Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowships 2027, Germany (€30,000 Funding for Global Sustainability Professionals)
The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027 in Germany is now open for applications, offering experienced sustainability professionals the opportunity to receive financial support of up to €30,000, along with a monthly stipend, to develop projects with long-term societal impact.
Hosted by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam, this prestigious fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from around the world who are working in sustainability-related fields such as environmental policy, climate governance, science, civil society, and business.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships, the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship focuses on supporting professionals who are already influencing sustainability efforts and want to scale their impact through research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Degree Level
The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027 is a non-degree fellowship program aimed at mid-career professionals. It is not intended for undergraduate, master's, or PhD students.
Available Subjects
Applicants from sustainability-related disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change
- Public Policy
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Governance
- Social Innovation
- Renewable Energy
- Business Sustainability
- Civil Society Development
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Germany
- Up to €30,000 in project funding
- Funding support for:
- Research-related travel
- Publications
- Workshops
- Creative project outputs
- Opportunity to work with the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam
- Access to an interdisciplinary network of sustainability experts
- Flexibility to complete the fellowship over up to one year
This funding structure allows fellows to focus on high-impact sustainability projects while benefiting from institutional support in Germany.
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Professionals from any country may apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have relevant sustainability experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027, applicants must:
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience in sustainability-related work
- Demonstrate a strong record of impact in fields linked to sustainable development
- Be capable of contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration
- Submit a project proposal with clear societal impact
- Show the ability to bridge science, policy, and social change
- Provide required supporting documents including recommendations
The fellowship particularly seeks professionals who can act as change agents in sustainability and global development.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed project proposal
- Motivation letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recommendation letters
The project proposal should explain the intended outcomes, long-term societal relevance, and the role of the fellowship in achieving those goals.
How to Apply
To apply for the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027, applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal of the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit a detailed sustainability project proposal
- Review the application carefully before final submission
Because the fellowship is highly competitive, applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates innovation, leadership, and measurable societal impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027 is:
5 April 2026
Late applications may not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit before the deadline.
