 0 (provided) | Einstein cottage fully furnished. |
| Food | 400-600 | Brandenburg groceries + Berlin dining. |
| Transport | 80-150 | Potsdam-Berlin S-Bahn monthly pass. |
| Utilities | 120-200 | Included in cottage. |
| Internet/Phone | 40-70 | Mobile data + home broadband. |
| Research | 50-100 | Printing/library fees. |
| Total | 690-1,120 | €10K stipend covers comfortably. |
Caputh serenity: Quiet research haven near Berlin excitement.
Why Choose This Fellowship?
- Einstein legacy – reside in historic summerhouse.
- €10,000 + housing – substantial 6-month support.
- Interdisciplinary freedom – pursue unconventional ideas.
- Berlin/Potsdam access – world-class research ecosystem.
- Global prestige – Einstein Forum/Wittenstein endorsement.
- Publication pathway – public presentation catalyzes impact.
- Early career accelerator – under 35 focus.
Frequently Asked Questions about the fellowship
Duration?
5-6 months residential.
PhD required?
No – university degree sufficient.
Interdisciplinary mandatory?
Yes – different field from prior work.
Family accommodation?
Not included – individual researchers.
Nationalities?
All welcome globally.
Housing location?
Einstein summerhouse cottage, Caputh.
