***The call for Fellowships 2026/2027 is closed. The next call will open in autumn 2025***

The HIAS fellowship program is aimed at outstanding scholars (minimum requirement: doctorate) as well as artists and cultural professionals of all career levels and nationalities. The most important prerequisites for a research fellowship at HIAS are substantial academic or artistic achievements, intellectual curiosity and an above-average interest in other disciplines. Ideal candidates are individuals who reflect the basic assumptions of their discipline and are open to engage inter- and transdisciplinarily with topics and ways of inquiry beyond the confines of their own discipline. They should also be willing to cooperate with scholars or cultural professionals in Hamburg. Desirably, the applicants enrich both the fellow group and the city of Hamburg as a hub of science and culture with innovative impulses and strengthen their internationality with their own networks. In addition, applicants are expected to take into consideration means of conveying the topics of their planned projects to a broader public.

Since HIAS is committed to equal opportunities, it particularly welcomes applications by early career researchers and emerging artists and cultural professionals as well as by individuals from usually underrepresented regions of the world. 

During their fellowship, the fellows live and work in Hamburg. Therefore, only projects that can be carried out on site at HIAS or in laboratories of local cooperation partners are suitable.  

To ensure that the fellows enrich the Hamburg science location with their external perspective and expertise, researchers from within the metropolitan region of Hamburg are not eligible for a HIAS fellowship. For the same reason, all fellows coming to HIAS collaborate with a tandem partner from Hamburg (see below). 

The academic year at HIAS begins on 1 September 2026 and ends on 30 June 2027. Applicants can choose between a period of stay of 3 to 10 months. A fellowship can also be started or ended during the academic year, but not during the months of July or August. 

HIAS offers: 

Utmost freedom and flexibility

The fellows can pursue their own research projects unimpeded by their usual professional obligations while enjoying interdisciplinary impulses and making many and diverse new contacts. For this, HIAS either pays a stipend to the fellow or reimburses the home institution’s costs of a teaching replacement. 

Excellent working conditions

The fellows are offered a fully equipped workspace in the center of Hamburg and continuous assistance by the HIAS staff, for example regarding literature procurement or the organization of workshops (however, HIAS can neither provide an artist studio nor finance one). In order to be fully integrated into the academic or cultural landscape of Hamburg, each fellow will be accompanied by a so-called collaboration partner (a scholar/cultural professional based at one of HIAS’ nine member institutions). 

Academic and cultural program

Fellows attend the weekly colloquia and lunches and are offered participation in additional cultural and scientific excursions. 

Excellent and family friendly living conditions

The fellows are housed in the centrally located guesthouse of the University of Hamburg, which offers fully furnished apartments with cooking facilities. HIAS welcomes accompanying life partners and children and assists in finding suitable accommodation, schools and day care facilities. 

Application 

Applications for 2026/27 can be uploaded in English as a single PDF file via our application form by March 31, 2025. 

By submitting an application, the applicant consents to the purpose-related processing of their personal data contained therein. This data will be passed on to the HIAS committees and, if necessary, to external reviewers. 

Evaluation

* HIAS takes into account the respective career stage and particularly examines the future potential of early career researchers. Early career researchers are expected to have an above-average track record according to the standards of their discipline; the publication of a monograph is not obligatory. However, a doctorate is required for fellows working in academia. 

In addition, diversity in terms of disciplines, countries of origin, gender and career level is taken into account in the composition of the fellow group. 

We look forward to receiving your application for 2026/27. Please fill out the application form and upload your file there. 

^{Fellowship CALAS-HIAS 2026: Pathways of socioecological transformation in Latin America}

The Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (CALAS) and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) call for outstanding scholars from Latin America and the Caribbean to carry out their research projects for four (4) months in Hamburg and two (2) months at the University of Kassel, Germany.

This year’s call focuses on the various pathways of socioecological transformation in Latin America. The region still faces significant challenges in this regard. Domestically, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to struggle with deeply rooted social inequalities, recurring economic crises and growing political instability, crises of social reproduction and growing informality of gendered labour as well as various forms and levels of authoritarianism. Right-wing extremism and populism exploit public dissatisfaction, fostering cultures and movements of rejection and resistance to progressive change. These dynamics pose serious obstacles to an ecological and inclusive transition toward a sustainable future.

On the international level, the region confronts an increasingly restrictive global environment, particularly in accessing modern `green´ technologies essential for its energy transition. Trade restrictions, intellectual property barriers, and geopolitical power struggles limit the region’s ability to develop sustainable solutions. At the same time, there is a growing risk that Latin America will once again become locked into a role as a mere supplier of raw materials—this time focusing on green energy and critical minerals vital for the global energy transition. These domestic and international factors shape the region’s diverse pathways of socioecological transformation, simultaneously creating both opportunities and challenges.

The fellowship aims to analyze the cultural, historical, political, economic, and technological prerequisites and consequences of socioecological transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean from an interdisciplinary perspective.

The proposed research should intersect at least two of the following dimensions:

Cultural conditions of socioecological transformation: Cultural dynamics fundamentally shape socioecological transformation by influencing institutions, values, and behaviors. Deeply ingrained economic and social models—such as carbon-intensive lifestyles and notions of prosperity—affect the adoption of sustainable alternatives. Additionally, gendered power structures tied to extractivist economies often reinforce resistance to change. However, organizational cultures that promote collaboration and transparency can drive systemic shifts, supported by strong institutional networks that facilitate knowledge exchange. Artistic and literary expressions as well as discourse and semantic battles contribute to reshaping environmental narratives, while market forces and regulatory frameworks, when aligned with sustainability, enable transformation. Recognizing these interconnected factors is essential for conceptualizing inclusive and context-specific strategies that foster resilient and sustainable futures.

Political and economic prerequisites and consequences: Socioecological transformation is deeply intertwined with existing inequalities, power structures, and economic models. The distribution of costs and benefits within society influences political coalitions and policy decisions, shaping the level of support for green transitions. The shift towards sustainable economies also affects labor markets, social reproduction, investment patterns, and fiscal policies, creating both opportunities for equitable development and risks of exacerbating disparities. Additionally, global economic dynamics—including trade policies, financial flows, and access to green technologies—further condition Latin America’s ability to navigate a just and sustainable transformation.

Technological preferences: The choice of technologies for socioecological transformation has profound implications for domestic development. Some technologies foster local innovation and economic diversification, while others deepen dependency on foreign patents, supply chains, and expertise. The technological gap between Latin America and leading industrial nations raises critical questions about the feasibility of an autonomous green transition. Policy frameworks that promote domestic research and development, facilitate technology transfer, and regulate intellectual property rights play a decisive role in reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring that technological transitions contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.

^{General conditions of the fellowship}

The Fellow is offered excellent conditions in an inspiring academic and artistic environment. There are numerous opportunities for cross-disciplinary and intersectional collaborations among fellows, researchers, and artists from HIAS member institutions in Hamburg and the CALAS/CELA network in Kassel.

Eligible candidates include researchers from all disciplines and career stages from the postdoctoral level onward, as well as outstanding artists and cultural professionals from all Latin American and Caribbean countries. Disciplines range from political economy, social sciences, and humanities to languages and the arts.

Applicants should have international visibility in their respective fields, along with demonstrated creativity and originality. They must have relevant publications related to the topic of the call and their proposed project. Additionally, the fellow is expected to actively participate in a dynamic community of scholars, scientists, artists and cultural professionals by contributing to conferences and public events. A strong command of written and spoken English and Spanish is essential.

The CALAS/HIAS fellowship offers a competitively remunerated scholarship for a stay of four months at HIAS in Hamburg (February to May 2026) and two months at the University of Kassel (June and July 2026). This grant includes a monthly stipend, the costs of visa, accommodation, health insurance, work materials, and other expenses. If an applicant has a permanent position, the grant can be used to finance a temporary teaching replacement. Additionally, the fellowship will cover the costs of the airfare to and from Germany.

The fellow is expected to reside at the respective CALAS or HIAS site for the whole duration of the fellowship and to participate in the activities and events organized by the respective institution.

During the stay, HIAS and the University of Kassel will provide the Visiting Fellow with a workplace with internet access, as well as the infrastructure of the university (library, etc.). Additionally, they will receive support in finding accommodation, completing bureaucratic formalities on site, obtaining the required visa, etc.

CALAS/HIAS are committed to inclusion and the goal of gender parity. Applications from academics with special needs are expressly welcome. CALAS/HIAS also welcomes the family and children accompanying the fellow during his/her stay.

^{Planned tasks for the CALAS/HIAS fellowship in Hamburg and Kassel}

– Develop a research project aligned with the fellowship’s call, intersecting at least two of its thematic dimensions.

– Publish the research findings in one or more scientific articles.

– Teach a two-month concentrated course at the undergraduate or master’s level in Social Sciences at the University of Kassel (in German or English).

– Conduct at least one public academic activity (lecture or conference) at each host institution during the fellowship period.

– Prepare a final 5-pages report summarizing all activities carried out during the tenure of the fellowship.

^{Application Process}

Complete the online application form and add the following documents in English as pdf files:

– Motivation Letter explaining how the project fits into the CALAS/HIAS fellowship and what your expectations are.

– Two-page Curriculum Vitae with a list of relevant publications and courses taught in English and/or German.

– Summary of the research project, including a timeline and work plan, with a maximum of 20 bibliographic sources (max. 2,000 words). The proposed project establishes new perspectives/ways of thinking and shows potential for connections with other disciplines.

– Tandem Partner in Hamburg: Provide name of one or more possible academic cooperation partners from one of the HIAS member organizations (https://hias-hamburg.de/en/about-us/members/).

– Interdisciplinary course for Kassel: (max. 1 page with title and a brief course description -200 words) to be taught at Kassel University (English or German).

– Degree certificates: Copy of most recent academic degree certificates.

^{Key Dates}

– Application deadline: 31 May 2025

– Selection results: 1 July 2025

– Fellowship start date: February-May 2026 (Hamburg) – June-July 2026 (Kassel)

^{Further information on the CALAS/HIAS fellowship:}

For further inquiries, please use the following address: uk106991@uni-kassel.de

Download the call here.

***The call for CALAS_HIAS Fellowships 2025/2026 is closed***

The Maria Sibylla Merian Centre for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS) and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) are inviting leading scholars and scientists from Latin American institutions to carry out teaching and research projects for four months in Hamburg and two months in Kassel.

This year’s call for applications is related to the topic of political rights and democracy in Latin America. Latin America’s democracies are facing major challenges: Social inequalities and economic crises are worsening and fuelling political instability; Right-wing extremism and populism exploit this dissatisfaction and run the risk of further polarising Latin America’s societies; Liberal democratic regimes are reaching their limits in terms of regulating political unrest and social tensions and containing the rise of an anti-democratic right. Similar developments can currently be observed in Europe. The aim of the CALAS/HIAS fellowship is to analyze the political, cultural, and social consequences of the (de)-democratizing developments in Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. The current escalation of intolerance and discrimination will be examined alongside the radicalization of political, economic, religious, and cultural differences. It will also investigate the emergence and tactics employed by radical right-wing factions openly defying and undermining the principles and mechanisms of the democratic process or how tolerance, dialogue, and inclusive political processes can be strengthened through cultural performance, civil society representation, or social movements, what significance these developments in Latin America have for Europe, and to what extent alternative participatory processes for sustainable development are emerging in the midst of the crisis of democracy.

Researchers from all disciplines and at all stages of their careers, from postdoctoral level onwards, are welcome to apply. This call is open to candidates from all Latin American countries and covers a wide range of disciplines, such as political economy, social sciences, and humanities.

Candidates are required to be internationally recognized in their areas of specialization, to demonstrate creativity and originality in their interdisciplinary approaches, and to show a willingness to integrate into a community of academics, scientists, and researchers. In addition, candidates are expected to interact with the general public through lectures and other similar activities. A solid proficiency in English, both in written and oral expression, is crucial.

The CALAS/HIAS scholarship offers competitive compensation for a four-month stay at HIAS in Hamburg (February to May) and two months at CALAS/CELA at the University of Kassel (June and July), subject to approval of the project extension. This scholarship programme provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, working materials, visa, and other associated costs. In Hamburg, an apartment at the Universität Hamburg’s guest house is provided. For those applicants who maintain their salary in a permanent position, the scholarship can be used to fund a teaching replacement during their absence. In addition, the scholarship will cover the costs of airfare to and from Germany.

CALAS/HIAS fellows are required to reside at the respective CALAS or HIAS cities throughout the duration of the scholarship and to participate in the activities and events organized by the corresponding institution.

During the stay, HIAS and the University of Kassel will provide the visiting scholarship holder with a workplace with Internet access and the university’s infrastructure (library, etc.). In addition, they will receive support in finding accommodation, completing bureaucratic formalities on-site, obtaining the necessary visa, etc.

CALAS/HIAS is committed to inclusive and gender parity. Applications from people with special needs are expressly welcomed. CALAS/HIAS also welcomes partners and accompanying children of scholarship holders.

Planned tasks for the CALAS/HIAS fellowship in Hamburg and Kassel:

• Develop a research project that is related to the thematic focus of CALAS and its research
  questions.
• Publish the results of the research (scientific article/s).
• Teach a Bachelor’s or Master’s course in Social Sciences at the University of Kassel (German or English).
• Carry out at least one public academic activity (lecture or conference) at each host institution
  during the stay.
• Prepare a 10-page final report on all activities carried out during the period of the fellowship.

Application:
You must fill in the online application form and include the following documents in ENGLISH and SPANISH:

• Motivation letter stating how the project fits into the thematic focus of the call and what your
  expectations are.
• 2-page curriculum vitae and a list of relevant publications.
• Summary of the research project, including a timeline and work plan, with a maximum of 20
  bibliographical sources (max. 8 pages/2,000 words). The proposed project establishes new
  perspectives/ways of thinking and shows potential for connections with other disciplines.
• Proposal for an interdisciplinary course to be taught (English or German) at the University of
  Kassel (max. 1 page with title and short description of the course).
• Copy of the most recent academic degree.

Timeline:
Deadline for submission of application: May 31, 2024
Announcement of results: July 31, 2024
Start of the fellowship: February 1, 2025 (February to May in Hamburg; June and July in Kassel).

Further information on the CALAS/HIAS fellowships:
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Burchardt, Kassel University
E-mail: merian.calas@gmail.com

***The call for a CAT Fellowship 2025-27 is closed***

As member of the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Study (Netias) HIAS joins the Open Call for the CAT Program 2025-27

Goals

The aim of the CAT initiative is to foster networks of excellent early-career researchers dedicated to devising new ideas to understand and to tackle current or emerging societal challenges. Although the programme has a strong focus on the societal relevance of the projects, it is entirely blue sky, bottom-up and non-thematic. CAT encourages a collaboration with stakeholders outside academia (industry, policymakers, NGOs…) who are willing to support or engage in innovative research initiatives.

In order to engage in fruitful discussions and mature their ideas, the groups will be given the opportunity to meet for short stays in different participating institutes, and to be put in contact with the institutes’ fellows and local research communities.

With few guidelines and a very light application process, CAT is designed to maximize the creativity of research groups. This call has been incubated in the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Study (NETIAS) and also involves institutes beyond the network. The collaboration between several institutes in different countries aims at giving these groups access to a great variety of high-level thinkers and researchers in order to go beyond the current frontiers of knowledge and to develop highly innovative ideas on how to address very complex societal issues.

Support

CAT will provide teams of early-career researchers (three to five persons) time and space for thought and discussion in the best research environments Europe has to offer. The groups may include one representative of a stakeholder organization related to the theme of the project. During a period of up to three years, teams will benefit from a series of short stays (i.e. between one and two weeks, two to three times a year, for a maximum of six stays) in institutes participating in the program (see list below). Online meetings and digital research stays at the institutes are possible alternatives to onsite stays and can complete the work and time plan of CAT groups.

CAT will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the team meetings/short work stays in the participating institutes. CAT will not fund salaries or research related expenses.

The participating institutes will support the teams by connecting them with the most knowledgeable and experienced researchers onsite as well as digitally, and by helping them valorise the obtained results through their legitimating channels. During their stay, CAT teams will benefit from the institutes’ amenities and conviviality for work and exchanges. Discussions at the institutes will provide a unique sounding board for innovative ideas and will give valuable feedback.

Obligations for CAT groups

At mid-term, the continuation of the institute’s support to the team’s work will be subject to approval after evaluation of a short progress report.

At the end of their project, in addition to the organization of (a) final meeting(s) presenting the results, the CAT teams will be expected to produce a final report in the form of a text, video, website or other media, that will be made public.

In keeping with the policies of the participating institutes, the researchers keep the intellectual property rights to their work.

Eligibility criteria

The project must address emergent societal issues.

• The Principal Investigator (team leader) must have a stable research position in a European (EU as well as UK and associated countries) higher education and/or research institution for the entire duration of the project.
• S/he must have obtained a PhD between January 2015 and September 2024.
• No team member should have obtained his/her PhD before January 2015. Doctoral researchers may also participate.
• The eligibility can be extended beyond 10 years after the PhD for any member of the group for certain properly documented circumstances such as maternity and paternity leaves, clinical training, long-term illness, national service, natural disaster or seeking asylum.
• There is no specific diploma or age requirement for representatives of stakeholder organizations.
• Each team should include participants from at least two different countries (current workplace, including non-European countries; any nationality).
• The team of 3 to 5 persons (stakeholders included) must be fully constituted, with CVs of all members named in the proposa

Applications

Please submit your application documents in English as PDF files (the various parts of the application may be sent as one PDF) here. Applications should include the following materials:

• a 300-word abstract;
• a 3000-word max project proposal (references not included in the count) OR a video of 15 min max (in this case, please include the web link in the abstract), describing the team’s research question and how it plans to address it. The team’s motivation as well as the societal issues addressed and the interdisciplinary aspects of the project should be specified;
• a work plan for the whole project duration, including meetings (tentative dates and possibly preferred hosting IAS) and activities with an indicative calendar;
• a short description of the team
• CVs for each participant and an indication of where they will travel from to the meetings;
• letters of support: at least two letters from academic researchers; additional letters from a stakeholders outside academia are encouraged.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 15 September 2024, 15:00 CET

Here is the link to the application plattform.

Successful applications will be notified by the end of January, 2025.

Stays in participating institutes will take place between January 2025 and December 2027.

For further information on the application process and the participating Institutes for Advanced Studies please click here.

***Currently this call is paused until further notice***

HIAS supports the initiative Science Bridge for Ukraine of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and awards with immediate effect

up to 3 Fellowships for

Ukrainian Scholars / Cultural Professionals at Risk

€ 2,000  / month I Duration 3 – 10 months

As a Fellow, the academic or cultural professional will join the ongoing interdisciplinary and international fellowship programme, which includes the following services:

• an office space in the centre of Hamburg
• technical equipment
• support in research or other tasks
• participation in interdisciplinary colloquia and events
• integration into Hamburg’s scientific or cultural community through a cooperation with Hamburg based colleagues
• advice and support regarding accommodation, childcare and  administrative tasks.

In addition, HIAS pays a monthly stipend of about € 2,000 (depending on family status).

The following conditions must be met:

• the applicant is a scientist (from postdoc onwards) or a cultural professional (with a Master’s degree) and can speak English (level B)
• the applicant lives in Ukraine at risk due to the political situation (and has no other residence in Hamburg)
• the applicant has already fled Ukraine or will have to flee Ukraine
• the applicant does not have any employer in Hamburg
• the applicant is willing to continue his/her work in a safe environment and in active exchange with international colleagues.

In order to react as quickly as possible to the political situation, the applicant is not required to submit a detailed application.

Please send the following documents and information informally and in English by e-mail with reference “Ukraine” to application@hias-hamburg.de:

• CV incl. proof of academic degree (scientists from postdoc onwards; cultural professionals from Master’s degree onwards)
• information on a planned scientific or cultural project/ topic at HIAS (maximum one page)
• name of a desired cooperation partner in Hamburg (a scientist or cultural worker from one of Hamburg’s institutions, possible institutions here)
• information about accompanying family members
• information about the current stay
• indication of the desired fellowship period

If you have any questions or require advice, please contact us at geschaeftsstelle@hias-hamburg.de.

***Currently this call is paused until further notice***

In cooperation with HIAS, the Research Center for Contemporary History in Hamburg (FZH) invites applications for 2 or 3 fellowships in 2024 on urbanity and urban history in a contemporary historical perspective.

Deadline August 10, 2023

We offer scholars with a track record of relevant research the opportunity to work on their own project in this field in Hamburg. The call is primarily aimed at scholars (PostDoc / Professor) working at universities or research institutions outside of Germany. The duration of the fellowships is up to four months.

We offer Fellows the opportunity to work on their individual research projects and actively engage with the scholarly community at the FZH, the HIAS, and other academic institutions in Hamburg. They participate in public events and colloquia at the FZH and the HIAS and benefit from various opportunities for transdisciplinary exchange and networking. The FZH encourages the use of its research library and its archive as well as other libraries, archives, and research institutions in Hamburg. There are no teaching obligations.

The fellowships entail roundtrip economy travel to Hamburg, a monthly stipend based on current salary, housing at the guesthouse of the Hamburg University – subject to availability – or a housing allowance, and office space. Health insurance assistance can be provided.

Applications inlcuding the following documents may be submitted as a single PDF and in English to strupp@zeitgeschichte-hamburg.de until August 10, 2023:

• A cover letter outlining the applicant’s motivation and the link between his or her research and the thematic focus of the FZH as well as information on the preferred date of the research visit.#
• Description of the planned research project (max. 1,000 words).
• CV including a list of relevant publications

Click here for the entire call.

For further information on the coorperation with FZH, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Christoph Strupp (Email: strupp@zeitgeschichte-hamburg.de; Tel.: ++49 40 43139732).

***Currently this call is paused until further notice***

HIAS offers Sabbatical Fellowships to outstanding scholars (minimum requirement: doctorate) as well as artists and cultural professionals of all career levels and nationalities who are looking for an interdisciplinary space for research and exchange in Hamburg. 

These fellows are provided with individual office space and are offered the opportunity to participate in all activities at HIAS. Moreover, they will be assigned a collaboration partner from one of the nine HIAS member institutions to ensure the fellows’ integration into the respective specialist communities. HIAS also organizes accommodation. 

As HIAS Sabbatical Fellowships do not encompass salary compensations, they are intended for scholars, artists and cultural practitioners who are on paid leave from their home institutions or who have other sources of income. 

Applicants may apply for a Sabbatical Fellowship for a period of 3 to 6 months. HIAS accepts applications until March 31, 2025. The earliest start date is autumn 2026. 

Please note that applications for Sabbatical Fellowships have to meet the same quality requirements as those submitted in response to our annual calls, and they are subject to the same selection process by our committees.

We look forward to receiving your application by eMail to application@hias-hamburg.de.