Organizer Information

The Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI) in Essen, Germany, is a leading research institute dedicated to interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. KWI fosters innovative research on topics such as science studies, visual literacy, aesthetic practices, and historical impact. The institute provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, administrative support, and platforms for scholarly collaboration and international exchange.

Title & Description

KWI International Fellowships 2026–2027 – 13th Cohort The KWI International Fellowships offer early- to mid-career researchers a fully funded six-month Research opportunity to advance a scientific project aligned with KWI’s research agenda. Fellows engage deeply with KWI’s thematic areas—Science Studies, Visual Literacy, Aesthetic Practices, Constellations of Historical Impact, and Dialogues Between Cultural and Social Sciences—benefiting from office space, technical support, and access to library and event management services. This fellowship emphasizes international collaboration, rigorous academic research, and interdisciplinary exchange.

Categories

Research, Interdisciplinary Arts, Humanities, Visual Literacy, Cultural Studies, Science Studies

Eligibility

  • Early- to mid-career researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences.
  • Applicants must have completed a PhD and have up to six years of postdoctoral experience.
  • Open to international applicants; German nationals must be employed at an international research institution.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Fully funded Fellowship covering living expenses for six months.
  • Access to research infrastructure, office space, technical and administrative support.
  • Library and event management services.
  • Professional mentorship and collaboration within KWI’s interdisciplinary network.
  • Opportunity to develop and present research aligned with KWI’s thematic agenda.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • PhD certificate and academic CV.
  • Research proposal aligned with KWI thematic areas.
  • Letters of recommendation (if specified in full application instructions).
  • Submission via the official online application portal.

How to Apply?

Apply in the form of a single PDF file (max. 20 MB), which must be submitted electronically to international.fellowship@uni-due.de

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
  • Fellowship Period: 1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
  • Notification of Results: Not specified

Location

Essen, Germany

Additional Details

  • This fellowship encourages interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
  • Projects must resonate with KWI’s ongoing research topics.
  • Fellows gain opportunities for networking, academic exchange, and dissemination of research outcomes.

Website Link: https://www.kulturwissenschaften.de/en/cfa-join-the-13th-cohort-kwi-fellowships/#