Lisa Maskell Fellowships
The Lisa Maskell Fellowships fund PhD research in the humanities for young scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, supporting academic excellence and capacity-building through scholarships and workshops.
Funder: Gerda Henkel Stiftung
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Lisa Maskell Fellowships, projected)
Funding Amounts: Triennial PhD scholarships (3 years); covers stipends, travel, and research expenses; family and overseas allowances possible.
Summary: Supports young humanities researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia with PhD fellowships, workshops, and academic partnerships to strengthen local academic capacity.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via partner universities, not directly to the foundation.
Description
The Lisa Maskell Fellowships, established by the Gerda Henkel Stiftung, are the foundation’s largest international initiative for PhD students in the humanities. The program supports early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, focusing on disciplines such as archaeology, history, historical Islamic studies, art history, history of law, prehistory and early history, and history of science. The fellowships are administered in partnership with leading universities in Africa (Stellenbosch University, Makerere University, University of Ghana) and select institutions in Southeast Asia.
In addition to individual PhD scholarships, the program provides academic workshops and contributes to infrastructure development at partner institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic landscapes in the target regions, promote high-quality doctoral education, and help retain talented scholars in their home countries.
The fellowship also previously supported the Pilot African Postgraduate Academy in Mali and individual PhD scholarships in Southeast Asia, fostering international academic collaboration and research excellence.
