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The Berlin Prize Application

American Academy in Berlin

The American Academy in Berlin is an independent, nonprofit institute for advanced study in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and public policy. Its primary mission is to strengthen the cultural and intellectual ties between the United States and Germany. Each year, following a rigorous selection process, the Academy awards roughly two dozen semester-long fellowships to individuals who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.

The Academy welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and various areas of public policy. We also generally encourage projects that address pressing issues of the day, such as democracy, security, technology and society (especially AI), energy (including climate), and global order. Dedicated fellowships are also available to support projects in Jewish studies, German studies, and public health and biotechnology. While project proposals need not focus on topics related to Germany, candidates should explain how a residency in Berlin would enhance their work.

The Academy invites visual artists and composers via separate, nomination-based competitions. We do not accept project proposals in mathematics or the natural sciences.

Berlin Prize Fellows receive monthly stipends of $5000, roundtrip airfare, accommodation at or near the Hans Arnhold Center, partial board, and access to in-house library services and professional networking opportunities. Fellows present their work to audiences in and around Berlin via lectures, readings, public discussions, performances, and film screenings. They should also be willing to engage with relevant German institutions, organizations, and the media. These activities are integral to the Academy’s mission of fostering transatlantic dialogue.

All candidates will receive notification of the competition outcome via email in late March 2027. The Academy will announce the 2027-28 Berlin Prize recipients in May 2027.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Outstanding record of achievement in the applicant's field (highest predictor)

This is the most important selection criterion.

Successful applicants demonstrate national or international distinction in fields such as:

Humanities
Social sciences
Law
Journalism
Public policy
Literature
Film
Architecture

For scholars, this generally means:

A PhD
A substantial publication record beyond the dissertation
Recognition within the discipline

For writers, journalists, and policy experts, applicants are expected to have a significant body of published or produced work. Fiction and nonfiction writers must have published at least one book with a reputable press.

2. High-quality, original project proposal (very high predictor)

The project proposal is central to the application.

Competitive proposals should present:

An original research or creative project
A significant intellectual contribution
Clear objectives
A well-developed methodology or creative plan
A feasible scope for a four-month residency

Projects should already be well developed rather than representing preliminary ideas.

3. Clear explanation of why Berlin is essential (very high and distinctive predictor)

One of the Academy's most distinctive requirements is that applicants explain how a residency in Berlin will enhance their work.

Although projects do not have to focus on Germany, strong applications explain why Berlin offers unique advantages, such as:

Access to archives or libraries
Engagement with German or European scholars
Policy institutions
Cultural resources
Artistic communities
Intellectual networks

Applications that fail to justify the importance of Berlin are less competitive.

4. Alignment with the Academy's mission of transatlantic dialogue (very high predictor)

The Academy seeks to strengthen intellectual and cultural ties between the United States and Germany.

Projects that naturally contribute to:

Transatlantic understanding
Comparative scholarship
Democratic values
International policy dialogue
Cultural exchange
Public engagement

are particularly well aligned with the Academy's mission.

5. Relevance to important contemporary issues (high predictor)

The Academy encourages projects addressing pressing global challenges, including:

Democracy
International security
Technology and society (especially AI)
Climate and energy
Global order
Public health
Biotechnology
Jewish studies
German studies

Projects addressing these themes may have additional strategic relevance.

6. Ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary residential community (very high predictor)

Berlin Prize Fellows live and work alongside scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines.

Reviewers therefore seek applicants who can:

Engage across disciplines
Participate actively in intellectual exchange
Contribute to Academy discussions
Collaborate with peers
Benefit from an interdisciplinary environment

Letters of recommendation are expected to comment on an applicant's ability to succeed in this setting.

7. Strong public communication and engagement skills (very high predictor)

An important part of the fellowship is sharing work with German audiences.

Successful fellows are expected to:

Deliver public lectures
Participate in discussions
Give readings or performances (where appropriate)
Engage with German institutions
Interact with media and public audiences

Applicants should therefore demonstrate strong communication skills and willingness to participate in public programming.

8. Strong letters of recommendation (high predictor)

Applicants submit three letters of recommendation.

The strongest referees are those who can evaluate:

Scholarly or professional excellence
Originality
Career achievements
Quality of the proposed project
Ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary residential community

Detailed, project-specific letters are more persuasive than general endorsements.

9. Clear evidence of independent scholarship or creative practice (high predictor)

The Academy looks for applicants who have established an independent body of work.

For scholars, this means research that has advanced well beyond the doctoral dissertation.

For writers, journalists, and artists, it means a substantial independent portfolio demonstrating originality and sustained achievement.

10. Eligibility and strong fit with the fellowship program (essential predictor)

Applicants must satisfy the program's eligibility requirements, including:

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Appropriate disciplinary fit (humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, public policy, and related fields)
Mathematics and the natural sciences are not eligible for the Berlin Prize.
Visual artists and composers are considered through separate nomination-based competitions, not the standard application process.

Specialties

Others

Urology

Public Health

Eligibility Requirements

The Academy welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and various areas of public policy. Berlin Prize recipients include both established and emerging scholars, writers, artists, journalists, and policy experts who wish to engage in independent study within an interdisciplinary residential community. Emerging scholars should hold a PhD and a strong record of peer-reviewed work beyond the dissertation. The Academy will not consider projects that have not advanced significantly beyond the candidate’s dissertation project. Independent scholars who satisfy the general eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.

Applicants working in most other fields—such as journalism, filmmaking, or public policy—must have a significant record of publication or production. Writers of fiction and nonfiction must have published at least one book with a reputable press at the time of application.

Please note that we do not accept project proposals in mathematics or the natural sciences, and that we select visual artists and composers through invitation-only competitions.

Fellowships are restricted to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. Candidates must explain any limited periods spent outside the United States, such as sabbaticals or foreign assignments.

While project proposals need not focus on topics related to Germany, candidates should explain how a residency in Berlin would enhance their work.

The Academy accepts proposals for collaborative projects. Candidates who wish to pursue a joint project must submit separate applications. External reviewers will consider the merits of each candidate alongside their joint project.

Previously unsuccessful candidates are welcome to reapply. We strongly encourage re-applicants to update their application materials and revise their project proposals substantially. A number of Academy fellows have applied more than once before selection.

Individuals who have already received a Berlin Prize are not eligible to apply for another, except under exceptional circumstances.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Academy in Berlin

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 14 East 60th Street, Suite 1104 New York, NY 10022

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