Germany Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2026

Are you a passionate professional dedicated to advancing sustainable development and eager to make a meaningful difference in the world? Applications are now open for the prestigious Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2026 at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam, Germany!

About the Fellowship

Named in honor of Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, the inaugural director of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), this fellowship supports innovative leaders from diverse sectors—including science, the arts, civil society, business, and politics. The goal is to promote transformative initiatives with lasting impacts that tackle essential sustainability issues.

The fellowship lasts one year, beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with flexible participation arrangements. However, fellows are expected to work in person in Potsdam, Germany, and actively participate in research and collaboration at RIFS.

Why You Should Apply

The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship is a unique opportunity to:

Engage with leading experts in sustainability.
Conduct impactful research on pressing global challenges.
Develop innovative solutions for sustainability policies and practices.
Join a dynamic network of professionals committed to sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements

This fellowship is designed for highly skilled individuals who:

Have at least 10 years of experience in sustainability-related fields.
Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge from domains such as science, policy, arts, business, or civil society.
Possess global experience across various nations and cultures.
Propose a project that successfully addresses sustainability challenges using innovative methods.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

Motivation Letter (max. 6,500 characters): Describe how you connect various sectors and how you discovered this fellowship.
Project Proposal (max. 15,000 characters): Include your project’s title, goals, research areas, action plan, anticipated impact, and budget.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max. 10,000 characters): Highlight your professional journey and five major accomplishments.
Two Letters of Recommendation: Provide names and contact details of referees.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a specialized selection committee and external consultants. The fellowship will be awarded in late 2025.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

A monthly stipend to support their research.
Up to €30,000 in discretionary funds for travel, publications, workshops, or artistic projects.
Access to a vibrant research environment at RIFS, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.