Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Research Fellowships in Germany for Scholars in the Humanities

A guest post by Irina Dumitrescu (with Berit Andersson), University of Bonn

Over the past few years, I have been speaking and writing to scholars of all levels about funding opportunities in Germany. Having personally benefitted from the generosity of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, I’m eager to help colleagues discover some of the many sources of research support in Berlin and the rest of Germany. Berit Andersson has kindly compiled the following list of fellowships, along with key details, links, and this year’s deadlines where available. It cannot be exhaustive, but is, we hope, a good place to start for humanities scholars hoping to spend some time in Germany.

But first, a few words of advice. A number of these fellowships (such as Humboldt or DAAD) require a sponsor or host at a German university. I encourage applicants not to be shy about contacting faculty for a potential application, provided that they are an appropriate fit in terms of field of specialization and research interests. German scholars generally benefit from hosting international researchers, and are eager to expand their collaborative networks. (Sometimes, they also receive associated funding from the organization.) A good host can also look over the application and suggest ways to make it more convincing for a local selection committee, for example by carefully defining your terms and methodology, or by citing German sources in your literature review.

I also know that some scholars are worried that their German might not be good enough for work here. Not all fellowships require German proficiency, however, and some (again, the Humboldt) will even fund German language classes for successful applicants.

We both hope this list will offer scholars an entry into German academe, and wish you much success in your applications!

Irina Dumitrescu, with Berit Andersson


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Fellowship:
APRA Foundation Berlin Multi-Disciplinary Fellowship

Funding Organization:
Adrian Piper Research Archive Foundation Berlin

Requirements / Details
“The APRA Foundation Berlin Multi-Disciplinary Fellowship has the purpose of promoting research on the conception, constitution and structure of the self, with the educational goals of (i) increasing knowledge and public awareness of individual and societal strategies for surviving and flourishing in a global environment; and (ii) discovering, identifying and promoting the cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural flexibility through which these strategies are expressed.” (APRAF online)

There is only one Fellowship awarded each year, which can also be obtained without having the most advanced academic degree, if the achievements “meet the highest standards of excellence and outstanding contribution in their chosen fields” (APRAF online ).
APRAF Fellows are all required to have demonstrated proficiency in written or oral discursive prose. “Demonstrated proficiency means that the lecture, editorial, narrative or dialogue has been disseminated in the public sphere, either in print or performance.” (APRAF online)

Needed for successful Application:
   500-word description of the project and projected timetable for the various stages of its completion
  two supporting publications, and/or supporting media documentation on a single CD or PAL-formatted DVD where appropriate
  a CV
  names and contact information for four recommenders (two in each of the applicant’s fields of specialization in scholarship and/or the arts respectively)

Website:

Next Deadline:
1 October
The Fellowship award is announced no later than 31 March of the following calendar year.

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Fellowship:
Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers

Funding Organization:
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/ Foundation

Requirements / Details
This fellowship is addressed exclusive to researchers from Brazil and must be submitted to Capes (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior). “The sponsorship provisions correspond to those of the Humboldt Research Fellowship Programme” (Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung online). The programme will currently continue until the end of 2019. The last selection meeting is at the end of 2017, hence the corresponding deadline.

Requirements:
  Doctorate in Brazil or abroad with an official revalidation in Brazil
  completion of doctorate less than 4 years prior to application (Post-doc researcher) / less than 12 years prior to application (experienced researcher)
  a list of academic publications reviewed according to international standards
  confirmation of research facilities being available and mentoring agreement; also a detailed expert's report by an academic host in Germany
  following language skills:
o natural scientists/ engineers: good knowledge of German or English
o physicians and researchers in the humanities and social sciences: good knowledge of German
o otherwise good knowledge of English is required
- Brazilian nationality or permanent residence visa in the country
- proven teaching or research activity in Brazil

Fellowship is not available if:
  research already funded in other programmes
  potential applicants have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application

The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the ethical rules of the 7th EU Framework Programme during the application and sponsorship periods.

Website:

Next Deadline:
31 July 2017

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Fellowship:
Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers

Funding Organization:
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/ Foundation

Requirements / Details
  researcher with above average qualifications in a developing or transition country (a list of those can be found on the website)
  for to carry out long-term research of own choice (6 to 24 months) at a research institution in Germany together with an academic host chosen by applicants
  research outline including aspects that are important for the continued development of your country or region of origin and if applicant wants to contribute to the exchange of knowledge and methods between Germany and country of origin.
  For post-doc researchers: doctorate completed within the last four years; experienced researchers: doctorate completed with the last 12 years

Up to 95 Georg Forster Research Fellowships can be granted in 2016, about a third of applications are successful. In addition, the foundation grants the Georg Forster Research Awards every year to leading researchers from developing countries.

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers

Funding Organization:
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/ Foundation

Requirements / Details

- Doctorate, Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent completed less than 12 years prior to the date of application.
  Research profile documented by a list of academic publications reviewed according to international standards and printed.
  Confirmation of research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a detailed expert's report by an academic host at a research institution in Germany
  two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the candidate's own institute and, if possible, from abroad
  following language skills:
o natural scientists/ engineers: good knowledge of German or English
o physicians and researchers in the humanities and social sciences: good knowledge of German
o otherwise good knowledge of English is required
  applicant may not have spent an extended period in Germany prior to application, potential applicants who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application are not eligible to apply

The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the ethical rules of the 7th EU Framework Programme during the application and sponsorship periods.

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers

Funding Organization:
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/ Foundation

Requirements / Details

- Doctorate, Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent completed less than four years prior to the date of application
  Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation.
  Academic publications reviewed according to international standards and printed in journals and/or by publishing houses.
  Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a detailed expert's report by an academic host at a research institution in Germany.
  Expert reviews from the doctoral supervisor and one other academic qualified to give well-founded comments on the applicant's eligibility, preferably including a reviewer not working at the applicant's own institute.
  following language skills:
o natural scientists/ engineers: good knowledge of German or English
o physicians and researchers in the humanities and social sciences: good knowledge of German
o otherwise good knowledge of English is required
  applicant may not have spent an extended period in Germany prior to application. Potential applicants who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application are not eligible to apply.

The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the ethical rules of the 7th EU Framework Programme during the application and sponsorship periods.

  A Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers allows you to carry out long-term research (6-24 months) in Germany
  Applicants choose their own topic of research and their academic host.

The Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 500 Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers annually.

For the time being, researchers from Brazil can only apply for a Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship. For the duration of the joint Capes-Humboldt Programme it is not possible to apply for a Humboldt Research Fellowship.

Website:

Next Deadline:
Applications can be made at any time, online on the foundation’s website

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Fellowship:
American Academy Fellowship

Funding Organization:
American Academy in Berlin

Requirements / Details
The American Academy offers
  Residential fellowships to emerging as well as established scholars, writers, and professionals who wish to engage in independent study in Berlin (Fellowships are restricted to candidates based permanently in the US. Limited periods spent outside the US, such as sabbatical, foreign assignment for American publications, etc., must be explained on the application. US citizenship is not required. American expatriates are not eligible.)
  Aid to fellows in establishing professional and general networks both in Berlin and beyond
  its public outreach, which facilitates the introduction of a fellow's work to a wider audience, which serves its mission of fostering transatlantic ties through cultural exchange
  Fellowships typically awarded for an academic semester or, in some cases, for an entire academic year

Required:
  Fellows are expected to reside at the Hans Arnold Center during the entire term of the award
  Completion of doctorate at time of application; applicants working in other fields (e.g. journalism, law, filmmaking, or public policy) must have equivalent professional degrees; writers must have published at least one book at time of application
  Applicant should explain how their project would benefit from a residency in Berlin, but they do not need to be working on German topics.
   Project proposals in mathematics or the natural sciences are not accepted
  Candidates in the visual arts and music composition are chosen by nomination only (see Inga Maren Otto Berlin Prize in Music Composition and Guna S. Mundheim Berlin Prize in the Visual Arts on the website)

Website:

Next Deadline:
The application deadline for the academic year 2017-2018 is Friday, September 30, 2016, 12 noon EST (6 pm CET).

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Fellowship:
Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowships

Funding Organization:
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service)

Requirements / Details
  For recent international postdocs, with PhD or equivalent qualification no more than two years prior to application
  Applicants must neither hold German nationality nor have resided in Germany for the last 6 months prior application deadline
  Research at Leibniz institute of own choice, there are 88 institutes available (found on the website)
  Applicants should be able to prove their outstanding academic or research achievements.
  Research project proposal must match selected Leibniz institute

Currently no fellowships are available. The next call for the Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowships will be announced at the beginning of January 2017 on
www.daad.de/leibniz

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Germany For Former DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarship Holders from Sub-Saharan Africa

Funding Organization:
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service)

Requirements / Details
  Postdoc Applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa
  Applications may come from all subject areas with strong relevance to national development
  Research Project should not be a reworking or mere extension of applicant’s doctoral research. That means:
o The fellowship should advance the candidate's research profile
o The host and the candidate must have established close communication and devised a concrete research plan
o The implementation of the fellowship should contribute to promoting exchange between German and Sub-Saharan African universities.

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sub-Saharan Africa at DAAD supported Centres of Excellence

Funding Organization:
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service)

Requirements / Details
  Postdoc Applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa to conduct cooperative research within the region under guidance of one of the host institutions (see website)
  Applications may come from all subject areas with strong relevance to national development
  Research project should not be a reworking or mere extension of the candidate's doctoral research project. In addition:
o The centre of excellence has to adequately participate in the costs (e.g. infrastructure, other local expenses)
o The host and the candidate must have established close communication and devised a concrete concept note
o The implementation of the fellowship should contribute to develop staff exchange between Sub-Saharan African universities
  Furthermore , the candidates should be ready to support the supervision of DAAD scholars, if required, by their host institution.

Website:
none given

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Postdoc Fellowship HONORS

Funding Organization:
Dahlem Research School – Freie Universität Berlin

Requirements / Details
Candidates may apply if they are members of one of the doctoral programs of Dahlem Research School and
  they have submitted their dissertation or defended their dissertation no longer than 6 months before the application deadline
  they completed their doctoral studies within 3.5 years (time between begin of studies and submission of dissertation). In exceptional circumstances a duration of up to 4.5 years may be accepted.
  their supervisor provides a reference letter in which the quality of the dissertation is evaluated
  they are supported by a professor of Freie Universität Berlin who agrees to act as scientific advisor during the time of the fellowship
  they have developed and propose an interdisciplinary and innovative research project

Website:

Next Deadline:
The Dahlem Research School is calling for applications for 5 post-doctoral HONORS fellowships. Deadline: 31 July 2016.

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Fellowship:
Postdoc Fellowship POINT

Funding Organization:
Dahlem Research School – Freie Universität Berlin

Requirementss / Details
Aim
The aim of the DRS Postdocs Fellowship program is to support fellows in their further career development and the transition to the next career step at Freie Universität Berlin.
Target Group
DRS POINT Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines and nationalities with at least two years of research experience outside Germany, who completed their doctoral degree no longer than six years ago. To apply, candidates have to propose a research plan based around the research fields/ key topics of the participating Excellence Projects or Focus Area.
Female postdoctoral researchers and returnees from phases of international, inter-sectoral and/or non-academic mobility (such as researching outside Germany, working for industry or after a career break e.g. due to family reasons) are specifically encouraged to apply.

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Einstein Research Fellowship

Funding Organization:
Einstein Stiftung/ Foundation Berlin

Requirements / Details
The programme is designed to enable highly qualified, top-level researchers to conduct research for up to two years at a non-university research institute. These institutes should mainly be based in Berlin, but a host institute outside of Berlin that already has a close relationship with Berlin research institutes may also be selected. The goal is to strengthen medium- and long-term cooperation between the university and the institute hosting the researcher. Whilst conducting independent research at an institute, the researcher will be given leave of absence by his or her university. Junior researchers who are qualified to hold professorships will have the chance to substitute for these professors, thereby driving their own professional profile in Berlin.

  applications can be made by tenured professors at the four Berlin universities (FU, HU, TU, UdK) and Charité, who are eligible to take a sabbatical
  applicant will be awarded with the title of “Einstein Research Fellow” for the duration of his or her stay at the host institution
  application should be accompanied by a statement from the head of the university or Charité
  The head of the university or Charité must commit to allowing a junior researcher to serve as a replacement for the professor
  The application for funding must include:
o A description of the project
o An explanation of the role the project will play in promoting medium- and long-term cooperation between the university and the non-university host institute
o The nomination of a substitute professor with CV
o An outline of the proposed substitute’s outstanding scientific qualifications
o An assessment of the proposed substitute’s medium- to long-term career prospects
o A cost plan

Use of Funds
The approved funds may only be drawn through the universities or Charité in accordance with the regulations on third-party funding. These institutions will also become the employers of the individuals who receive support from the Einstein Foundation Berlin.

Website:

Next Deadline:
May vary according to institution

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Fellowship:
Einstein Visiting Fellowship

Funding Organization:
Einstein Stiftung/ Foundation Berlin

Requirements / Details
The Einstein Visiting Fellowship aims to enhance the international profile of universities and research institutions in Berlin by involving leading scientists and scholars from abroad in long-term academic research collaborations. The programme primarily targets researchers whose expertise can sustainably promote specific areas of academic excellence in Berlin. In contrast to typical visiting researchers who stay at an institution for one semester, the goal of the Einstein Visiting Fellowship is to integrate Fellows into Berlin's academic landscape on a sustainable basis.

  Applications may be submitted by the speaker(s) of a Berlin-based Cluster of Excellence or a Graduate School and by Einstein Centres.
  Applications must be endorsed by the management of the host university or Charité
  Applications must include the following:
o  The Einstein Visiting Fellow’s name, curriculum vitae and list of publications
o An explanation of the importance of the Einstein Visiting Fellowship to the host institution including information on
  the joint research project proposed by the fellow and the host institution
  past and current research collaborations with the Einstein Visiting Fellow being nominated
  the fellow’s  expected contribution to enhancing teaching at the host institution
  the size and focus of the working group to be set up in Berlin
  the frequency and duration of the fellow’s proposed visits to Berlin
  the activities planned to integrate the fellow into Berlin’s research landscape
  the administrative and organisational support to be provided by the host institution
o An explanation of the significance of the Einstein Visiting Fellow for cooperation between the host institution in Berlin and the Fellow’s home institution in the medium and long term

The funds may also be used for
  an appropriate expense allowance for the Einstein Visiting Fellow in accordance with the regulations governing the host institution, to be based on the Fellow’s qualifications and position in his or her home country
  expenses for material resources as deemed necessary by the Fellow for his or her research project

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
Europe in the Middle East — The Middle East in Europe (EUME) POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

Funding Organization:
Forum Transregionale Studien

Partnership: Freie Universität Berlin

Requirements / Details
  for scholars of art history, history, literature, philology, political philosophy, political science, religion and sociology who want to carry out their research projects in connection with the Berlin program
  Applicants should be at the postdoctoral level and should have obtained their doctorate within the last seven years
  Fellows gain the opportunity to pursue research projects of their own choice within the framework of one of the above-mentioned research fields and in relation to the overall program Europe in the Middle East — The Middle East in Europe.
  Successful applicants will be fellows of EUME at the Forum Transregionale Studien, and associate members of one of the university or non-university research institutes listed below.
  Fellows are obliged to work in Berlin and to help shape the seminars and working discussions related to their research field.
  Scholars are also invited to apply with their own funding.
  The working language of EUME is English.
  An application should be made in explicit relation to one of the research fields and consist of
o a curriculum vitae
o  a project description (no longer than 5 pages), stating what the scholar will work on in Berlin if granted a fellowship
o a sample of scholarly work (maximum 20 pages from an article, conference paper, or dissertation chapter)
o the names of two university faculty members who can serve as referees (no letters of recommendation required)

Website:

Next Deadline:
May 9, 2016 for fellowship starting on 1 October 2016 and ending on 31 July 2016

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Fellowship:
Post-doctoral Fellowships for historically oriented topics in the Humanities

Funding Organization:
Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel

Requirements / Details
The Herzog August Bibliothek is an independent research centre of the State of Lower Saxony and it awards fellowships to working  post-doctoral researchers in order to promote research in the areas of medieval and early modern cultural history. The international programme is open to all historically oriented disciplines. Projects should be centered on the historic book and manuscript holdings of the Wolfenbüttel library. Fellows are required to be in residence in Wolfenbüttel for the duration of their fellowship. Fellowships carry a residence requirement and the library has its own housing facilities. Fellows are expected to contribute to the academic life of the library and participate in scholarly exchange.

Website:

Next Deadline:
31 January of the following calendar year

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Fellowship:
ICI Fellowships

Funding Organization:
ICI Berlin

Requirements / Details
  applicants must have completed their education (BA, MA or PhD) within ten years of the date of appointment
  fluency in English is required, some German language skills desirable.
  ICI fellowships are announced for a particular core project and often also focus
  Applications should include:
o Information form
o CV
o Project Proposal
o Work sample/portfolio
o Two letters of recommendation
  Applications not responding to an announcement, which may include further eligibility or selection criteria, cannot be considered.
  Fellows are resident in Berlin, carry out their projects at the ICI Berlin, actively participate in the intellectual exchange at the Institute and attend institute events (colloquia, workshops, conferences, cultural and social events)
  Fellows are responsible for acquiring appropriate insurance coverage that includes, in particular, a health insurance valid in Germany for the duration of their Fellowship. Evidence of adequate insurance coverage and of required visa are prerequisites for the disbursement of the monthly stipends.

Website:

Next Deadline:
Announced on website

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Fellowship:
Postdoctoral Fellowship

Funding Organization:
Leibniz Institut für Europäische Geschichte (Leibniz Institute for European History)

Requirements / Details
  Postdocs from Germany and abroad who have completed their doctoral dissertations no more than three years before the beginning of the proposed fellowship
  Final examination or defence of the dissertation must have been successfully completed by the application deadline
In the context of cooperation between the IEG and the Herzog August Library (HAB) in Wolfenbüttel, one postdoctoral fellowship is awarded annually which provides for periods of research at both institutions (6 months at the HAB, 6 months at the IEG), involving primary source research in Wolfenbüttel and a writing period in Mainz. Applicants for this fellowship must explain why stays at both institutions would be particularly useful in the context of their research project.

Website:

Next Deadline:
October 15th for beginning in April (or later) of the following year

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Fellowship:
The International Post-Doc Initiative

Funding Organization:
TU Berlin

Requirements / Details
Between 2013 and 2018 the International Post-Doc Initiative (IPODI) of the Technische Universität Berlin awards 21+5 two-year fellowships to international female researchers in 3+1 internationally open calls. IPODI is part of an initiative (Wissenschaftlerinnen an die Spitze) that aims at increasing the number of women in leadership positions. IPODI addresses outstanding female researchers regardless of their nationality or age and is open to applications from all fields of research represented at the TU Berlin.
IPODI has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 600209 (Marie Curie Co-funding of Regional, National, and International Programmes). Due to the great success of the programme an additional fourth call for applications was published in October 2016.

Eligibility
In order to enter the selection process applications have to meet the following criteria:
  The applicant has at least two and not more than ten years of research experience after obtaining her doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), in exceptional cases an extension of up to three years is possible.
  The applicant did not reside or carry out her main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the call deadline (Marie Curie Mobility Rule).
  The research proposal fits into one of the fields of research represented in one of the TU Berlin’s seven faculties and is supported by a cooperating professor of the TU Berlin.

Website:

Next Deadline:
tba

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Fellowship:
‘Freigeist’ Fellowships

Funding Organization:
Volkswagen Stiftung

Requirements / Details
A ‘Freigeist’ Fellow: for the Volkswagen Foundation this means a young researcher with a strong personality, a creative mind, an ability to identify and use freedom, dedicated to overcoming obstacles. A ‘Freigeist’ Fellow opens up new horizons and combines critical analysis with imagination and innovative solutions.
The ‘Freigeist’ scheme is deliberately open to all disciplines and topics. The main focus is on outstanding junior researchers who wish to carry out re-search at the boundaries between established fields of research.
It aims to encourage exceptional research personalities to embark on visionary, risk-taking research projects at the intersections between established fields of research.
The initial five-year funding period focuses on developing the grantee‘s re-search profile and proficiency in independent research.
Ten to fifteen Fellowships will be awarded per year.

Candidates must, however, conform to the following conditions:
  Their doctorate must have been obtained not longer than five years previously (with regard to the date of the defence relative to the deadline of the initiative).
  The Fellowship must from the outset be integrated within a university or an extra-mural research institution in Germany.
  Candidates must already have changed their academic environment and moved to a new location – at the latest when starting the Fellowship. A return to the working context of the doctorate will only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
  A previously completed research sojourn abroad, at the latest integrated in the proposed research project.

Website:

Next Deadlines:
October 13, 2016, October 12, 2017

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Fellowship:
Postdoctoral Fellowships in the humanities in Germany

Funding Organization:
Volkswagen Stiftung and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Requirements / Details
Grants aim at enabling postdoctoral researchers based at academic institutions in the U.S. to spend some time conducting studies at universities or research institutes in Germany.
The grants will be awarded for a period of 9 - 12 months for the academic year 2017/2018
In exceptional cases, candidates can apply for a fellowship of up to 18 months.
Candidates can either independently choose a host institution for their fellowship or select one of the cooperating institutes listed on their website.
Candidates who apply for a fellowship at an institution not listed below have to provide a letter from this institution confirming the support of the candidate’s application and its willingness to host the fellow.
To be eligible, applicants should have finished their PhD after October 1st, 2011.
As this call addresses postdoctoral candidates, the PhD must be completed by the time of application.

Website:

Next Deadline:

tba

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