Open Call: Thyssen@KWI Fellowship Program

The Thyssen@KWI Fellowship supports outstanding researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences by providing funding, research infrastructure, and collaborative opportunities at the Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI). The fellowship offers a monthly allowance of €4,000 (pre-tax), research support, and access to interdisciplinary networks for experienced postdoctoral researchers from around the world.

About the Fellowship

The Thyssen@KWI Fellowship is designed for excellent researchers working in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. The programme supports innovative research projects that align with KWI’s interdisciplinary research agenda while fostering collaboration with researchers and universities within the Ruhr Alliance.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced scholars to advance their research in a collaborative academic environment equipped with modern research facilities and professional support services.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Support high-quality interdisciplinary research.
• Advance projects aligned with KWI’s research agenda.
• Encourage collaboration across the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences.
• Strengthen international academic partnerships.
• Promote research networks with the universities of the Ruhr Alliance.
• Provide researchers with an environment for developing impactful scholarly work.

Eligible Research Activities

Applicants may use the fellowship to:

• Complete a scholarly book.
• Finalize a special journal issue.
• Prepare a competitive research proposal.
• Establish a new research group.
• Develop collaborations with universities in the Ruhr Alliance.
• Advance interdisciplinary research projects.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• A monthly allowance of €4,000 (pre-tax) to cover living expenses.
• Partial reimbursement of arrival and departure travel costs.
• Modern research infrastructure.
• Dedicated office space.
• Technical support.
• Library services.
• Event and research management support.
• Administrative assistance.
• Communication support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers at KWI and the Ruhr Alliance universities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Have approximately five or more years of postdoctoral research experience (R3 level).
• Propose a research project that is different from their PhD research.
• Demonstrate a strong publication record.
• Be actively involved in the international research community.

International Eligibility

The fellowship is open to:

• International researchers from eligible academic institutions worldwide.

German applicants are also eligible but must demonstrate:

• Significant international research experience.
• Professional collaborations with institutions abroad.

Fellowship Requirements

Successful fellows are expected to:

• Be present at KWI at least three days per week.
• Participate actively in KWI’s academic activities.
• Contribute articles to the KWI Blog.
• Collaborate with the KWI research community.
• Begin the fellowship on 1 April 2027.

Language Requirements

• The fellowship programme is conducted in English.
• Knowledge of German is not required.

Research Environment

KWI provides fellows with access to:

• Modern research facilities.
• An interdisciplinary academic community.
• Collaborative research opportunities.
• Library and information resources.
• Administrative and technical assistance.
• Academic events and networking opportunities.

Program Benefits

The fellowship enables researchers to:

• Advance major research projects.
• Expand international collaborations.
• Strengthen academic networks.
• Access high-quality research infrastructure.
• Develop competitive research proposals.
• Engage with an interdisciplinary research community.
• Increase the impact and visibility of their research.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their application by:

• Demonstrating how the project aligns with KWI’s interdisciplinary research agenda.
• Presenting a clear and original research proposal.
• Highlighting a strong publication record.
• Showing experience in international research collaboration.
• Explaining the broader academic impact of the proposed research.
• Demonstrating how the fellowship will advance long-term research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship?

Researchers with a PhD in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, or a related field who have approximately five or more years of postdoctoral research experience are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Successful fellows receive a monthly allowance of €4,000 (pre-tax), along with partial reimbursement of arrival and departure travel expenses.

What research activities are supported?

The fellowship supports projects such as completing books, preparing journal special issues, developing research proposals, establishing research groups, and building collaborations with Ruhr Alliance universities.

Are international researchers eligible?

Yes. International researchers are welcome to apply. German applicants must demonstrate substantial international research experience and professional collaborations abroad.

Is knowledge of German required?

No. The fellowship is conducted entirely in English, and knowledge of German is not required.

What are the residency requirements?

Fellows are expected to work at KWI at least three days each week, participate in academic activities, contribute to the KWI Blog, and begin the fellowship on 1 April 2027.

Conclusion

The Thyssen@KWI Fellowship provides experienced researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences with an excellent opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research in a collaborative academic environment. Through a €4,000 monthly allowance, comprehensive research support, and access to international networks, the fellowship enables scholars to advance innovative projects, strengthen research collaborations, and contribute to cutting-edge scholarship at KWI.