KWI International Fellowship

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, visual literacy 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.

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

What is funded

6 month research fellowship

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.

Duration

6 months from 1 October until 31 March 2026.

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.