Fellowship

The Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin is a place where political, economic, cultural, and social issues of global relevance can be discussed in an atmosphere of trust. Through its Fellowship program, the Academy invites high-profile thinkers to spend several months in Berlin, deepen their fields of interest, and gain new perspectives.

Richard von Weizsäcker Fellowship

The Richard von Weizsäcker Fellowship is the flagship program of the Academy. Each year, up to 25 high-profile thinkers from politics, society, science, and the arts come to Berlin to develop strategies for addressing the challenges of our time. Thematic areas range from the international order and global security to climate change, social inequality, the stability of democratic institutions, as well as cultural and artistic reflections.
The Fellowship was established by the Robert Bosch Stiftung in honor of former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker, a long-time member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Intellectual Breathing Space

The residencies are not topic-specific. Fellows define their own focus areas and use the time for projects that would be difficult to pursue in their everyday professional lives. The Academy supports them through a customized program of meetings and conversations, deliberately incorporating less visible perspectives and institutional contexts. Creating distance from daily routines promotes the development of new ideas and creative approaches.

Outside Perspectives on Germany

A central component of the Fellowship involves engaging with political, historical, economic, and social developments in Germany and Europe. Supplementary programs provide insights into institutions, decision-making processes, and public debates. The outside view often brings greater clarity and fosters mutual learning.

Community and Continuity

During their stay, Fellows gain a deeper understanding of Berlin and Germany and become part of a community that extends far beyond their time in residence. A key event in this network is the annual Richard von Weizsäcker Forum, which brings together Fellows from all years to carry forward their work and continue the dialogue.