Doucet Scholarship 2026 Transform Your Legal History Research Career -

About the Doucet Scholarship 2026

The Doucet Scholarship 2026, hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory (MPI-LHLT) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is a prestigious and competitive funding opportunity for young researchers in the field of legal history. Now in its eighth year, the scholarship supports a three-month fully funded research stay at the Institute from January 5 to March 31, 2026.

This initiative is designed to promote in-depth scholarly engagement with the Doucet Collection—a unique archive of primary legal texts, monographs, and edited sources that are essential to understanding the legal and administrative systems of the Spanish colonial world, particularly in early modern Hispanoamerica. The award particularly encourages applications from researchers based in Latin America, in a bid to enhance access to this underutilized academic resource.

Are you an early-career researcher passionate about legal history in early modern Hispanoamerica? Do you want access to one of the most unique collections of legal monographs in the world? If yes, then the 2026 Doucet Scholarship by the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Eligible Fields

The scholarship is tailored for researchers in the following academic disciplines:

Legal History
Colonial and Post-Colonial Studies
Latin American History
Legal Anthropology
Historical Sociology
History of Political Institutions
Early Modern Studies
Comparative Law and Legal Theory

Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project significantly involves the use of materials from the Doucet Collection.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Doucet Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be currently enrolled in a graduate (Master’s or PhD) program at a recognized university.
Have a strong academic background in legal history, colonial legal systems, or related fields.
Submit a well-defined research proposal that is directly linked to the Doucet Collection.
Possess proficiency in either English or Spanish, as applications may be submitted in either language.
Although the scholarship is open to candidates of all nationalities, applicants from Latin American countries are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on:

Relevance of research proposal to the materials in the Doucet Collection.
Clarity and originality of the research question and methodology.
Academic potential and motivation as demonstrated in the CV and motivation letter.
Feasibility of completing significant research within the 3-month residency period.
Contribution to the scholarly community, particularly in underrepresented regions or themes.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for clarification or additional documentation before final selection.

Eligible Countries

The Doucet Scholarship is open to candidates from all countries, but special attention is given to applicants from Latin American nations, including but not limited to:

Mexico
Colombia
Argentina
Peru
Brazil
Chile
Bolivia
Ecuador
Venezuela
Guatemala
Paraguay
Uruguay
Cuba
El Salvador

This focus supports the original vision behind the scholarship—to expand access to primary sources in legal history to researchers from regions directly impacted by the colonial legal systems documented in the Doucet Collection.

Documents Required

All applicants must submit the following documents in either English or Spanish:

Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A detailed academic CV highlighting relevant academic background, research experience, and publications (if any).
Project Description:
A concise (2–3 page) description of the research project, including:
- Title of the proposed project
- Central research question
- Methodology
- Relevance and expected use of the Doucet Collection
Motivation Letter:
A personal statement explaining:
- Why this research stay is crucial for your academic journey
- What you aim to achieve during the three months
- How the Doucet Collection aligns with your research goals

Benefits of the Doucet Scholarship 2026

Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive package of financial and institutional support, including:

Monthly stipend of €1,365 for the full 3-month period (January–March 2026).
Travel reimbursement:
- Up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights
- Up to €750 for European flights
Accommodation assistance:
- Priority access to the Institute’s residential rooms at €680/month, subject to availability.
Full research access:
- Unrestricted access to the Max Planck Institute’s renowned legal history library, databases, archives, and expert faculty.

Scholars will also become part of a vibrant, international academic community and enjoy mentorship and support from leading researchers in the field.

How to Apply

To apply for the Doucet Scholarship 2026, follow these steps:

Prepare your application documents: CV, project description, and motivation letter.
Visit the official application portal on the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory website.
Submit your completed application by 15 September 2025.

Important Note:
Applications sent by email or outside the official portal will not be accepted. Ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Final Thoughts

The Doucet Scholarship 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for emerging legal historians to conduct focused research using one of the world’s most valuable collections on early modern Hispanoamerican law. Whether you’re based in Latin America or anywhere else in the world, this scholarship opens the door to advanced academic collaboration, rare resources, and professional growth.

If your research touches on the legal legacy of colonial Hispanoamerica and you’re ready to dive deep into historical texts that few have accessed before, this is your chance. Don’t miss the deadline—start preparing your application today and take the next bold step in your academic journey.