The IRTG offers a structured PhD programme that works on two sides: In Germany with researchers from Berlin and Potsdam, and in Mexico with researchers located mainly in Mexico-City, but also in other areas. All researchers are working and collaborating on the topic of temporalities of the future (here you can find out more about the participating institutions: https://www.lai.fu-berlin.de/en/temporalities-of-future/3-institutions/participating_institutions/index.html).

The German side offers every three years posts to 12 PhD candidates who have majored in one of the disciplines represented by the IRTG. During these three years the PhD candidates individually work on their research topics, while participating at the structured programme (workshops, colloquia, etc.). The Mexican side offers each year travel grants to 10 PhD candidates who already have been granted a scholarship by CONACyT. By this way, PhD candidates of Mexican universities can travel to Berlin/Potsdam and participate at the programme of the German side.

You must have completed a master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Cultural and Social Anthropology, History, Literatures and Cultures of Latin America, Economics, Political Science, Sociology or Historical Education Studies. Moreover, your research project should be thematically related to the IRTG “Temporalities of Future - Dynamics of Aspiration and Anticipation”, and specifically to one of the following research lines: protagonists of the future, projections into the future or processes that affect the future. 

Every three years there is a call for applications for new PhD candidates at the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam. Every year the Mexican side opens a call of application for PhD research stays (2-12 months) in Berlin/Potsdam. You will find both kind of Calls for application on our website.

The next call for applications for the PhD programme in Berlin is expected to be published in September 2021. The selected PhD candidates will start their doctorate in May 2022. The call for applications of the IRTG Mexico will end at the middle of August. There will be a next call in summer 2022.

At the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam you will receive an employment contract with the Freie Universität Berlin. At the IRTG Mexico you will receive a scholarship for a research stay abroad in Berlin/Potsdam funded through CONACyT.

At the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam you will receive a non-extendable, three-year employment contract. You have to complete your doctoral thesis during that time. At the IRTG Mexico you will receive a travel grant for the months, you will spend in Berlin/Potsdam.

No, people from all over the world are welcome to apply for the IRTG. We encourage anyone who is interested and meets the criteria.

Very good English and Spanish writing and speaking skills are mandatory. However, you can write your thesis in German, English, Spanish or Portuguese. You have to discuss this in advance with your supervisor.

Freie Universität Berlin is a public university. It charges some fees and contributions, which are around €313 per semester. This amount includes a semester ticket for public transportation in Berlin. The legal justification for these fees and contributions may be viewed here (in German and English).

Due to the COVID-19 regulations in place, the IRTG ‘Temporalities of Future’ has moved all of its calendar of events online. At the moment all form of contact, as well as all events, are taking place through an online meeting platform or through e-mail. However steps are being taken for a slow opening of the university and the plan is to make at least some events on campus possible in the upcoming winter semester 2021/2022.

Please bear in mind that we have to follow orders of the university and that the corresponding regulations are continuously being updated. For more information on this, please follow this link.