The Kohli Foundation for Sociology is offering the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology, a prestigious postdoctoral research opportunity designed to support outstanding early-career sociologists following the completion of their PhD.

The fellowship provides financial support for a two-year postdoctoral stay at either the WZB in Berlin, Germany, or the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole/Florence, Italy.

The opportunity is designed to give recently graduated sociology scholars the time, institutional environment, academic networks, and resources needed to develop a new research project, strengthen their publication record, establish research collaborations, and advance their academic careers.

Scholars from all nationalities are eligible to apply, provided their research relates to the research programme of the respective host institution and they meet the fellowship’s doctoral-degree requirements.

The Kohli Foundation particularly encourages applications from women and scholars belonging to academically underrepresented groups.

One fellow is selected each year.

Overview of the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology

The Kohli Fellowship is part of the Kohli Foundation’s broader Growth programme, which focuses on supporting early-career researchers in sociology.

The Growth programme is intended for sociologists who are either pursuing a PhD or have completed their PhD within the previous five years.

Through its fellowship and funding activities, the foundation aims to help early-career sociologists strengthen their academic development, expand professional networks, advance their research, and build stronger academic profiles.

The Kohli Fellowship specifically supports researchers who have successfully completed their doctoral dissertation with excellent results and are ready to take the next step in their academic careers.

What Does the Kohli Fellowship Provide?

The fellowship supports a two-year postdoctoral research stay at one of two prestigious European research institutions:

• WZB Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Berlin
• European University Institute (EUI), Fiesole/Florence

During the fellowship, researchers are expected to develop a new research project while advancing their academic publications and building research collaborations.

The fellowship therefore goes beyond simply providing financial support. It is structured to place researchers within an active academic environment where they can interact with established scholars, participate in intellectual activities, attend conferences and training programmes, and develop their academic networks.

Kohli Fellowship at the European University Institute

Researchers selected for the EUI placement will become part of the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies.

As a Kohli Fellow at the EUI, the researcher will be appointed to one of the EUI faculties and will have an academic advisor who will support the fellow in developing and expanding their qualifications.

The fellowship provides opportunities to work on an independent research project while participating in the broader academic life of the institute.

Activities and Opportunities at the EUI

As part of their fellowship, researchers may have opportunities to:

• Conduct fieldwork related to their research project.
• Participate in internal training.
• Attend national and international conferences.
• Organize their own academic workshop.
• Connect with other postdoctoral researchers.
• Participate in Max Weber Programme events.
• Develop academic and professional collaborations.
• Strengthen their research and publication profile.

The EUI environment is therefore designed to provide both research independence and access to a broader community of postdoctoral scholars and established academics.

EUI Fellowship Timeline

The information provided outlines the following timeline for the EUI pathway:

• Fall 2027: Deadline for the application for the Max Weber Programme.
• Winter 2027/2028: Interviews, selection, and notification of fellows.
• 1 September 2028: Fellowship starts at the EUI.

Applicants interested in the EUI route should therefore pay close attention to the relevant Max Weber Programme application timeline.

Kohli Fellowship at the WZB in Berlin

The second host institution is the WZB in Berlin.

A Kohli Fellow at the WZB will become part of a vibrant intellectual research community and participate in the scholarly activities of their host research unit.

Each fellow will have a contact person among WZB staff who can provide support throughout the fellowship.

The WZB pathway is designed to give the researcher an environment in which they can focus on their research while also developing their academic career.

Activities and Opportunities at the WZB

Within the fellowship, researchers may have opportunities to:

• Conduct fieldwork.
• Participate in internal training seminars.
• Attend national conferences.
• Attend international conferences.
• Organize an academic workshop.
• Engage with researchers within their host research unit.
• Develop research collaborations.
• Receive support for their individual career-development needs.
• Participate actively in the intellectual life of the institution.

WZB Fellowship Timeline

The information provided gives the following timeline for the WZB fellowship:

• Fall 2026: Deadline for applications for the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology at WZB.
• Winter 2026/2027: Interviews, selection, and notification of fellows.
• 1 October 2027: Fellowship begins at WZB.

Applicants interested in the WZB option should therefore prepare their application ahead of the Fall 2026 deadline and monitor the official application process for the exact closing date.

Who Can Apply for the Kohli Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities.

However, applicants must satisfy several academic and research requirements.

Nationality

The foundation explicitly states that scholars of all nationalities are eligible to apply.

This means the opportunity is not restricted to applicants from Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, Latin America, or any other particular region.

Researchers from any country or continent can be considered if they meet the academic and research requirements.

APPLY HERE.

Doctoral Degree Requirement

Applicants must have held their doctoral degree for no longer than five years before the starting date of the fellowship.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to researchers who have recently completed their PhD and are transitioning into the postdoctoral stage of their careers.

Applicants must also have:

• Submitted their doctoral dissertation.
• Successfully defended their dissertation.
• Completed these requirements before the fellowship contract begins.

Research Area

Applicants should have research that relates to the research programme of the respective host institution.

The foundation particularly welcomes research projects focusing on:

• Life-course issues.
• Generational issues.

However, applicants are not limited to these topics.

The foundation states that other research topics are equally considered, provided the research is relevant to the academic programme of the host institution.

What Documents Are Required?

Applicants for the Kohli Fellowship should prepare several important documents.

The application should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a CV that includes their academic and professional background.

The CV should also include a list of publications.

Applicants should ensure that their publication record is presented clearly, particularly where they have peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, working papers, or other significant academic outputs.

2. Academic Career Statement

Applicants must provide an Academic Career Statement.

This should help the selection committee understand the applicant’s academic trajectory, achievements, development, and future career direction.

3. Research Proposal

The research proposal is a central component of the application.

It should outline the research project the applicant intends to pursue as a Kohli Fellow.

A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate:

• The research question.
• The significance of the research.
• The proposed approach.
• The contribution to sociology.
• The relevance to the host institution.
• How the fellowship period will advance the project.
• Potential academic outputs and collaborations.

4. Academic Referees

Applicants must provide the names of two to three academic referees.

Applicants should contact their referees in advance and obtain their agreement to provide a reference letter if requested.

It is therefore important not to list academic referees without first confirming their availability and willingness to support the application.

How Are Kohli Fellows Selected?

Successful candidates are selected in close consultation with the relevant academic host institution.

The selection process considers several factors.

Scholarly Excellence

Academic excellence is an important consideration.

The foundation seeks researchers who have demonstrated strong academic performance and successfully completed their doctoral research.

Quality of the Research Proposal

The proposed research project is another major component of the selection process.

The proposal should outline a strong project that can realistically be pursued during the fellowship period and contribute meaningfully to the applicant’s academic development.

Interview

Candidates are also expected to participate in an interview.

The interview may take place:

• In person, or
• By video.

The selection process therefore assesses both the written application and the candidate’s ability to discuss their research and academic plans.

Expectations During the Fellowship

Kohli Fellows are expected to actively participate in the intellectual life of their host institution.

This means the fellowship is not intended simply as an independent period of research away from academic communities.

Fellows are expected to engage with colleagues, participate in academic activities, and make use of the research environment provided by their host institution.

Fellows are also expected to reside in either Berlin or Florence, depending on their placement.

For more information on Kohli Fellowship for Sociology 2026–2028  VISIT HERE.

Current and Previous Kohli Fellows

The Kohli Foundation has already supported several researchers through the fellowship.

Flavien Ganter – Kohli Fellow at EUI, 2025–2027

Flavien Ganter received the third Kohli Fellowship for Sociology.

He completed his PhD in Sociology at Columbia University in 2025 and also graduated from the École normale supérieure at Paris-Saclay and the École nationale de la statistique et de l’administration économique.

His research uses original experiments and census data to examine how social cleavages that cross ethnoracial categories can reshape ethnoracial boundaries in the United States.

Alexander Hoppe – Kohli Fellow at WZB, 2024–2026

Alexander Hoppe received the second Kohli Fellowship.

He completed his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.

His research focuses on the microfoundations of capitalism, with particular interest in the fashion industry.

His book project, Making Mass Fashion, examines the origins of fashion and the role of anticipation in shaping the labour process.

Camille Portier – Kohli Fellow at EUI, 2023–2025

Camille Portier was the first Kohli Fellow for Sociology.

She completed her PhD at Cornell University in 2023 and previously earned an MSc in Sociology from the University of Oxford.

At the EUI, her research shifted from examining how occupational characteristics influence people’s outcomes and life chances toward studying work contexts and occupational outcomes that structure careers across the life course.

Support for Women and Underrepresented Scholars

The Kohli Foundation particularly welcomes applications from women and scholars belonging to academically underrepresented groups.

This reflects the foundation’s interest in supporting broader participation and representation within academic sociology.

However, applicants should still demonstrate the required academic excellence, relevant research fit, and qualifications outlined in the fellowship requirements.

Connect Funding Program for Early-Career Sociologists

In addition to the Kohli Fellowship, the Kohli Foundation for Sociology operates the Connect funding programme.

Connect is designed to support events and structured exchange programmes that promote the academic development and professional growth of early-career sociologists.

The programme recognizes that career development in academia involves more than individual research.

Professional networks, mentoring relationships, academic events, workshops, and opportunities to exchange ideas with established scholars can play an important role in helping early-career researchers develop their careers.

What Does Connect Funding Support?

The Connect programme supports events that:

• Promote academic development.
• Support professional growth.
• Facilitate the advancement of independent research projects.
• Maintain a high academic standard.
• Connect early-career researchers with established research networks.
• Connect researchers with academic institutions.
• Strengthen networking among early-career researchers.
• Create opportunities to interact with established and renowned sociologists.

The programme specifically focuses on activities that provide meaningful academic and professional benefits to researchers at an early stage of their careers.

Types of Events Eligible for Connect Funding

The Connect programme specifically supports several types of activities.

Academic Schools

This can include:

• Winter schools.
• Spring schools.
• Summer schools.
• Fall schools.

These programmes should have a clear focus on academic development and support for early-career sociologists.

Mentoring and Professional Development Events

Funding can also support events designed to provide early-career researchers with mentoring, career advice, professional development, and opportunities to build relationships with established academics.

Workshops and Retreats

The programme may also support:

• Academic workshops.
• Research retreats.
• Structured exchange programmes.
• Similar academic formats.

The key requirement is that the activity has a clear focus on early-career researchers and academic development.

How to Apply for Connect Funding

The Connect application process is designed to be relatively straightforward.

Applicants should submit a single PDF document of no more than two pages.

The document should include:

1. A brief description of the proposed event.
2. An explanation of how the event fits the Connect funding format.
3. The target audience.
4. The focus of the event.
5. A rough cost estimate.

Applications should be sent by email to:

info@kohlifoundation.eu

Unlike the Kohli Fellowship, Connect applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis.

Applications will continue to be considered until the foundation’s annual budget has been exhausted.

This means applicants should consider submitting their proposal early rather than assuming funds will remain available throughout the year.

Examples of Previously Funded Connect Events

The Kohli Foundation has previously supported a number of events through Connect funding.

2025

American Sociological Association Section of Aging and the Life Course

The foundation supported a mentoring reception during the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Chicago.

European Consortium for Sociological Research

Funding supported the conference dinner for PhD students at the Annual Conference of the European Consortium for Sociological Research in Cologne.

2024

European Sociological Association

The foundation supported a social dinner for PhD students and mentors at the European Sociological Association summer school in Porto.

American Sociological Association Section of Aging and the Life Course

A mentoring reception during the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Montréal was also supported.

2023

The foundation supported a mentoring reception during the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, organized through the ASA Section of Aging and the Life Course.

These examples demonstrate the range of activities that Connect funding can support, particularly events that create opportunities for mentoring, networking, academic exchange, and professional development.

Kohli Foundation Growth Programme

Both the Kohli Fellowship and Connect funding form part of the foundation’s broader Growth programme.

Growth focuses on early-career sociology researchers and seeks to help them develop academically and professionally.

The programme supports sociologists who are:

• Pursuing a PhD.
• Recently completed a PhD.
• Developing independent research projects.
• Building academic networks.
• Establishing professional profiles.
• Seeking opportunities to engage with established researchers.

The Growth programme therefore addresses different stages of early academic development through both individual fellowship support and event-based funding.

Why the Kohli Fellowship Is Valuable for Early-Career Sociologists

The fellowship can provide several important benefits to a recently graduated sociologist.

Two Years Dedicated to Research

The two-year structure provides researchers with substantial time to develop a new research project and advance their academic work.

Access to Leading Academic Institutions

Fellows are hosted by either WZB in Berlin or EUI in Florence, providing access to established academic communities.

Publication Development

The fellowship specifically encourages fellows to advance their publications, making it valuable for researchers seeking to strengthen their academic record.

Research Collaboration

Fellows can develop new research collaborations with scholars at their host institution and beyond.

Conferences and Academic Training

Researchers have opportunities to participate in academic conferences and training activities, potentially expanding both their knowledge and professional networks.

Workshop Organization

Fellows can organize their own workshop, providing an opportunity to develop academic leadership and convening experience.

Career Development

The host institutions provide an environment designed to support the fellow’s broader academic and professional development.

Why Connect Funding Is Valuable

Connect funding provides a different type of support.

Rather than funding an individual postdoctoral researcher, it supports academic events that can benefit groups of early-career sociologists.

The programme can help create opportunities for:

• Mentoring.
• Networking.
• Research exchange.
• Professional development.
• Collaboration.
• Academic visibility.
• Engagement with established scholars.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to academic organizations, sociology associations, research groups, universities, and other institutions organizing activities for early-career researchers.

Key Deadlines and Timelines

Applicants should distinguish between the timelines for the two programmes.

Kohli Fellowship – WZB

Application deadline: Fall 2026

Interviews, selection and notification: Winter 2026/2027

Start date at WZB: 1 October 2027

The exact Fall 2026 application deadline should be confirmed through the official fellowship call and application materials.

Kohli Fellowship – EUI

Application deadline for the Max Weber Programme: Fall 2027

Interviews, selection and notification: Winter 2027/2028

Start date at EUI: 1 September 2028

Connect Funding

There is no fixed application deadline stated for Connect funding.

Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis and will be considered until the annual budget has been exhausted.

How Applicants Can Prepare a Strong Kohli Fellowship Application

Potential applicants should ensure that their application demonstrates both academic excellence and a strong fit with the fellowship.

Important preparation steps include:

1. Update your academic CV and include a complete publication list.
2. Develop a strong research proposal that clearly explains the project you want to pursue.
3. Demonstrate research relevance to the programme of the selected host institution.
4. Prepare a compelling Academic Career Statement explaining your academic trajectory and future goals.
5. Select suitable academic referees who know your research well.
6. Contact referees in advance and confirm their willingness to provide a reference.
7. Review the host institution’s research priorities before finalizing your proposal.
8. Clearly explain the contribution of the proposed project to sociology.
9. Demonstrate how the fellowship will advance your research and career.
10. Prepare early, especially for the WZB application timeline in Fall 2026.

How Organizations Can Prepare a Strong Connect Proposal

Organizations or groups seeking Connect funding should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates why the event deserves support.

The two-page PDF should clearly explain:

• What the event is.
• Who will participate.
• Why early-career researchers are the target audience.
• How the event supports academic development.
• How it promotes networking or mentoring.
• What participants will gain.
• How the event connects to independent research or professional development.
• The estimated cost of organizing the activity.

Because applications are considered until the annual budget is exhausted, submitting a well-prepared proposal early may be beneficial.

Important Distinction Between the Two Opportunities

Although both opportunities fall under the Kohli Foundation’s Growth programme, they serve different purposes.

Kohli Fellowship

The fellowship provides individual postdoctoral research support for an outstanding early-career sociologist.

It offers a two-year research placement at WZB or EUI.

Connect Funding

Connect provides financial support for academic events and structured activities designed to support early-career sociologists.

It is intended for activities such as academic schools, mentoring events, workshops, retreats, and similar programmes.

Applicants should therefore choose the programme that corresponds to the type of support they are seeking.

Conclusion

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology and Connect funding programme provide valuable opportunities for developing the next generation of sociology researchers.

The Kohli Fellowship offers exceptional early-career sociologists the opportunity to spend two years conducting research at either WZB in Berlin or the European University Institute in Florence, while developing publications, research collaborations, academic networks, and professional qualifications.

The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities, provided they meet the doctoral-degree and research requirements. Applicants must have received their PhD no more than five years before the fellowship begins and must have defended their dissertation before the contract starts.

Meanwhile, the Connect funding programme supports academic schools, mentoring activities, workshops, retreats, and similar events that promote academic development, professional growth, research advancement, and networking among early-career sociologists.

For researchers considering the Kohli Fellowship, the WZB application deadline falls in Fall 2026, with the successful fellow expected to begin at WZB on 1 October 2027. The EUI route has a later application timeline, with applications for the Max Weber Programme scheduled for Fall 2027 and the fellowship beginning at EUI on 1 September 2028.

For Connect funding, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the annual funding budget has been exhausted.

Together, these programmes demonstrate the Kohli Foundation for Sociology’s commitment to strengthening early-career academic research, professional networks, collaboration, mentorship, and the long-term development of sociology as a discipline.

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