Doucet Scholarship for Legal History and Theory

Doucet Scholarship Program at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
The Doucet Scholarship offers early-career researchers an exceptional opportunity to engage in advanced study at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt, Germany. Designed to support promising scholars in the fields of legal history and legal theory, this program provides funding and access to world-class academic resources. Successful applicants will have the chance to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to innovative legal research in a dynamic international environment.

Primarily aimed at early-career researchers—particularly those from Latin America—the Doucet Scholarship offers a prestigious, fully funded three-month research stay at the Max Planck Institute. This opportunity allows scholars to explore one of the world’s most comprehensive collections in legal history, actively participate in a dynamic academic community, and foster meaningful international scholarly exchange.

Host Country	Germany
Host Institute	Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
Eligible Candidates	Young Researchers
Eligible Nationality	International
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded
Duration	3 months
Closing Date	15 September 2025

Applications are currently being accepted for the next term (5 January–31 March 2026), with the deadline for submissions set for 15 September 2025. This blog serves as a detailed resource for interested candidates, outlining essential information about the scholarship, who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect from the research experience at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory.

Doucet Scholarship Overview

Located in Frankfurt am Main, the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory (MPI LHLT) is globally renowned for its pioneering research in legal history, legal theory, and comparative law. As a member of the prestigious Max Planck Society—Germany’s foremost research institution—the Institute upholds a strong tradition of academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

The Institute is home to a world-class legal research library, offering vast collections that span various historical eras and geographic regions. It holds particular expertise in Latin American legal traditions, colonial legal systems, and transnational legal developments. As a center for interdisciplinary scholarship, the MPI LHLT regularly welcomes international researchers, organizes academic conferences, and supports collaborative projects that influence global conversations on law and society.

Doucet Scholarship is one of the Institute’s flagship programs, designed to broaden access to its resources and promote academic exchange with underrepresented regions—especially Latin America.

Doucet Scholarship: History and Objectives

Named in tribute to a pivotal contributor to the development of the Institute’s Latin American collections, the Doucet Scholarship reflects MPI LHLT’s dedication to fostering academic diversity and promoting inclusive knowledge production.

Created to support emerging legal scholars—particularly those from outside Germany—the scholarship offers full funding and institutional backing for a three-month research stay at the Institute. It provides a rich, immersive setting for in-depth legal research, intellectual engagement, and academic exchange.

Each year, Doucet Scholarship invites applications from international researchers eager to make use of the Institute’s extensive resources and contribute to its mission of advancing global perspectives in legal historical scholarship.

Doucet Scholarship: Important Dates and Deadlines

Research Residency Duration: 5 January 2026 – 31 March 2026
Application Submission Deadline: 15 September 2025

Selected scholars are expected to reside at MPI LHLT for the full three-month term, actively contributing to research dialogues, making extensive use of the Institute’s library collections, and engaging with its vibrant academic community.

Stipend and Living Provisions

The Doucet Scholarship offers substantial financial support to cover key expenses related to the research residency.

Monthly Funding Support

€1,365 per Month
- This stipend is designed to cover essential living expenses in Frankfurt, such as food, local transportation, and other daily necessities.

Travel Expense Coverage

Up to €1,500 is available to cover transatlantic airfare (e.g., from Latin America).
Up to €750 is available for flights within Europe.

This travel grant is designed to enhance accessibility for international scholars by covering round-trip airfare costs.

Living Arrangements

Institute Residences Available at Approximately €680/Month
Scholars have the option to rent fully furnished rooms in the Institute’s guest housing, conveniently located near MPI LHLT. These accommodations are available only on a full-month basis and offer a comfortable and practical living environment throughout the residency period.

Who Can Apply?

The Doucet Scholarship is designed for early-career legal researchers who seek to benefit from the MPI LHLT’s rich resources and interdisciplinary research setting. Although applications are welcomed from all countries outside Germany, special consideration is given to candidates from Latin America.

Ideal Applicant Profiles

Graduate students (Master’s or PhD level) specializing in law, legal history, legal theory, or closely related fields
Postdoctoral researchers focusing on comparative or historical legal systems
Early-career academics or professionals with a strong interest in global legal development and interdisciplinary legal research

Selection Criteria

Solid academic background in legal, historical, or related research fields
A well-developed research proposal that aligns with the Institute’s core areas of interest
Demonstrated engagement with Latin American legal traditions, comparative law, or transnational legal studies
Clear potential to contribute meaningfully to the academic dialogue and research community at MPI LHLT

Application Procedure

The application process is highly competitive and demands thorough preparation. To enhance your chances of success, make sure your application is complete, clearly organized, and demonstrates a solid academic foundation and purpose.

Required Application Materials

Statement of Motivation

Outline your reasons for applying to the Doucet Scholarship
Describe how the MPI LHLT will help advance your research ambitions

Research Proposal (2–3 pages)

Present your core research question, objectives, and chosen methodology
Explain how the Institute’s collections, facilities, or academic network will support your study

Academic CV

Provide details of your academic background, current role, research projects, publications, and relevant competencies

Letter(s) of Recommendation

At least one academic reference letter is generally required to endorse your application

Confirmation of Student Status or Institutional Affiliation

Applicable to enrolled students or researchers with formal ties to academic or research institutions

Application Submission Guidelines

All application materials must be submitted electronically in accordance with the instructions outlined on the official Doucet Scholarship webpage. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

Focus Areas for Research

MPI LHLT welcomes research proposals that align with its overarching academic focus. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

The legal history of colonial and post-colonial Latin America
Cross-border legal exchanges and transnational legal dynamics
Legal pluralism and the coexistence of multiple legal orders
Law in the context of empire, indigenous legal traditions, and legal anthropology
Codification processes, the development of modern legal systems, and the evolution of legal education

Research that approaches these themes from underrepresented or marginalized perspectives is especially encouraged.

Scholar Life in Frankfurt

Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most international and vibrant cities, combines rich historical heritage with contemporary innovation. Its excellent public transportation system, diverse cultural offerings, and active global academic community make it an ideal setting for international scholars.

The MPI LHLT is centrally situated, providing easy access to major libraries, universities, archives, and research centers. Former Doucet Scholars often emphasize the value of conducting research in such a dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment.

Application Tips and Best Practices

Prepare in Advance
Start your application process several weeks ahead of the deadline to allow time for thoughtful preparation and unexpected delays.
Develop a Clear and Targeted Proposal
Ensure your research plan is well-defined and directly relevant to the Institute’s areas of specialization.
Emphasize the Benefits of the Residency
Demonstrate how a stay at MPI LHLT will enhance your academic journey and contribute meaningfully to your research and career path.
Choose Strong Recommenders
Select individuals who are well-acquainted with your academic work and can write insightful, compelling reference letters.
Polish Your Application
Carefully edit and format your materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism—qualities that make a strong impression.

For full details and application instructions, please refer to the official website.

Conclusion

The Doucet Scholarship 2026 offers more than just financial support—it’s a unique opportunity to engage deeply with global legal history, foster international collaboration, and contribute to the evolving landscape of legal scholarship

For early-career researchers from Latin America and around the world, this three-month residency at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory provides an exceptional chance to join a dynamic academic community and make meaningful progress in your research.

With the application deadline set for 15 September 2025, now is the perfect time to refine your research proposal, update your CV, and take a significant step toward joining this impactful program.

FAQs – Doucet Scholarship 2026

Q: Do I need to speak German to participate in the program?
A: No, German is not required. English is the main language used at the Institute, and most academic resources are available in English or other widely spoken languages.

Q: Am I eligible to apply if I’m not from Latin America?
A: Yes. While the scholarship prioritizes applicants from Latin America, individuals from other countries outside Germany are also welcome to apply.

Q: Is it possible to extend the scholarship beyond three months?
A: No. The Doucet Scholarship is awarded for a fixed three-month period and cannot be extended.

Q: Does the scholarship include health or travel insurance?
A: No, the scholarship does not cover insurance. Recipients are responsible for arranging their own health and travel insurance.

Q: May I bring family members with me during the residency?
A: Yes, you may bring family members, but please note that the scholarship funding is intended for one person only. Any additional arrangements must be made independently.