Max Planck Institute Offers Fully Funded Doucet Scholarship in Germany for 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship, a fully funded, three-month research opportunity at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. This scholarship provides young researchers with invaluable access to the prestigious Doucet Collection, a rich resource for the study of legal history, particularly concerning the Hispanic-American region.

Unlocking Legal History: The Doucet Collection

The scholarship, based at the Max Planck Institute's Library for the History and Theory of Law in Frankfurt, offers a €1,365 stipend to cover living expenses. Furthermore, the program reimburses travel costs, up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights and €750 for flights within Europe. The program is scheduled to run from January 5 to March 31, 2026.

A Unique Opportunity for Young Researchers

"This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to engage with a significant collection of historical legal materials," explains Dr. Elena Garcia, a legal historian specializing in colonial law. "The Doucet Collection offers a window into the legal frameworks that shaped the Hispanic-American world, and this program allows scholars to contribute fresh perspectives to this important area of study."

Scholarship Details and Benefits

Host Country: Germany Host Institute: Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory Program Location: Frankfurt, Germany Program Duration: January 5 - March 31, 2026 (3 months)

Financial Support:

A stipend of €1,365 to cover miscellaneous expenses. Reimbursement of travel costs up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights and €750 for flights within Europe.

Option to rent a room in the Institute's residence (at the participant's expense).

Eligibility Criteria

The Max Planck Doucet Scholarship primarily targets young researchers, especially those from Latin America, whose work aligns with the themes and resources available within the Doucet Collection. Applicants must be prepared to reside at the Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt for the entire three-month duration of the program and actively engage with the collection.

Key Requirements:

Open to young researchers from outside Frankfurt, with a particular emphasis on researchers from Latin America. Demonstrated interest in utilizing the Doucet Collection for their research. Commitment to residing at the Max Planck Institute for the duration of the program. Submission of a compelling project proposal directly related to the Doucet Collection.

Application Process

Prospective applicants must submit their applications through an online portal. The application requires a detailed project proposal that clearly articulates how the Doucet Collection will be utilized. Applicants must also upload a CV, contact details, and responses to specific questions within the application form. A motivation letter explaining the applicant's interest in the Doucet Collection is also required.

Required Documents:

Online application form Curriculum Vitae (CV) Project description Motivation letter outlining the applicant's rationale for using the Doucet Collection

Historical Context and Significance

Scholarships like the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship play a crucial role in fostering international collaboration and advancing research in specialized fields. The Doucet Collection itself represents a significant repository of historical legal documents, offering insights into the evolution of legal systems and their impact on societies. Programs like these are vital for preserving and interpreting this historical knowledge for future generations.

"Funding for humanities research, particularly in areas like legal history, is increasingly important in a world grappling with complex legal and ethical challenges," notes Professor David Miller, a specialist in scholarship funding trends. "These scholarships not only support individual scholars but also contribute to a broader understanding of the historical roots of contemporary legal issues."

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications for the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship is September 15, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the deadline.

Apply Now: [Official Link - Placeholder]

This scholarship provides an unparalleled opportunity for young researchers to delve into the intricacies of legal history and contribute to a deeper understanding of the past. With its comprehensive funding and access to exceptional resources, the Max Planck Doucet Scholarship is a significant opportunity for aspiring scholars in the field.