Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship fully funds students pursuing research in areas like the culture and history of German-speaking Jews. People named this fellowship in honor of Rabbi Leo Baeck (1873-1956), a dedicated man who gave his life to the promotion and perseverance of the Jewish culture and history in Germany. Since its foundation, the fellowship has primarily focused on promoting academic excellence while also supporting individuals whose purpose aligns with Rabbi Leo Baeck’s. Moreover, the Leo Baeck Fellowship offers researchers an exceptional opportunity to examine in detail the historical and modern roles of Jewish communities in Germany, particularly with a focus on sociopolitical development. Leo Baeck Fellowship brings together researchers, professors, professionals, and scholars who share in its purpose.
Summary
- Host Country/Institution: The Leo Baeck Fellowship is based in Germany and hosted by Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes in cooperation with the Leo Baeck Institute and the Leibniz Institute for Jewish History and Culture.
- Country: Germany.
- Category: Doctoral research fellowship
- Eligibility Country: Open to all doctoral candidates of any nationality.
- Reward/ Worth: The recipient will receive a monthly allowance of €1,500 and a research allowance of €100. They can also apply for €100 per month for additional support, such as health insurance, research trips, travel allowance, conferences, and childcare.
- Deadline: The application deadline is March 1st, 2025.
Details
The Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship funds doctoral candidates researching German-Jewish culture and history. The fellowship offers different courses of study, such as philosophy, musicology, literature, and history, as long as they are in line with its purpose. However, this program not only offers financial support but also offers networking opportunities between fellow students and professors. All fellows will remain in their home institution but will come together for two workshops, which the Leo Baeck Fellowship arranges, the Leibniz Institute for Jewish History and Culture, and Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes.
Requirements
- Applicants must possess qualifications for doctoral studies or an acceptance into a doctoral program at a well-known university.
- Applicants must hold a universal degree with outstanding reports. However, applicants must have obtained their degree before March 2020.
- Applicants must submit a research proposal focused on Jewish culture and history in the European or German context.
- Applicants must show demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
- Applicants need a strong background in Jewish history.
- Applicants cannot apply for Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes and the Leo Baeck Fellowship at the same time.
Benefits
The Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship offers numerous benefits to its recipients. These benefits include:
- Financial Support: This scholarship program fully covers expenses like accommodation, living expenses, travel, and research-related costs.
- Research Opportunities: The chance to conduct groundbreaking in Jewish history and culture.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with valuable people like fellow researchers and great institutions in the field of Jewish studies.
- Career Advancement: improved academic credentials and opportunities for collaborations and publications.
- Mentorship: Professional guidance from experts in the field of German-Jewish history and culture.
- The general regulations of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research provide all expenses.
Application
To apply for the Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship, applicants must submit the following:
- Letters of recommendation from academic professors or academic mentors who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
- Transcript of academic qualifications, including proof of enrollment in a doctoral program.
- A comprehensive research proposal outlining the methodology, objectives, and outcome of the proposed project.
- Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae which states their academic achievements and relevant skills.
- Finally, applicants must submit a cover letter outlining their interest in applying for the Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship and how it aligns with the fellowship’s purpose.
So, all applicants should submit all required documents before the deadline. Incomplete applications or late submissions might not be considered.
Application Procedure
The selection process for the Leo Baeck Fellowship Scholarship involves several stages:
- Application Review: The committee will review all applications, ensuring they meet all requirements and align with the fellowship’s purpose.
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic achievements, recommendation letters, and research proposals.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, physically or virtually. The committee will then be able to assess the candidate’s fitness for the fellowship.
Please email all applications as a single PDF document. The letters of recommendation will be sent separately. The committee will consider only complete applications.
