The Gerda Henkel Stiftung has opened applications for its General Research Grant Programme, which provides financial support for research projects and individual scholarships in the historical humanities.
Aim
The programme seeks to strengthen high-quality research across the historical humanities. It supports work in fields such as heritage studies, architectural history, conservation, cultural studies, political science, jurisprudence, restoration and the social sciences.
The Foundation aims to enable scholars to conduct original research that contributes to deeper academic understanding and long-term knowledge development in these disciplines.
Funding details
The programme offers funding for research projects that require support for personnel, travel, materials or other research-related costs.
Smaller funding requests of up to $32,500 USD may be considered throughout the year through an expedited review process.
Applicants must be directly involved in the proposed research. Eligible scholars may also apply for individual scholarships, which are a central component of the Foundation’s funding approach.
Monthly scholarship stipends may include family allowances, overseas bonuses and additional support for travel or research materials.
Who can apply
Researchers may apply if their work falls within the programme’s approved subject areas.
Eligibility depends on career stage and includes:
- PhD scholarships for doctoral candidates.
- Research scholarships for postdoctoral researchers.
- Advanced research scholarships for scholars with habilitation or equivalent qualifications.
Additional eligibility conditions apply:
- The proposed research must differ substantially from the doctoral dissertation.
- The dissertation must be published for certain categories.
- Applicants must meet specified timelines following PhD completion.
- Individuals receiving a salary or pension are not eligible for scholarships.
- Previous applicants must observe mandatory waiting periods before submitting a new application
Application requirements
All applications must be submitted electronically and include a detailed project description, proposed budget, project timeline, curriculum vitae, publication list and relevant academic certificates.
Scholarship applicants are also required to submit letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
Smaller research activities may be supported through work contracts, which follow a simplified documentation and review process.
Deadline
The application ends on May 28, 2026. Applicants should visit the Gerda Henkel Stiftung website to apply.
Discover more international research calls on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
