Max Planck Institute Germany Doucet Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Description

The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory (MPI-LHLT) is now accepting applications for the 8th edition of the Doucet Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity for young researchers from outside Frankfurt—especially those from Latin America—to undertake a three-month fully funded research stay in Germany.

This scholarship aims to promote academic engagement with the Doucet Collection, one of the most important archives on the history of colonial law.

About the Doucet Scholarship

The Doucet Scholarship supports young scholars working on topics related to colonial legal history, especially those using the monographs and source editions found in the Doucet Collection. The research stay is scheduled for January 5 to March 31, 2026, and scholars will work at the Institute’s renowned library and collaborate with international experts.

Degree Level

Max Planck Institute Germany Doucet Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Research level programs at Max Planck Institute.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• law and governance
• History

Benefits

Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial assistance, including:

A) Monthly scholarship stipend of €1,365

B) Reimbursement of airfare:

1- Up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights

2- Up to €750 for flights within Europe

C) Accommodation at the Institute’s residence (optional):

1- Available for full months only

2- Approximate cost: €680/month

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Doucet Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

1. Be young researchers (e.g., MA graduates, PhD candidates, or early-career postdocs)
2. Be from outside Frankfurt, preferably from Latin America
3. Be conducting research on colonial legal history
4. Propose a project directly related to the Doucet Collection
5. Be able to stay in Frankfurt for the full duration (Jan–Mar 2026)

Application Procedure

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in English or Spanish by 15 September 2025. The application must include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Research project description (detailing the topic and relevance to the Doucet Collection)
3. Motivation letter explaining how the Doucet Collection will be used in your research

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official online application form provided by the Max Planck Institute.

For any questions regarding your proposal, contact: sekduve@lhlt.mpg.de

Visit the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory – Doucet Scholarship page for full details and application access.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to:

1. Work with rare archival material in legal history
2. Network with leading international researchers
3. Conduct research in a world-class German research institute
4. Explore Germany while advancing your academic career