Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027 (f_m_x)
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Temporary

Full Time

Apply by: 2026-04-05

Published: 2026-01-13

Potsdam

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Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2027 (f_m_x)

Reference Number 10891

The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is an international, inter-, and transdisciplinary research institute in Potsdam, Germany. The main focus of the institute is to integrate different types of knowledge to support a transformation of society towards sustainability. Its research approach is transdisciplinary, transformative, and co-creative. The RIFS awards the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship as part of its Fellow Programme. Prof. Dr Klaus Töpfer was the Founding Director of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) – now RIFS – in Potsdam, Germany. With the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship, RIFS wants to support individuals who, like previously Klaus Töpfer, are committed to sustainable development and to building bridges across society.

RIFS is looking for applications from highly talented mid-career professionals, who have worked for at least ten years on issues related to sustainable development and have the potential to serve as change agents. The proposed project should have a long-term impact that unfolds beyond the Fellowship. Applicants should bring innovative ideas from their respective fields, whether in science, the arts, civil society, business, politics, or other areas of society and have gained professional experience in different countries and cultures.

The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship is awarded for up to one year and will commence in the first quarter of 2027. The fellowship can be flexibly adapted to the candidate's life situation, for example divided into intervals. The chosen candidate is expected to pursue the project on site in Potsdam during the entire term and to contribute to the work of the institute. Please visit our website for more information about the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship is supported by a discretionary budget of up to 30,000 €, which can be applied to cover travel expenses, publication fees, support for organizing workshops, or production costs for artistic work, for example. The fellowship’s benefits include a monthly stipend and financial compensation to cover additional living costs during the stay in Germany.

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About the employer

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Potsdam + 6

> 1000 employees

German + 1

Established 1992

12 Jobs

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

The GFZ is Germany’s national center for research on the solid Earth. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges—ranging from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and preserving our environment in times of global change to the responsible management of natural resources. We are a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organization. With approximately 1,200 staff and around 500 visiting researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz research area “Earth and Environment,” combining cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration.

Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies of Earth’s systems and leverages advanced technologies and infrastructures to explore solutions and bring our knowledge into society. We do all this in line with our vision: “In tune with the Earth—to preserve it as a habitable planet.”