Outline

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen is an interdisciplinary research institute for the humanities and social sciences in the tradition of institutes for advanced study. Located in the Ruhr Area, KWI offers a space for independent and innovative research in the humanities and various opportunities to engage and include the public. Currently, research at KWI focusses on the following areas: literary and cultural sociology, cultural science studies, science communication and public humanities. Further projects are concerned with cultures of communication, among others. It is one of KWI’s main goals to find new ways of linking research questions, concepts, methods and theories of philology, cultural studies and the social sciences. We are dedicated to pursuing our interdisciplinary agenda through international collaboration. An important contribution to our scholarly and political work comes from the Academy in Exile, offering research space to colleagues whose academic freedom is threatened.

What is funded

Fellowships for the duration of 6 months from 1 April 2025 until 30 September 2025.  

Selected fellows will receive a fellowship contract (not a full-employment contract) and a monthly allowance of 4.000 € (pre-tax). This allowance is intended to cover rent, insurances and living expenses. Partial reimbursement of travel expenses for arrival at and departure from KWI is also possible. Fellows are responsible for covering any additional travel expenses, such as those related to conferences, using their allowance. 

The KWI fellowship program is designed for excellent researchers from the humanities, cultural studies, and the social sciences. The institute provides fellows with modern infrastructure, office space, technical support and offers a library service, event and research management as well as administrative and communicative support. 

Duration

6 months (1 April 2025 until 30 September 2025). 

Eligibility

We invite applications from research fellows who have completed their PhD and have up to six years of post-doctoral experience. Project proposals should address KWI's research agenda. The KWI International Fellowship Program is open to researchers from around the world. German nationals may only apply if they are currently employed at an international institute.