The German Association for Peace and Conflict Studies (AFK) has opened applications for its fellowship programme supporting early-career researchers from the Global South, offering selected scholars an opportunity to present their research at the AFK Colloquium in Germany and undertake a one-week research stay at a German university or research institution.
The programme, known as “Research Access for Early Career Researchers from the Global South,” aims to promote greater equality of opportunity, diversity, and greater representation of Global South perspectives in peace and conflict research.
The selected researchers will also receive structured mentoring, academic networking opportunities, and support with travel and visa arrangements. They will be matched with suitable host institutions in Germany and participate in preparatory and follow-up online sessions.
The next AFK Colloquium is scheduled to hold from March 10 to 12, 2027, in Freiburg, Germany. Fellows will have the opportunity to present their research during the event and spend one week at a German university or research institute.
To be eligible, applicants must be based at an institution in the Global South and be in the late stages of a PhD or within five years of completing a PhD. Their research must focus on peace and conflict studies or a closely related discipline and demonstrate potential for academic exchange.
Applicants are required to submit a paper proposal for presentation at the AFK Colloquium, a motivation letter of no more than two pages, a curriculum vitae, and one reference letter. All application documents must be submitted in English by September 7, 2026.
The programme will cover international travel costs, visa and health insurance, accommodation and per diem in Germany, as well as participation fees for the AFK Colloquium.
The AFK said the programme is intended to strengthen academic exchange between the Global South and Global North, support underrepresented perspectives in peace and conflict research, and build long-term connections between Global South researchers and the German peace and conflict research community.
Applications close on September 7, 2026.
For more information, please visit https://afk-web.de/en/early-career_global-south/.
