re:constitution Fellowships 2026/27: Research Mobility Program on Democracy and Rule of Law in Europe

Deadline: 5 March 2026, 12:00 CET
Stipend: €2,500 per mobility month

The prestigious re:constitution Fellowships are now open for applications for the 2026/27 cohort. A total of 15 fellowships will be awarded across two tracks, offering early- to mid-career scholars and practitioners the opportunity to conduct independent research on democracy and the rule of law in Europe.

Running from October 2026 to July 2027, this Europe-wide mobility programme combines research stays, high-level exchange, and participation in a growing interdisciplinary alumni network dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law throughout Europe.

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About the re:constitution Fellowship

Democracy and the rule of law are mutually reinforcing pillars of European integration—yet increasingly challenged across the continent. The re:constitution programme supports emerging leaders who are engaging with these issues through rigorous research, practical work, and cross-border dialogue.

Since 2019, the fellowship has supported scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, civil society experts, and journalists who are examining how democracy and rule of law are evolving across the EU and its neighbourhood. Fellows join a vibrant community where academic and practical expertise meet through mobility, exchange and collaborative learning.

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Fellowship Tracks

TRACK 1 — Full-Time Fellowship

(8 Fellowships available for scholars and practitioners)

• Mobility: 6 months (full-time), taken flexibly between Oct 2026–Jul 2027
• Research stays: TWO host institutions in different countries
  • One academic institution
  • One practical/policy-focused institution
• Stipend: €2,500 per month (6 months total)
• Required participation:
  • Three Fellows’ Exchange Meetings (Berlin + online + abroad)
  • Online Fellow Talks research presentation

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TRACK 2 — Part-Time or Full-Time Mobility for Practitioners

(7 Fellowships available; practitioners only)

• Mobility options:
  • 3 months full-time or
  • 6 months part-time
• Research stay: ONE host institution in another eligible country
• Stipend:
  • €2,500/month (full-time mobility)
  • €1,250/month (part-time mobility)
• Required participation:
  • At least two Exchange Meetings (Berlin meeting mandatory)
  • Online Fellow Talks presentation (full participation optional but encouraged)

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Who Can Apply

Applications are open to residents (not necessarily citizens) of:
EU Member States, non-EU EEA states, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Eligible Profiles

Scholars (Track 1)

• Holding or finishing a PhD (completed within the last 10 years or near completion)
• Fields: law, political science, social sciences, philosophy, or related disciplines
• Research must relate to democracy and/or rule of law in Europe

Practitioners (Track 1 & 2)

Including but not limited to:

• Government officials and policy advisors
• Judges, prosecutors, legal practitioners
• NGO/think-tank experts
• Journalists covering democracy/rule of law
• Legal and policy researchers

A PhD is not required for practitioners.

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Benefits of the Fellowship

• Conduct independent research on democracy and rule of law in Europe
• Mobility funding to collaborate with academic and policy institutions across Europe
• High-quality interdisciplinary exchange in a diverse international cohort
• Access to experts, decision-makers, and a growing European alumni network
• Training to strengthen interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and methodological skills
• Support from the re:constitution coordination team and digital collaboration tools
• Opportunities to contribute to Democracy Reporting International’s analytical work

Fellows commit to:

• Presenting research in the Fellow Talk series
• Participating in Exchange Meetings
• Publishing project outcomes (working paper, policy brief, op-ed, podcast, etc.)

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only via the secure platform

Deadline: 5 March 2026, 12:00 CET
Only one application per person is allowed.

Required Application Documents

• CV + publications list (max 3 pages)
• Project outline (max 1,500 words)
• Project abstract (max 300 words)
• Two referees (contacts only; no recommendation letters needed)
• Preferred host institutions (no invitation letters required yet)

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Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by an expert committee assessing:

• Clarity, relevance, and feasibility of the project
• Applicant experience, expertise, and vision
• Contribution to the fellowship’s mission
• Potential for cross-border, interdisciplinary engagement

All applicants will be notified of results by end of May 2026.

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re:constitution encourages applications from individuals of all cultural, social, and professional backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are essential to the programme’s mission and impact.

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For more information: Click Here