The American Academy in Berlin is an independent, nonprofit institute for advanced study in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and public policy. Its primary mission is to strengthen the cultural and intellectual ties between the United States and Germany. Each year, following a rigorous selection process, the Academy awards roughly two dozen semester-long fellowships to individuals who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.
The Academy welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and various areas of public policy. We also generally encourage projects that address pressing issues of the day, such as the future of democracy, technology and society (especially artificial intelligence), contemporary China, as well as climate change and sustainability. Dedicated fellowships are also available to support projects in American political economy, Jewish studies, and public health and biotechnology. While project proposals need not focus on topics related to Germany, candidates should explain how a residency in Berlin would benefit their work.
The Academy invites visual artists and composers via separate, nomination-based competitions. We do not accept project proposals in mathematics or the natural sciences.
Deadline: Sep. 22, 2025
The Academy welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and various areas of public policy. Berlin Prize recipients include both established and emerging scholars, writers, artists, journalists, and policy experts who wish to engage in independent study within an interdisciplinary residential community. Emerging scholars should hold a PhD and a strong record of peer-reviewed work beyond the dissertation. The Academy will not consider projects that have not advanced significantly beyond the candidate’s dissertation project. Independent scholars who satisfy the general eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.
Applicants working in most other fields—such as journalism, filmmaking, or public policy—must have a significant record of publication or production. Writers of fiction and nonfiction must have published at least one book with a reputable press at the time of application.
Please note that we do not accept project proposals in mathematics or the natural sciences, and that we select visual artists and composers through invitation-only competitions.
Fellowships are restricted to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. Candidates must explain any limited periods spent outside the United States, such as sabbaticals or foreign assignments. American expatriates are not eligible to apply.
While project proposals need not focus on topics related to Germany, candidates should explain how a residency in Berlin would benefit their work.
Berlin Prize Fellows receive monthly stipends of $5000, roundtrip airfare, accommodation at or near the Hans Arnhold Center, partial board, and access to in-house library services and professional networking opportunities. Fellows present their work to audiences in and around Berlin via lectures, readings, public discussions, performances, and film screenings. They should also be willing to engage with relevant German institutions, organizations, and the media. These activities are integral to the Academy’s mission of fostering transatlantic dialogue.
- David Horowitz, Law (Spring 2013)
- Claudia Koontz, History (Spring 2005-6, Haniel Berlin Prize)
- Ralf Michaels, Law (Fall 2005-6, Lloyd Cutler Berlin Prize)
- Paul Carrington, Law (Fall 2003-4, Bosch Berlin Prize in Public Policy)
- Katherine Pratt Ewing, Cultural Anthropology (Fall 1999-2000, Berlin Prize Fellowship)