The Gerda Henkel Foundation is offering General Research Grants to enable postdocs to advance their humanities research projects. These full-time scholarships cover living costs and project-related expenses for up to 24 months.

Applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent postdoctoral qualification, and for postdoctoral researchers, their PhD must have been awarded within the last ten years. The PhD thesis must already be published, and the proposed research project must clearly differ from the PhD topic.

The Gerda Henkel Foundation is a private, non-profit organization established in June 1976 by Lisa Maskell in memory of her mother Gerda Henkel. It focuses on supporting research in the historical humanities, including fields such as history, archaeology, art history, historical Islamic studies, history of science, and law. The Foundation promotes independent research by offering grants and scholarships to postdoctoral scholars and researchers worldwide, without requiring institutional affiliation. It is known for funding high-quality projects that contribute to cultural and historical knowledge, with a strong emphasis on the humanities.

Application Deadline: 28 May 2026

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Gerda Henkel Foundation
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Postdoctoral
• Award: Research scholarship covering living costs, travel, and material expenses
• Access Mode: Online application
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: Domestic and international
• The award can be taken in: Germany or abroad (depending on project requirements)

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Funding is available for research projects in the following fields:

• • • Archaeology

    • History

    • History of Art

    • Historical Islamic Studies

    • History of Science

    • History of Law

    • Prehistory and Early History

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• • • Hold a PhD or Postdoctoral Lecture Qualification.

    • For postdoctoral researchers:

      • The PhD must have been awarded within the last ten years.

      • The dissertation must already be published.

      • The proposed research must differ clearly from the PhD topic.

    • Applicants previously funded by the Foundation may reapply only after five years.

    • Applicants whose proposals were rejected may reapply only after three years.

    • No institutional affiliation is required.

    • Applicants cannot simultaneously receive a salary or retirement pension.

    • The Foundation accepts academic ranks equivalent to the German Habilitation (e.g., Associate or Full Professor, Senior Lecturer, or Reader).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Gerda Henkel Foundation’s online application system. The required documents (in German or English) include:

• • • Description of the research proposal (max. 8 pages, plus bibliography if needed)

    • Time schedule and working plan with proposed travel details

    • Detailed cost calculation with all costs indicated in euros

    • Curriculum vitae with a list of publications

    • Copies of academic certificates (Master’s, PhD, professorship)

    • At least one signed letter of recommendation uploaded via the online recommendation form

Benefits

• • Research funding for a duration between 1 and 24 months.

  • Support may include:

    • Full-time research scholarships

    • Monthly family allowance (if applicable)

    • Allowance for research stays abroad

    • Support for student assistants

    • Travel and material aid

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