Max Weber Foundation’s Tandem Scholarships in Entangled East Central European History – General Information

The German Historical Institute Warsaw (GHI) and the Research Centre Ukraine in Lviv (RCU) – two institutions of the Max Weber Foundation – offer tandem scholarships to researchers whose work aligns with the institutions’ research goals. We support research in German and East Central European history that requires a stay in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, or the Czech Republic. Scholars are expected to carry out their research projects in at least two of these countries (exceptions may be granted for Ukrainian scholars who cannot leave the country). The grants are primarily aimed at early-career, non-tenured scholars and are awarded for periods ranging from one to four months (depending on the research project). We do not provide write-up grants.

The main criterion for selection is excellence. An additional factor is how well the research project aligns with the current research priorities of both institutions. Funding is only available for projects that are at an advanced stage. The scholarships are intended to cover additional expenses incurred by recipients during their research stays in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, or the Czech Republic. Except for Ukrainian scholars who are unable to leave, individuals residing in the country where the research is conducted are not eligible for funding. If scholarship holders have other income or receive another scholarship, they are solely responsible for fulfilling any obligations that arise from this (e.g., reporting to employers/scholarship providers, paying taxes). There is no guarantee of a scholarship, and the award depends on budget and logistical considerations.

The GHI Warsaw and the RCU Lviv determine the scholarship amounts at their own discretion, considering living expenses and the scholarship rates set by German funding institutions. Currently, these are 1,300 EUR per month for doctoral students and 1,800 EUR for postdoctoral researchers. In justified cases, we may cover childcare costs either partially or fully during the stay. Please note that the scholarship recipient is responsible for having sufficient healthcare coverage in the host country or countries.

Applications must be submitted to the deputy director of the German Historical Institute in Warsaw, Dr. Jan Musekamp, by October 15 for scholarships starting between November 15, 2025, and June 2026. The application should be sent as a single PDF file (maximum 5 MB) to dhi(at)dhi.waw.pl and must include the following elements:

• Cover letter with information about the desired scholarship period
• CV
• List of publications
• Project description limited to 2,500 words, covering topic, research questions, methodological approach, current project status, work plan, detailed scholarship period schedule, sources, and literature.
• Information about previous/current funding of the research project from third parties
• Consent to data processing (“I consent to the processing of my personal data for the application process.”)
  
   

We kindly ask doctoral students to submit the following additional documents:

• Copy of previous university degrees
• Recommendation letter from doctoral advisor/supervisor
• Information on language skills in Czech/Lithuanian/Polish/Ukrainian (as applicable to the proposed research)

Please note that we are only able to process complete applications.

We invite scholarship holders to attend meetings in their research areas and participate in GHI and RCU events such as lectures, colloquia, and conferences. They are encouraged to contribute to discussions at the host institutions and to provide regular progress updates. Additionally, they must submit a detailed final report within two months after their scholarship ends. GHI and RCU also kindly request copies of all publications resulting from their funded research projects for their libraries.

The GHI and RCU reserve the right to cancel the scholarship if conditions arise that prevent successful completion of the planned work. The scholarship may also be revoked retroactively if it's found that funds were obtained through false or incomplete information, if funds are not used for their intended purpose, or if obligations are not met.