IASS Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2021 (Funding available)
Deadline: April 12, 2021
Applications are invited for the Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship 2021. With its Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship, the IASS wants to support individuals who, like Klaus Töpfer, are committed to sustainable development and work to build bridges between science, politics, and society.
The Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship is awarded for one year. The Fellow is expected to be physically present at the IASS during her/his stay and actively contribute to the work of the institute, for example by holding seminars and participating in other IASS activities.
About IASS
The Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V. (IASS) is an international, inter- and transdisciplinary research institute located in Potsdam. Prof. Dr Klaus Töpfer is the Founding Director of the IASS. The main purpose of the institute is to integrate different types of knowledge needed to support a transformation of society towards sustainability by conducting scientific research particularly in the areas of air quality and climate change, energy transitions, governance for sustainable development, and others
Benefits
- The Fellow receives a financial compensation intended to cover her/his additional living costs during her/his stay in Germany. The exact amount depends on the particular situation of the successful applicant and will be decided on an individual basis.
- In addition, the IASS can also provide resources to cover travel expenses, publication fees, support for organizing workshops, production costs for artistic work, etc.
Eligibility
- Open to highly talented young early to mid-career professionals from Germany or abroad who have worked for at least ten years on sustainability issues and have the potential to serve as change agents towards sustainable development.
- Applicants should be innovative minds and practitioners in their respective fields in science, the arts, civil society, business, politics or other sectors, and have work experience across different countries and cultures.
Application
To apply, submit the following documents by April 12, 2021 to fellowship@iass-potsdam.de:
- A letter of motivation: Please mention any prior experience at the interface of science and another sector of society (such as politics, business, the arts, media, etc.).
- A current CV, which should not exceed four pages, outlining your career path and most important achievements. In terms of lists, please limit this to the five most important items (e.g., five most important publications).
- A proposal outlining the activities to be conducted during the time as Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellow. The proposal should be no longer than ten pages (excluding references).
- At least one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should include biographical information and contact details of the person recommending.
For more information, visit Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellowship.

VACANCY: HEAD OF CREDIT
The Claude Campus Ambassador Program 2026 for students and researchers worldwide ($3,600 Stipend, Get API Credits & Lead AI Initiatives on Campus)
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) 2027 IRENA Youth Forum in Abu Dhabi, UAE (Fully Funded)
The Julius Berger Nigeria 2026 Workshop Engineer Development Programme for Nigerian graduates.
WTO Youth Talent Incubator Programme – 2nd Edition for young Researchers and Professionals in Trade and Gender.
The World Bank Group (WBG) Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2027 (Technical & Managerial roles at the World Bank Group)
The AfricaCDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 for young Africans (Fully Funded to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Rhodes West Africa Scholarships 2027 for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom (Fully Funded)
Vacancy: Executive Office Analyst (Graduate Trainee)