How does the fellowship work?

With its Richard von Weizsäcker Fellowship the Robert Bosch Academy offers outstanding personalities from over the world a residency of several months in Berlin. The highly individualized stays offer the Richard von Weizsäcker Fellows the intellectual freedom to deal with a variety of topics and issues beyond their regular duties and obligations.

To foster dialogue among the Fellows and with the German and international public, the Robert Bosch Academy organizes numerous activities tailored to the background and interests of the respective Fellow. By engaging with the Fellows, German experts and decision-makers gain new perspectives on major social and political issues; in turn, Fellows expand their networks and enrich their expertise with insights in German and European policy debates and decision-making processes.

While the Fellows come from a wide array of backgrounds, they are united in their desire to learn more about Berlin and Germany during their stay. The Robert Bosch Academy offers its Fellows a comprehensive program with insights in German history, politics, economy and society. It thereby creates a well connected international community. Since 2015, this community reunites at the annual Richard von Weizsacker Forum.

Who is the target audience?

The Richard von Weizsäcker Fellows are outstanding personalities who actively shape the political and social dialogue at international level.

Fellowships can be awarded by invitation only.

Who organizes the fellowship?

The Richard von Weizsäcker Fellowship is a program of the Robert Bosch Academy. The Academy was founded in 2014 as an institution of the Robert Bosch Stiftung. Located at the Berlin Representative Office of the foundation, the Academy offers a space for multilateral dialogue and interdisciplinary cooperation focused on finding solutions for the main challenges of our time. By bringing together diverse perspectives and a multitude of voices, the Academy enriches the public discourse in the capital and beyond.

The Richard von Weizsacker Fellowship was established in honor of the former Federal President, who served for many years on the Board of Trustees of the Robert Bosch Stiftung.