Apply for the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027. Get EUR 1,650–3,200/month for a 2–6 month research stay at Max Planck Institute in criminology, public law, or criminal law. Deadline 31 May 2026.
If you’re an academic working in criminology, criminal law, or public law and looking for time to focus on research, the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027 offers a unique opportunity. Hosted by the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Germany, this fellowship funds a 2- to 6-month research stay with generous monthly support.
This guide covers everything you need to apply with confidence: eligibility, funding amounts, required documents, and practical tips to make your proposal stand out before the 31 May 2026 deadline.
Background of the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program
The scholarship honors Barbara Huber (1935–2018), a pioneering legal scholar and specialist in English law and the common law system. After completing her doctorate in 1962, Huber joined the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law, where she worked for decades as a researcher and comparative law expert.
In her time, academic leadership roles were rarely open to women. The Barbara Huber Scholarship was created to carry forward her legacy of rigorous, independent research and to support outstanding international scholars who face similar barriers today.
Since its launch, the program awards one fellowship per department per year. While the Max Planck Institute does not publish cumulative beneficiary numbers, the program has consistently supported doctoral candidates, postdocs, and professors from around the world since 2020.
What the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027 Is About
The Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027 funds a research stay at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg, Germany.
It targets academics from foreign research institutions who are working on innovative projects that advance scientific progress in:
– Criminology
– Public Law
– Criminal Law
The program is not a degree scholarship. It’s a short-term research fellowship designed to give you access to the institute’s resources, library, and academic network so you can complete a key part of your project.
Available Fields of Study
Eligible research must fall within one of these three areas:
1. Criminology – Empirical and theoretical studies of crime, criminal behavior, and crime prevention
2. Public Law – Constitutional law, administrative law, and public international law
3. Criminal Law – Substantive and procedural criminal law, comparative law, and criminal justice systems
Each of the institute’s departments may award one Barbara Huber Scholarship per calendar year. Your project must show originality, methodological rigor, and clear relevance to the institute’s research profile.
Benefits of the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027
The fellowship provides competitive financial support based on your academic status:
Monthly stipend:
– Doctoral candidates: EUR 1,650 per month
– Postdoctoral researchers: EUR 2,700 per month
– Professors and experienced researchers: EUR 3,200 per month
Additional support:
– Travel grant for participation in academic events or research activities in Germany or other European countries
– Access to the Max Planck Institute’s library, databases, and research infrastructure
– Opportunity to collaborate with leading international scholars in law and criminology
– Professional visibility through affiliation with a top-tier research institute
Note: All scholarship holders must have valid health insurance and provide proof before starting the program.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the *Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027, you must:
1. Be an outstanding academic affiliated with a foreign research institution.
2. Propose an innovative research project that contributes new perspectives, questions, or findings in criminology, public law, or criminal law.
3. Be at an eligible career stage: doctoral candidate with advanced-stage research, postdoc, professor, or experienced scholar
4. Have a strong academic record* and publication history.
5. Demonstrate English or German proficiency sufficient for research and academic exchange.
Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, but you must be based at a non-German institution at the time of application.
Scholarship Duration
The fellowship supports a research stay of minimum 2 months and maximum 6 months at the Max Planck Institute. You can tailor the duration to fit your project’s needs and timeline.
Required Application Documents
Prepare a complete application package that includes:
– Curriculum Vitae with academic background and career history
– List of academic publications
– *Up to three publications in English or German as PDF files
– Research project description of 5–10 pages outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected contribution.
– Proof of health insurance to be submitted before arrival.
Your research proposal is the most critical part. It should be clear, original, and well-structured.
Selection Process
Selection is competitive and based on academic merit. The institute’s expert panel evaluates applications on:
1. Quality and originality of the research proposal.
2. Academic excellence and publication record.
3. Relevance to the institute’s research areas.
4. Potential contribution to scientific advancement in law and criminology
Only one scholarship is awarded per department per year. Successful candidates are notified directly by the institute.
How to Apply for the Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027
Applications are submitted online via the Max Planck Institute portal.
Step-by-step process:
1. Draft your research proposal and gather supporting documents.
2. Visit the official Barbara Huber Scholarship page on the Max Planck Institute website.
3. Complete the online application form and upload all required files.
4. Submit before the deadline.
Official application website:
The following is the official application website for this scholarship:
https://csl.mpg.de/en/barbara-huber-scholarship-program
Application Deadline
Deadline: 31 May 2026 for research stays taking place in 2027.
Late applications are not accepted. Plan to submit at least one week early to avoid technical issues.
Tips to Be Ahead of Other Applicants
With only one fellowship per department annually, your application needs to be strong and focused.
1. Develop an original idea: Show how your project offers new perspectives or methods in your field
2. Align with the institute: Reference how your work connects to the Max Planck Institute’s ongoing research
3. Highlight your track record: Emphasize publications, grants, and academic achievements relevant to the proposal
4. Be clear and concise: Use the 5–10 page proposal to present a focused research plan with a realistic timeline
5. Secure strong references: Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to its quality
6. Proofread everything: Academic precision matters in both content and presentation
Conclusion
The Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027 is more than funding. It’s an opportunity to conduct focused research at one of the world’s leading legal research institutes, collaborate with international experts, and advance your academic career.
If your work in criminology, public law, or criminal law meets the criteria, start preparing now. A strong proposal and clear academic track record are your best tools to secure this competitive fellowship.
Official Application Website
Apply and find full details here:
https://csl.mpg.de/en/barbara-huber-scholarship-program
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q1: Can early-career researchers apply?
Yes. Doctoral candidates with advanced-stage projects and postdoctoral researchers are eligible.
Q2: Do I need to speak German?
Not necessarily. Applications and research can be conducted in English or German. Choose the language you’re most comfortable with.
Q3: Does the scholarship cover travel costs?
The monthly stipend does not include travel, but you can apply for an additional grant to cover conference or research travel within Europe.
Q4: Can I bring family members?
The scholarship does not provide family support. You’ll need to arrange and fund this separately.
Q5: How many scholarships are awarded each year?
One scholarship per department per calendar year, typically three total across the institute.
SEE ALSO: International Foundation Grant 2026: Complete Application Guide and Deadline
International Foundation Grant 2026: Complete Application Guide and Deadline
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