Deadline:
December 31, 2025
Location(s)
Germany
RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest universities of science and technology in Europe. Located at the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands (Euregio), it has close ties with STS institutes at the universities of Maastricht and Liège, and with the neighboring Jülich Research Center, a research campus of more than 5,000 researchers.
Overview
The Käte Hamburger Kolleg: Cultures of Research (c:o/re) is an international center for advanced studies for history, philosophy, and sociology of science and technology at RWTH Aachen University. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Details
Fellowships
The center invites applications from scholars from the humanities and social sciences, as well as from natural, life, and technical sciences. The focus of the center’s work is on the manifold research cultures within the sciences, their commonalities and differences, and how they are transformed through interdisciplinary discourse. We are particularly interested in exploring the concepts of ‘digitality/complexity’, ‘globality/varieties of science’ and ‘expanded STS’ together with international fellows.
For the year 2026/2027, KHK c:o/re’s research will be centered around the topic of “varieties of science”. Proposals may address:
- Studies comparing countries and their respective cultural-institutional contexts in which research is performed
- Methodological approaches of how we can analyze the differences between such cultural-institutional contexts of research
- Studies of a concrete variety of science looking at relevant aspects in the system of knowledge production in a selected country
Participation and contribution to the center
Fellows will join the international center for a maximum period of 12 months (minimum 6 months), starting in October 2026. The fellowships provide a full grant commensurate with applicants’ level of professional experience, working space in fully-equipped offices, logistical support, and access to the interdisciplinary research landscape and research labs at RWTH Aachen University. Fellows who have no other regular income during their fellowship will receive a monthly stipend.
Alternatively, the center can cover costs for a teaching replacement at the fellow’s home institution. In order to create a stimulating intellectual environment among the resident research community, regular presence at the center and participation in its weekly events are mandatory. Residency in Aachen is required and the center can support fellows in the search for accommodation.
Application Modalities
Applications are open to postdoctoral (PhD must be fully completed by the time of application) as well as senior researchers who have already distinguished themselves with outstanding work within the thematic focus of the center. The application (in English) includes the application form (link see below), a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, a writing sample (in English), and an exposé (max. 3 pages), in which the applicant presents her/his research project and its relation to c:o/re’s research program. An interdisciplinary outlook is advantageous.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Dates
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Fellowships are usually awarded for a period of twelve months but also shorter stays can be arranged. At the KHK c:o/re fellows are provided with working space in fully equipped shared offices, administrative and IT support as well as library service, and access to the interdisciplinary research environment as well as research labs at the RWTH Aachen University. Three different financial arrangements are available: a) fellows who take unpaid leave during their fellowship will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with their level of professional experience as well as a monthly allowance to cover their housing expenses; b) fellows who spend their sabbatical at c:o/re will receive a monthly allowance to cover their living and housing expenses; and c) for fellows who continue to receive their regular salary, c:o/re can pay for a teaching replacement at the fellow’s home institution. All financial arrangements will be individually negotiated after the fellowships have been awarded.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
