Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
Entries are now open for the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship, targeting excellent researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. The fellowship provides selected candidates with the opportunity to pursue their research at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany.
The fellowship offers a contract-based stipend of €4,000 per month before taxes. It runs for a six-month period from April 1 to September 30, 2026. This allowance is meant to cover rent, insurance, and living expenses. Partial reimbursement for travel to and from KWI is available, although additional travel such as to conferences must be funded from the allowance.
Eligible applicants must hold a completed PhD and have several years of postdoctoral research experience at the R3 level. Applications are open to international scholars and German nationals who can demonstrate significant international experience and professional connections. The research project should differ from the applicant’s doctoral work and align with KWI’s interdisciplinary focus areas.
Applicants are expected to have a strong academic profile, including publications in respected international journals, participation in global conferences, and possibly prior third-party funding or experience in public humanities. Projects could include writing a book, finalizing a research proposal, or initiating a research group. Applicants are also encouraged to consider collaborations with universities in the Ruhr Alliance.
Fellows are expected to be present at the institute at least three days a week and take part in entry and exit interviews. They are also expected to engage in academic life at KWI through colloquia, lectures, conferences, and blog contributions. There may be opportunities to organize a workshop, though this is optional. Teaching is not required, but fellows may participate in academic events at nearby universities.
Publications resulting from the fellowship must acknowledge KWI and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation. Knowledge of German is not necessary as the fellowship operates in English. Selected fellows must begin the program on April 1, 2026, and no changes to the start or end date are permitted.
Applications must be submitted in English and include a CV, list of publications, PhD certificate, and a proposal of up to 5,000 characters describing the planned KWI project. Final selections will be made by a committee including external reviewers, the KWI director, and representatives from the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.
For more information, visit KWI.