Applications are now open for the re:constitution Fellowships 2026/27, a prestigious Europe-wide programme supporting research and practice on democracy and the rule of law. The initiative will award 15 funded fellowships to early- and mid-career scholars and practitioners for the period from October 2026 to July 2027.
The programme is particularly relevant for applicants based in the Western Balkans and neighbouring regions, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, as well as EU and non-EU EEA countries, Switzerland, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and the United Kingdom.
Built around a unique model of pan-European mobility, interdisciplinary exchange, and an active alumni network, re:constitution connects academic research with policy and professional practice. Fellows develop independent projects, collaborate with host institutions across Europe, and contribute to public debate through publications and events.
Fellowship Tracks
Track 1 – Full-Time
Eight fellowships are available for scholars and practitioners.
- Six-month mobility period to be taken flexibly between October 2026 and July 2027
- Research stays at two host institutions in different countries, one academic and one practice-oriented
- Monthly stipend of €2,500 for six mobility months
- Participation in three Fellows’ Exchange Meetings:
- October 2026 in Berlin (in person)
- February 2027 online
- June 2027 in person elsewhere in Europe
- Presentation of the research project through the Fellow Talks series
Track 2 – Shorter Mobility with Part-Time Option
Seven fellowships are available exclusively for practitioners.
- Three months full-time or six months part-time mobility
- Stipend of €2,500 per month (full-time) or €1,250 per month (part-time)
- Research stay at one host institution in a country different from the Fellow’s residence
- Participation in at least two Fellows’ Exchange Meetings, including the mandatory October 2026 meeting in Berlin
- Presentation in the Fellow Talks series
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to residents of eligible European and neighbouring countries who are in the early stages of their careers.
Scholars (Track 1):
- Hold or are completing a PhD in law, political science, social sciences, philosophy, or related fields
- PhD must be completed within the last 10 years, or within one year for current candidates
Practitioners (Track 1 and 2):
- Government officials and policy advisers
- Judges, prosecutors, and legal professionals
- NGO and think tank experts
- Journalists covering democracy and the rule of law
- Policy researchers and legal specialists
Applicants must be residents of eligible countries during the fellowship period; citizenship is not required.
What Fellows Receive
The re:constitution Fellowship offers:
- Funding to conduct independent research and publish on democracy and rule of law
- Support for international mobility through partnerships with host institutions
- Interdisciplinary exchange with scholars, practitioners, and journalists
- Access to senior experts and European decision-makers
- Membership in an active alumni network
- Training courses and professional development opportunities
- Ongoing support from the coordination team and digital collaboration tools
- Opportunities to engage with the broader re:constitution programme
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online by 5 March 2026 at 12 noon CET through the official platform here.
Applicants must select the correct track and submit:
- Curriculum vitae (maximum three pages, including publications)
- Project outline (maximum 1,500 words)
- Project abstract (maximum 300 words)
- Two references
- Preferred host institutions and indicative dates
Letters of recommendation are not required. Incomplete applications or submissions that exceed length limits will not be considered.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of May 2026.
For further questions, applicants may consult the programme FAQ or contact the coordination team at reconstitution@trafo-berlin.de.
The re:constitution Fellowships 2026/27 offer 15 funded placements for early- and mid-career scholars and practitioners to pursue independent projects on democracy and the rule of law through Europe-wide mobility, interdisciplinary exchange, and professional networking. With a monthly stipend of €2,500 during mobility periods, the programme runs from October 2026 to July 2027. Applications close on 5 March 2026 at 12 noon CET.
For more opportunities, click here.