The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 KWI Fellowships for International Researchers Program. The program offers two types of fully funded fellowships:
- KWI International Fellowship
- Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
Each fellowship runs for six months, from April 1 to September 30, 2026, and targets outstanding researchers in the fields of the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences.
About KWI
KWI is located in the Ruhr area of Germany—one of the largest metropolitan regions in Europe—known for its cultural diversity and academic significance. Fellows can collaborate with universities in the Ruhr Alliance (Dortmund, Bochum, and Duisburg-Essen), as well as with nearby institutions such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Münster, and Bielefeld.
The region also offers excellent opportunities for cross-border academic exchange with nearby Belgium and the Netherlands, in addition to benefiting from advanced research centers and training programs.
1. KWI International Fellowship
Fellowship Duration
April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Target Applicants
- Researchers from all around the world
- Must hold a PhD.
- No more than 6 years of postdoctoral experience.
- German researchers are only eligible if currently affiliated with an international institution.
Eligible Fields
Research proposals must align with KWI’s research agenda, focusing on:
- Sociology of literature and culture
- Cultural studies of science
- Science communication
- Visual culture
- General humanities
Financial Benefits
- Fellowship contract (not an employment contract).
- Monthly stipend of €3,000 (pre-tax), covering accommodation, living expenses, and insurance.
- Partial reimbursement of travel costs to and from KWI.
- Access to research infrastructure: private office, technical support, library services, and event management.
Fellow Expectations
- Minimum presence of three days per week at the institute.
- Participation in opening and closing meetings.
- Active involvement in academic activities such as seminars, conferences, and reading groups.
- Contributions to the KWI Blog
- Possibility to organize a workshop (based on available resources).
How to Apply
- Submit one PDF file including:
- CV
- List of publications
- PhD certificate
- Project proposal (up to 5,000 characters)
- Submission email: [email protected]
- Application deadline: August 29, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (CET).
2. Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
Fellowship Duration
April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Funding Institution
Fritz Thyssen Foundation
Target Applicants
- International researchers as well as German scholars with significant international experience.
- Must hold a PhD.
- Must have several years of postdoctoral research experience (R3 level).
Eligible Fields
- The research project must align with KWI’s research agenda.
- Proposed projects may include:
- Writing a book or a special issue.
- Preparing a research project.
- Establishing a research group.
- Collaborating with Ruhr Alliance universities.
Financial Benefits
- Fellowship contract.
- Monthly stipend of €4,000 (pre-tax), covering accommodation, insurance, and living expenses.
- Partial reimbursement of travel costs to and from the institute.
- Comprehensive administrative and technical support, as well as full library services.
Fellow Expectations
- Minimum presence of three days per week at the institute.
- Contribution to KWI scientific events.
- Contributions to the KWI Blog.
- Possibility to organize a workshop.
- Commitment to begin the fellowship on April 1, 2026.
Application Process
- Submit one PDF file titled “Thyssen@KWI Fellowship” including:
- CV
- List of publications
- PhD certificate
- Project proposal (up to 5,000 characters)
- Submission email: [email protected]
- Application deadline: August 29, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (CET)
- Note: For more information or inquiries about the fellowships and application process, please contact: [email protected]
