Open Call ThyssenKWI Fellowship 2026, Researchers from around the world are encouraged to apply for the Thyssen@Fellowship, including German nationals who can demonstrate significant international research experience and strong academic collaborations. The programme is intended for scholars who have completed a Ph.D. and possess several years of postdoctoral research experience at the R3 (Established Researcher) level. Applicants are expected to submit research proposals that align with the academic priorities of the Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI), Essen.
During the fellowship, KWI provides fellows with a well-equipped research environment, including dedicated office space, modern facilities, library access, technical assistance, research and event management services, and comprehensive administrative and communication support.
Selected fellows will receive a fellowship contract (rather than a full employment contract) along with a monthly stipend of €4,000 (before taxes). The stipend is intended to cover accommodation, insurance, and day-to-day living costs throughout the fellowship. In addition, fellows may receive partial reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while travelling to and from KWI at the beginning and end of the fellowship. Any other travel costs, including those related to conferences or research activities, are expected to be covered from the fellowship allowance.
If you’re interested in this prestigious fellowship program, we encourage you to read the article carefully and follow the application guidelines closely. Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and submit your application within the specified timeline.
Last Date of Application: 17th August 2026
About Open Call ThyssenKWI Fellowship 2026
The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing innovative scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. Following the tradition of internationally recognised institutes for advanced study, KWI provides researchers with an intellectually stimulating environment that promotes independent, collaborative, and public-facing research.
Located in the Ruhr region, the institute encourages interdisciplinary dialogue while actively engaging with broader society through academic events, public programmes, and outreach initiatives.
KWI’s current research themes include:
- Constellations of Historical Impact
- Visual Literacy
- Aesthetic Practices
- Dialogues Between the Cultural and Social Sciences
- Science Studies
The institute also hosts the Academy in Exile, an initiative that provides a safe academic environment for researchers whose academic freedom is under threat in their home countries.
Open Call ThyssenKWI Fellowship 2026 Fellowship Expectations
Applicants interested in the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship should meet the following expectations:
- Hold a completed Ph.D. in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, or a closely related discipline.
- Have an established academic profile with approximately five or more years of postdoctoral research experience (R3 level).
- Propose a research project that is substantially different from their doctoral research.
- International scholars are welcome to apply. German applicants must demonstrate significant international research experience through overseas collaborations, research stays, or academic partnerships.
- Possess a strong publication record, including work published in recognised international journals or equivalent scholarly outputs.
- Have experience participating in or organising international academic conferences.
- Applications from researchers with experience in securing external research funding, science communication, or public humanities are particularly encouraged.
- Submit a project that aligns with one or more of KWI’s research priorities and supports its interdisciplinary mission.
- Possible fellowship activities include completing a book manuscript, editing a special journal issue, preparing a major research grant proposal, establishing a research group, or developing collaborations with universities within the Ruhr Alliance.
Open Call ThyssenKWI Fellowship 2026 Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to actively contribute to the institute’s academic community by:
- Being present at KWI for at least three days each week.
- Participating in introductory and concluding fellowship interviews.
- Attending and contributing to colloquia, lectures, conferences, reading groups, and other scholarly events.
- Writing articles or reflections for the KWI Blog.
- Optionally organising a workshop during the fellowship, subject to available resources and scheduling.
- While teaching is not required, fellows are welcome to participate in lectures and seminars at nearby universities.
- Acknowledging both KWI and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation in publications resulting from research conducted during the fellowship.
- Demonstrating strong English language proficiency, as knowledge of German is not mandatory.
- Beginning the fellowship on the official start date of 1 April 2027, as the fellowship schedule is fixed and cannot be altered.
Open Call ThyssenKWI Fellowship 2026 Academic Environment
The fellowship offers access to one of Germany’s most vibrant research networks. Fellows can collaborate with scholars across the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), which connects the Universities of Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, and Dortmund.
Additional opportunities for academic exchange are available through nearby institutions, including:
- University of Düsseldorf
- University of Cologne
- University of Münster
- Bielefeld University
- Folkwang University of the Arts
The institute’s location also enables collaboration with universities and research organisations in neighbouring Belgium and the Netherlands through various cross-border academic initiatives.
Living in the Ruhr Region
KWI is situated in Essen, at the heart of Germany’s Ruhr metropolitan area—one of Europe’s largest urban regions with a population of over five million people.
Once known primarily for its industrial heritage, the Ruhr region has transformed into a major centre for culture, research, and innovation. Recognised as the European Capital of Culture in 2010, the region now offers a vibrant mix of museums, theatres, green spaces, and cultural attractions.
Its central location also provides convenient access to major German cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, while neighbouring countries like Belgium and the Netherlands are close enough for short research visits or weekend travel.
How to apply?
To apply fill the form below
Application:
We kindly ask you to apply in the form of one single PDF file (max. 20 MB) which must be
submitted electronically to international.fellowship@uni-due.de with the subject line:
“Thyssen@KWI-Fellowship”.
[Due to IT safety regulations, we cannot accept applications via links to external platforms.]
- The application must be written in English and must contain a CV, a list of publications,
PhD certificate, and proposal sketching your KWI project (up to max. 5,000 characters for
the proposal).
- The application deadline is 17 August 2026 (23:59 CET). We will not consider applications
that are incomplete or submitted after this date.
- Fellows will be selected by a committee consisting of external reviewers, the institute’s
director and the Fritz Thyssen foundation.
- Further information about the application process can be found in the FAQs
For further questions, please contact international.fellowship@uni-due.de
Learn more about the Fellowship Program
FAQs – Thyssen@KWI Fellowship 2027
-
Who is eligible to apply for the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship?
Researchers who have completed a Ph.D. in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, or a related field and possess approximately five or more years of postdoctoral research experience (R3 level) are eligible to apply. International applicants are welcome, and German scholars may also apply if they have substantial international research experience.
-
Is knowledge of the German language required for the fellowship?
No. Applicants are not required to know German. Since the fellowship programme is conducted in English, a strong command of the English language is sufficient.
-
What are the expectations from selected fellows during the programme?
Fellows are expected to work on an interdisciplinary research project aligned with KWI’s research priorities, be present at the institute at least three days a week, participate in academic events, contribute to the KWI Blog, and engage with the institute’s research community.
-
Can fellows teach at universities during the fellowship?
Teaching is not a mandatory part of the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship. However, fellows are welcome to participate in lectures, seminars, or academic activities at nearby universities if opportunities arise.
-
When does the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship begin?
The fellowship is scheduled to commence on 1 April 2027. Selected fellows are expected to start on the official date, as the programme’s start and end dates are fixed and cannot be changed.
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