If you are a young legal researcher passionate about colonial legal history and looking for the perfect opportunity to dive into one of Europe’s most prestigious collections — Max Planck Institute Doucet Scholarship 2026 could be designed for you! Offered by the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory (MPI LHLT) in Frankfurt, Germany, this fully-funded research stay is a golden chance for scholars, especially from Latin America, to access the renowned Doucet Collection and contribute new insights to the field. The program welcomes international scholars and covers travel, a monthly stipend, and accommodation options.

With Max Planck Institute legal scholarships, you can conduct deep legal history research in a top academic environment and collaborate with leading minds in the field — all while enjoying a three-month stay in Frankfurt. Let’s explore all the details:

About Max Planck Institute for LHLT

The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt ranks among the world’s most recognized research centers for legal history, theory, and comparative law. Known for its vibrant academic community and unparalleled library collections, including the famous Doucet Collection of colonial legal history, the institute attracts scholars from across the globe and contributes to cutting-edge research in legal scholarship.

Max Planck Institute Doucet Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Feature	Details
Name of Scholarship	Doucet Scholarship 2026
Host Institute	Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, Frankfurt, Germany
Program Type	Short-term research fellowship
Duration	3 months (January 5 – March 31, 2026)
Eligible Degrees	Researchers in colonial legal history
Eligible Nationalities	Open to all, with a focus on Latin American researchers
Funding Coverage	Full scholarship + airfare reimbursement + accommodation options
Application Deadline	September 15, 2025

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €1,365 for the 3-month stay
• Airfare reimbursement:
• Up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights
• Up to €750 for flights within Europe
• Opportunity to rent an Institute residence room (€680/month, full months only)
• Access to the Doucet Collection and MPI LHLT’s extensive legal resources
• Work alongside internationally renowned scholars
• Support for research on colonial law and legal history

Eligibility Criteria

• Young researchers (early career stage) from around the world, especially Latin America
• Research interest must align with colonial legal history
• The project must have a direct connection to the monographs and source editions within the Doucet Collection.
• Strong academic background in legal history or related disciplines
• Working proficiency in English or Spanish
• Ability to commit to the full three-month research stay (Jan–Mar 2026)

Application Process 

• Prepare the following documents in English or Spanish:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Project description (explaining how your research connects to the Doucet Collection)
  • Motivation letter
• Submit your complete application by September 15, 2025
• For full details, visit the official scholarship page.

Comparison of Doucet Scholarship 2026 vs Similar Fellowships

Fellowship Name	Host Institution	Duration	Focus Area	Monthly Stipend	Travel Support
Doucet Scholarship	Max Planck Institute LHLT	3 months	Colonial Legal History	€1,365	Up to €1,500
DAAD Short-Term Research Grant	German universities	1–6 months	All fields	€934–€1,200	Full
British Library Chevening Fellowship	British Library	3 to12 months	Humanities / History	around £2,000	Complete funding
Gerda Henkel Foundation PhD Scholarships	Germany	6–24 months	Historical Sciences	€1,600	Partial

FAQs About Max Planck Institute Doucet Scholarship 2026

1. What is the Doucet Collection?
   The Doucet Collection is one of Europe’s leading archives for colonial legal history, housed at the MPI LHLT in Frankfurt.
2. Who can apply for the Doucet Scholarship?
   Early-career researchers, particularly from Latin America, with a focus on colonial legal history.
3. Is prior knowledge of German required?
   No — applications are accepted in English or Spanish.
4. Are researchers from outside Latin America eligible?
   Yes — researchers from any nationality may apply, though preference is given to Latin American applicants.
5. Can the scholarship be extended?
   No — the fellowship runs for a fixed period from January 5 to March 31, 2026.
6. Does the Institute provide health insurance?
   Scholars should arrange their own health insurance; this is not covered by the scholarship.
7. How competitive is Max Planck Institute Doucet Scholarship 2026?
   It is highly competitive, with global applicants seeking access to the exclusive Doucet Collection.
8. What academic disciplines are eligible?
   Primarily colonial legal history, but applications from legal theory, history, or related fields are welcome.
9. Can I apply if I am a current PhD student?
   Yes — both PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers may apply.

This is your chance to conduct original research at one of the world’s most prestigious legal research institutes. With excellent funding, institutional support, and access to the Doucet Collection, these colonial legal history fellowships will enrich your academic career and connect you with top scholars in the field. If your passion lies in colonial legal history, don’t miss this opportunity! Submit your application by September 15, 2025 and unlock new avenues of research in Germany. APPLY NOW.