In a world where access to historical legal scholarship is critical for shaping the future of law and justice, the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship in Germany 2026 stands out as a unique opportunity. This prestigious Research Program offers early-career legal historians and scholars the chance to explore one of the world’s most extensive collections on colonial legal history—the Doucet Collection—at the renowned Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt, Germany.
Designed especially for young researchers from outside Frankfurt, with particular encouragement for scholars from Latin America, this Fully Funded Scholarship fosters interdisciplinary dialogue in an international academic environment. The three-month residency not only enables direct engagement with historical materials but also offers generous financial support to scholars advancing research on colonial legal systems and their legacies.
Whether you’re pursuing a postgraduate degree, developing your first monograph, or refining your doctoral thesis, the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship is an excellent platform to deepen your academic inquiry while working at one of Germany’s top research institutes.
Program Details
Host Country:
Germany
Host Institute:
Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
Program Location:
Frankfurt, Germany
Program Dates:
5 January – 31 March, 2026
Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Legal History, Colonial Law, Hispanic-American Legal Systems
Benefits
Selected applicants will benefit from the following:
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Monthly financial support of €1,365 to help cover living costs during the three-month stay.
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Travel reimbursement:
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Up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights.
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Up to €750 for flights within Europe.
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Access to accommodation at the institute’s residence (rent to be paid by the scholar).
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Unrestricted access to the Max Planck Institute Library, including the Doucet Collection.
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Opportunity to work in an international academic environment.
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Mentorship and interaction with leading scholars in legal history.
This is an enriching experience for students of law, legal theory, history, and postcolonial studies who aim to study in Germany while engaging with rare and foundational archival materials.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship in Germany 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Must be a young researcher or academic not currently based in Frankfurt.
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Researchers from Latin America are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Must have a demonstrated academic interest in the Doucet Collection, especially in areas related to colonial law and legal history.
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Must be willing to reside in Frankfurt for the full three-month duration of the program.
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Should submit a research proposal specifically tailored to the contents of the Doucet Collection.
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Proposals must clearly define the research objectives and expected outcomes during the stay.
Applicants from disciplines such as history, legal studies, political science, and cultural studies are encouraged to explore the collection’s wide-ranging scope.
How to Apply
The application process is fully online and must be completed in English. Follow these steps carefully:
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Visit the official Max Planck Institute website and access the online application form.
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Fill in your personal and academic details as requested.
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Upload a detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
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Prepare a project description that aligns with the contents of the Doucet Collection. Be specific in your objectives.
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Write a motivation letter highlighting your interest in the collection and your proposed research during the stay.
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Submit all required documents through the platform.
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After submission, a confirmation email will be sent to your registered address.
Note: Ensure your proposal demonstrates clear use of the Doucet Collection and outlines how your research contributes to broader academic or social questions.
Application Deadline
The final date to submit your application for the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship in Germany 2026 is 15 September, 2025.
Early submissions are encouraged as the selection process is competitive and only a limited number of scholars are accepted.
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