Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
Posted on August 17, 2025 by Sadia
Are you passionate about science, technology, and history, and want to pursue research in Germany? Great news! The Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program 2026-2027 is now accepting applications. This fully funded fellowship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international researchers, providing the chance to work at one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to science and technology.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the program, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, research opportunities, and the complete step-by-step application process.
About the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program
The Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, is one of the world’s leading museums of science and technology, attracting millions of visitors each year. Beyond its role as a museum, it is also an international research hub, providing scholars access to its extensive collections, archives, and historical artifacts.
The Scholar in Residence Program offers pre-doctoral and postdoctoral researchers a fully funded opportunity to conduct innovative research projects that engage directly with the museum’s resources. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, welcoming researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, including history, science, engineering, technology studies, and related fields.
Scholars are expected to conduct their projects on-site, collaborate with museum staff, and explore new approaches to artifact-oriented research.
Program Overview
- Host Institution: Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany
- Level of Study: Pre-doctoral / Postdoctoral research
- Research Focus Areas: Projects must be based on the museum’s collections. Innovative, interdisciplinary, and artifact-oriented research proposals are strongly encouraged.
- Program Duration: 6 or 12 months (flexible depending on project needs)
- Deadline for Applications: October 15, 2025
Scholarship Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program is that it is fully funded, offering scholars the financial security to focus entirely on their research.
- Pre-doctoral stipend: €15,000 (for a full year)
- Postdoctoral stipend: €30,000 (for a full year)
- Research Support: Scholars receive access to museum facilities, including a workplace equipped with a desktop computer, telephone, and research resources.
- Accommodation: The museum provides the possibility of staying in subsidized apartments within the museum complex, making it easier for international scholars to settle in Munich.
This financial support allows scholars to concentrate on their projects without worrying about living costs in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Educational Background: Applicants must hold at least one university degree (Master’s or PhD).
- Language Requirement: Ability to read German is a prerequisite (passive skills are acceptable, as most archival materials are in German). Proficiency in English is also required.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must arrange their own health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The program is particularly well-suited for historians of science and technology, engineers with an interest in history, or scholars from interdisciplinary fields who want to work with real-world collections.
Research Opportunities
Scholars will have access to the extensive collections of the Deutsches Museum, which include rare manuscripts, historical artifacts, technical instruments, and scientific archives. Some areas of interest may include:
- History of aviation, transport, and navigation
- Development of industrial and mechanical engineering
- Evolution of computing and communication technologies
- History of medicine, chemistry, and physics
- Interdisciplinary projects linking science, society, and culture
This program is ideal for researchers who wish to integrate historical sources with modern academic approaches and create meaningful, globally relevant scholarship.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying:
- Completed Application Form (also available on the museum’s official website).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed academic and professional resume.
- Project Description: A 3–5 page research proposal outlining the research question, methodology, significance of the project, and how it will utilize the museum’s collections.
- Two Confidential References: Letters of recommendation written by academic or professional referees (these can be sent directly by the referees).
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program 2026:
- Prepare Documents: Collect and prepare all required documents (application form, CV, research proposal, references).
- Submit Application: Send your completed application package via email or post to the program coordinator.
Application Address:
Andrea Walther
Coordinator of the Research Institute
Deutsches Museum
80306 Munich, Germany
- Telephone: +49 (0) 89 2179-280
- Fax: +49 (0) 89 2179-239
- Email: a.walther@deutsches-museum.de
Why Apply for the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program?
The program is more than just a scholarship—it is a unique opportunity to:
- Conduct research at one of the world’s largest science and technology museums.
- Gain access to rare collections and archives unavailable elsewhere.
- Build an international academic network with researchers, museum staff, and global experts.
- Live and work in Munich, one of Europe’s cultural and academic hubs.
- Receive a fully funded stipend that covers living and research expenses.
For scholars passionate about connecting science, technology, and history, this fellowship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for researchers from around the world who want to explore science and technology in historical and cultural contexts. With generous funding, access to world-class resources, and the chance to work in Munich, it opens doors to groundbreaking research and international collaboration.
If you are a pre-doctoral or postdoctoral researcher with a strong academic background and a passion for science and technology history, make sure to submit your application before October 15, 2025.
Start your academic journey at the heart of Germany’s most renowned research museum and become part of a global community of scholars.