The KWI International Fellowships offer outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to pursue independent, interdisciplinary research at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany. The fellowship runs for a period of six months, from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, and is open to researchers from around the world working in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026. About the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) is an internationally oriented research institute located in the Ruhr Area. It is dedicated to innovative, independent scholarship in the humanities and social sciences and operates within the tradition of institutes for advanced study. KWI provides a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary exchange and public engagement. Current research at the institute focuses on the following thematic areas: Science studies Visual literacy Aesthetic practices Constellations of historical impact Dialogues between cultural studies and the social sciences A central goal of KWI is to develop new ways of connecting research questions, concepts, methods, and theories across disciplines such as philology, cultural studies, and the social sciences. International collaboration is a key component of this agenda, including the Academy in Exile, which supports scholars whose academic freedom is under threat. Fellowship Programme Overview The KWI International Fellowship Programme is designed for excellent individual researchers. Applications from groups or teams will not be considered. The institute offers fellows: Modern research infrastructure and office space Technical and administrative support Library and research services Event, communication, and project management support The fellowship provides a structured yet flexible environment that allows researchers to focus on advancing a significant scholarly project aligned with KWI’s research agenda. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Completion of a PhD in a relevant field Up to six years of postdoctoral experience, counted from the date of PhD completion PhDs completed in 2020 or later are eligible Background in the humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences Strong alignment between the proposed project and KWI’s programmatic focus Applicants are welcome to address career breaks, including care-related interruptions or circumstances related to academic risk, in a cover letter. The fellowship programme is open to international applicants. German nationals may apply only if they are currently employed at an international institute. Financial Support and Benefits Selected fellows will receive: A fellowship contract (not a full employment contract) A monthly allowance of EUR 3,000 (pre-tax), intended to cover: Rent Insurance Living expenses Partial reimbursement of travel costs for arrival at and departure from KWI Additional travel expenses, such as conference participation, must be covered by the fellow using the monthly allowance. Expectations and Responsibilities Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the intellectual life of KWI. Key expectations include: Dedication to a research project linked to KWI’s agenda Possible formats include: Completing a book or special issue Finalizing a research proposal Establishing a research group Developing collaborations with universities of the Ruhr Alliance Physical presence at KWI for at least three days per week Participation in entry and exit interviews Active engagement in: Colloquia Lectures Conferences Reading groups and academic events Contribution to the KWI Blog Acknowledgement of KWI in publications resulting from the fellowship Fellows are not required to teach but are welcome to participate in lecture series and seminars at nearby universities. Knowledge of German is not required, as the programme operates in English. The fellowship must begin on 1 October 2026. Due to programme design and academic scheduling, start and end dates are not negotiable. Academic Environment and Location Fellows benefit from a vibrant academic ecosystem, including the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), which connects: University of Duisburg-Essen Ruhr University Bochum TU Dortmund University Additional collaboration opportunities exist with universities in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, and Bielefeld, as well as the Folkwang University of the Arts. The proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands enables cross-border academic exchange. The Ruhr Area is one of Europe’s largest metropolitan regions, known for its cultural diversity, transformed post-industrial landscape, and extensive green spaces. Essen and Duisburg are well connected to major cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf. Application Process Applications must be submitted as one single PDF file (maximum 20 MB) via email to:international.fellowship@uni-due.de Applications must include: Curriculum vitae List of publications PhD certificate Project proposal (maximum 5,000 characters) Applications must be written in English. Incomplete applications, late submissions, multiple files, or proposals exceeding the character limit will not be considered. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.