The First Research Article Fellowship helps doctoral researchers turn completed research into an English-language journal article. The host is the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, Germany. Its current call covers a six-month residential stay.
This opportunity suits applicants who need time and scholarly feedback for their first single-authored paper. It targets doctoral programmes based in Asia, Africa or Latin America. Check institutional eligibility before preparing documents, because citizenship alone does not establish qualification.
First Research Article Fellowship Details
The programme focuses on historical research and science and technology studies. Applicants should connect their proposed paper to a specific host department rather than describe a general wish to study abroad.
The table summarises the current advertised round. Use the linked official call for submission instructions and the institute’s programme FAQ for clarification of the residential and doctoral-status conditions.
Host | Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) |
|---|---|
Location | Berlin, Germany |
Term | 1 September 2027–28 February 2028; six months |
Funding | Monthly stipend under Max Planck Society guidelines; no amount confirmed here |
Audience | Doctoral students at Asian, African or Latin American institutions |
Deadline | 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET |
Stay Updated with Guidance Gem
First Research Article Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship combines monthly financial support with a research environment dedicated to article preparation. Regular meetings support writing and academic development, while participation in institute activities provides opportunities for scholarly exchange.
Treat the fellowship as a focused writing residency when assessing its value. A stipend does not establish that every travel, accommodation or insurance expense is covered; confirm those arrangements with the programme before making a budget.
Eligibility and Research Fit
Applicants need to remain in their home doctoral programme throughout the fellowship. The programme FAQ excludes graduate programmes based in the United States, Europe or Australia and requires recipients to live in Berlin.
Your work should engage with history of science, technology or medicine, or science and technology studies. Explain the connection to Artefacts, Action, Knowledge or Knowledge Systems and Collective Life through your research question and materials.
For another doctoral funding route in Germany, compare the Erfurt Doctoral Scholarships. Its purpose and selection requirements differ from this writing residency.
Documents and Application Preparation
The application materials must be in English. Prepare a checklist before opening the portal, and keep each document within the advertised limit.
The writing sample should demonstrate your own academic English. The institute encourages an application written without AI, and its FAQ also cautions against external editorial assistance for the sample.
How to Apply for the First Research Article Fellowship
Use the electronic application portal linked from the official Max Planck call. Electronic submission is the accepted route; the public announcement supplies the portal destination.
The sequence below is a practical preparation order. Review the live portal’s file and submission requirements before uploading, because the announcement does not describe every technical field.
Application Deadline
The confirmed deadline is 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. The advertised stay runs from 1 September 2027 to 28 February 2028, and finalists may expect a decision by 1 April 2027.
Plan backwards from the closing date to allow time for enrolment confirmation and the recommendation. A complete document checklist is more useful than leaving all preparation until the final day.
Researchers comparing programmes at another career stage can review the MOPGA Visiting Fellowship. Doctoral students in Asia can also explore the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme; check each programme’s separate eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The First Research Article Fellowship answers below address the main screening questions raised by the current call and programme FAQ. They distinguish its writing purpose from a full doctoral admission or a general research job.
Read them alongside the official programme FAQ. Contact MPIWG if your enrolment timeline or institutional circumstances need individual clarification.
Is this a PhD admission programme?
It is a writing fellowship for students already enrolled in a doctorate. You remain enrolled at your home institution.
Can a student at a European university apply?
The programme FAQ says no. It is intended for doctoral students based at Asian, African or Latin American institutions.
Must fellows move to Berlin?
Yes. The programme is residential and recipients must be willing to live in Berlin.
Is a stipend amount confirmed?
The call confirms a monthly stipend under Max Planck guidelines. This article does not claim an unverified amount or an all-expenses-paid package.
What should the dissertation description cover?
The official FAQ asks for your PhD project. Do not substitute a description of earlier master’s research.
What is the main writing outcome?
Fellows work towards an English-language journal article. The programme FAQ expects a first draft by the end of the stay.
Conclusion
The First Research Article Fellowship provides a focused route from completed doctoral research towards an English-language paper. Its strongest fit is an eligible researcher with a clear article idea and a convincing connection to one MPIWG department.
Before applying, confirm your continued doctoral enrolment and prepare the required materials in your own words. Submit through the official portal by 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET, and clarify any funding or practical questions with the institute.
