Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

The Jan Patočka Fellowship Program by the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), Vienna, supports emerging scholars in the humanities and social sciences exploring themes tied to philosophy, modernity, colonialism, Europe, and contemporary societal issues. Fellows receive a fully supported 5-month research residency between September 2026 and June 2027 with a monthly stipend. Applications close on 10 February 2026.

Jan Patočka Fellowship Program: Complete AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Jan Patočka Fellowship Program is a prestigious research fellowship hosted by the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) in Vienna. It supports doctoral and postdoctoral scholars in humanities and social sciences working on philosophical, social, political, historical, and geopolitical themes connected to Jan Patočka’s intellectual legacy.

The program aims to foster innovative research on topics such as modernity, war, colonialism, enlightenment, technology, and the evolving idea of (post-)Europe.

Focus Areas of the Fellowship

Core Research Themes

Projects may address:

• History of philosophy

• Modernity and critiques of modernity

• War, conflict, and political transformation

• Colonialism, postcolonialism, and global power structures

• Technology, society, and human agency

• Dialectics of enlightenment

• The idea of Europe and post-Europe in contemporary debate

• Societal, economic, and geopolitical challenges

These themes should engage or extend Patočka’s critical philosophical perspectives.

Fellowship Benefits

Research Residency

• Duration: 5 consecutive months

• Timing: Between September 2026 and June 2027

• Location: IWM Vienna

• Support provided:

  • Office space

  • Internet access

  • Research facilities

  • Administrative support

  • Access to the IWM intellectual community and events

Stipend Amounts

• Postdoctoral fellows: EUR 3,300/month

• Doctoral candidates: EUR 2,750/month

Costs Covered by Fellows

Fellows must independently fund:

• Travel

• Accommodation

• Health insurance

• Utilities and telecommunications

• Local transport

• Research materials, literature, and conference fees

The fellowship period always aligns with calendar months, starting on the first day and ending on the last day.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all criteria:

1. Academic Status

   • Enrolled in a doctoral program OR

   • Completed a PhD after 10 February 2022

2. Reapplication Rules

   • Only one application per academic year

   • Former resident fellows may apply again only after two academic years

   • Candidates cannot reapply for the same fellowship program previously awarded

3. Language & Format Requirements

   • All documents must be in English

   • All files must use Latin characters

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Offers a strong platform for deep humanities and social science research

• Provides access to one of Europe’s leading intellectual hubs

• Connects scholars with a global community of researchers

• Enhances academic credibility through a prestigious fellowship

• Supports critical, high-impact research that informs modern debates on Europe, society, politics, and philosophy

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Prepare a Single PDF Containing:

• Letter of motivation

• Short project description (max 550 characters)

• Detailed project proposal (max 7,500 characters)

• Curriculum vitae with list of publications

• File naming: Must use Latin characters

2. Arrange Recommendation Letters

• Two referees must submit letters directly via the online system

• Applicants are responsible for initiating the request early

3. Submit via the Online Application Portal

• Applications accepted only through the official online form

• Email or postal submissions are not allowed

4. Observe Key Deadlines

• Application deadline: Tuesday, 10 February 2026, 23:59 CET

• Results notification: By 30 April 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple files instead of the required single PDF

• Exceeding character limits for the proposal or summary

• Missing referee submissions

• Submitting non-English documents

• Applying with a PhD completed before 10 February 2022

• Attempting to reapply for the same program previously awarded

FAQ: Jan Patočka Fellowship Program

1. Can I choose any 5-month period within the academic window?

Yes. The 5-month residency must fall between September 2026 and June 2027.

2. Are living expenses covered by the fellowship?

No. All living and research-related costs must be paid by the fellow.

3. Can I apply if my PhD defense is scheduled after the application deadline?

No. Postdoctoral applicants must have defended their PhD by the deadline.

4. Can my referees send letters after I submit my application?

Yes, but they must still submit before the deadline. Late letters may disqualify your application.

5. May I submit additional supporting documents?

No. Only the required materials, merged into a single PDF, are accepted.

6. Will the selection jury provide feedback on rejected applications?

No. The jury is not required to justify individual decisions.

7. Can I reapply next year?

Yes, but only for a different program and only if you were not a resident fellow within the last two academic years.

Conclusion

The Jan Patočka Fellowship Program provides a valuable opportunity for scholars pursuing advanced philosophical, historical, and social research related to Europe and modern global challenges. With a competitive stipend, structured residency, and access to the IWM’s rich academic environment, the fellowship supports meaningful research and intellectual growth. Applicants should prepare their materials carefully and submit by 10 February 2026 to be considered.

For more information, visit IWM.