KWI International Fellowships – Call for Applications (October 2026 – March 2027)

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, invites applications for its prestigious International Fellowship Program. This program offers outstanding researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences the opportunity to pursue independent projects in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment.

Fellowship Duration and Deadline

• Duration: 6 months
• Period: October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 (midnight CET)

About KWI

• KWI is an interdisciplinary research institute located in the Ruhr Area, Germany.
• It focuses on innovative research in the humanities and social sciences.
• Current research areas include:
  • Science studies
  • Visual literacy
  • Aesthetic practices
  • Constellations of historical impact
  • Dialogues between cultural and social sciences
• KWI is committed to international collaboration and hosts the Academy in Exile, which provides research space for scholars whose academic freedom is under threat.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• A monthly allowance of €3,000 (pre-tax) to cover rent, insurance, and living expenses.
• Partial reimbursement of travel expenses for arrival and departure.
• Access to:
  • Modern infrastructure and office space
  • Technical support
  • Library services
  • Event and research management
  • Administrative and communication support

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have completed a PhD in 2020 or later.
• Up to six years of post-doctoral experience are allowed.
• Career breaks (e.g., care-related reasons or scholars at risk) may be explained in the cover letter.
• The program is open to individual researchers only (no group applications).
• Applications are welcome from scholars worldwide.
• German nationals may apply only if currently employed at an international institute.

Expectations of Fellows

Fellows are expected to:

• Dedicate their fellowship to research aligned with KWI’s agenda.
• Be present in Essen at least three days per week.
• Participate in:
  • Entry and exit interviews
  • Colloquium, lectures, conferences, and reading groups
  • Academic events and the KWI Blog
• Contribute to publications and acknowledge KWI in their work.
• Optionally organize a workshop during their stay.
• Engage with surrounding universities and lecture series (teaching is not required).
• Begin the fellowship strictly on October 1, 2026 (dates are non-negotiable).
• Have a strong command of English (knowledge of German is not required).

Academic Landscape

• Fellows will benefit from the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), which links the universities of Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, and Dortmund.
• Opportunities for collaboration also exist with nearby universities in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, and Bielefeld.
• The Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen offers additional cultural and academic exchange.
• Cross-border initiatives with Belgium and the Netherlands enrich the research environment.
• UA Ruhr hosts 14 collaborative research centres and 13 graduate training groups, providing a rich academic network.

The Ruhr Area

• The Ruhr Area is one of Europe’s largest metropolitan regions, with over five million inhabitants.
• Essen and Duisburg are centrally located within this diverse urban landscape.
• The region was named European Capital of Culture in 2010.
• Following industrial transformation, the Ruhr Area has become greener and culturally vibrant.
• Nearby cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands, are easily accessible for day trips.

Application Process

The application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of publications
• PhD certificate
• Project proposal (up to 5,000 characters)

Important notes:

• Applications must be in English.
• Incomplete applications, late submissions, or proposals exceeding the length limit will not be considered.
• Applications sent via external links or multiple files will be rejected.
• Selection will be made by a committee of the KWI governing board and the institute’s director.

Learn more and submit your application here.