Franckesche Stiftungen zu Halle - Dr. Liselotte Kirchner-Stipendienprogramm

What the Dr. Liselotte Kirchner programme gives you

You get a research grant to work with the historical collections of the Francke Foundations (Franckesche Stiftungen) in Halle (Saale), Germany. These collections are held in the foundation's archive, library and cabinet of art and curiosities. The programme has four lines:

• Grant for doctoral researchers: 1,400 EUR per month for up to 3 months (shorter on request). This covers everything, including travel, insurance and work materials.
• Grant for postdoctoral researchers: 2,000 EUR per month for up to 3 months (shorter on request), all costs included.
• Long-term research grant (after your doctorate): 1,500 EUR per month for 6 to 10 months, plus up to 2,000 EUR to run an academic conference. Awarded once a year.
• Residence programme (no monthly money): free accommodation on site for young researchers (from bachelor level) and established scholars. Established scholars stay in the fully furnished Muehlenberg apartment.

All grant lines include free accommodation in the foundation's guest rooms. You must be present in Halle during the stay. The programme is funded by a donation from Dr. Liselotte Kirchner of Offenbach.

Who can apply

• Degree level: The paid grants are for doctoral students and people who already hold a doctorate. The residence programme is open from a bachelor's degree upwards.
• Your project: Your research project must use the source collections of the Francke Foundations: the archive, library or cabinet of art and curiosities.
• Field of study: Open to all history-focused subjects.
• Nationality: Open to applicants from Germany and abroad.

How to apply

Send your application as a PDF by email to the foundation's research office. Note the programme name and which line you are applying for. For the paid grant lines (doctoral, postdoctoral and long-term), the deadline is 15 October for the following year, and you hear back by December. For the residence programme you can apply at any time and get a reply within 6 weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a tightly focused award. Your project must genuinely rely on the Francke Foundations' own collections, so the pool of suitable applicants is small. If your research clearly needs these archives and you submit a convincing project outline by the October deadline, your prospects are good. The long-term grant is given only once a year, so it is the most contested line.