Open call for applications for fellowships (postdoctoral to senior level) starting in October 2026 for up to twelve months, application deadline December 31, 2025.
Fellowships
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. 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.
For more information about the fellowship program, please click here.
Location
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.
See for more information on RWTH Aachen University, visit their website.
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. Please submit your application via our online platform that you find here.
The deadline for applications is December 31, 2025.
Female researchers and scholars from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply. For further information please visit the FAQs on our website.
