Institut Für Die Wissenschaften Vom Menschen (IWM) 2025/26 Digital Humanism Fellowship In Austria: A Fully Funded Opportunity For Scholars

The Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (IWM) invites applications for its 2025/26 Digital Humanism Fellowship in Austria. This prestigious, fully funded fellowship offers scholars an exceptional opportunity to conduct innovative research at the intersection of digitalization and society. Based in Vienna, the IWM fosters an intellectual environment that bridges diverse fields of study, providing fellows with resources to contribute meaningfully to pressing global conversations about technology and its implications for humanity.

If you are a scholar interested in exploring the social, economic, and geopolitical challenges of our increasingly networked society, this fellowship is an unparalleled chance to advance your research and engage with thought leaders in the humanities and social sciences.

About the Digital Humanism Fellowship

The Digital Humanism Fellowship is a core initiative of the IWM designed to support scholars who are investigating the multifaceted impacts of digitalization on society. This includes examining how digital technologies influence culture, politics, ethics, and global dynamics. The program welcomes researchers from the social sciences and humanities who are eager to critically analyze the role of technology in shaping human experiences.

Each semester, the fellowship selects one senior visiting fellow and two junior visiting fellows. While the senior fellow participates for one month, junior fellows engage in independent research for three consecutive months. Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with peers, contribute to the IWM’s vibrant scholarly community, and generate insights that address some of the most complex questions surrounding digital transformation.

The fellowship is more than a research residency—it is an opportunity to become part of an international network of scholars working at the forefront of digital humanities and social sciences. Fellows benefit from access to IWM’s resources, collaborative opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on academic and societal understandings of digitalization.

Eligible Fields of Study

The fellowship focuses on the social sciences and humanities, inviting researchers to address topics such as:

Digitalization’s societal impacts

The ethics of artificial intelligence
Digital geopolitics
Technological transformations in economic systems

The cultural implications of digital networks

Other related fields within the humanities and social sciences are also encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

The Digital Humanism Fellowship is open to scholars at different stages of their careers, depending on the specific type of fellowship:

Junior Visiting Fellowship: Applicants must be pursuing a doctoral degree or have completed a PhD within the last four years at the time of application.
Senior Visiting Fellowship: This position is by invitation only and is tailored for established scholars with significant contributions to their fields.

Applicants are expected to have a strong research background, a clear connection to the fellowship’s themes, and the ability to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the IWM.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the Digital Humanism Fellowship is rigorous and conducted by a jury of experts in the relevant fields. Applications are evaluated based on:

Research Excellence: The originality and quality of the proposed research project.
Relevance: The project’s alignment with the IWM’s mission and the fellowship’s focus on digital humanism.

Feasibility: The clarity and viability of the proposed work plan.

Shortlisted candidates are notified of the jury’s decisions during the spring semester of 2025. While applicants receive notification of the outcome, the jury does not provide individual feedback or justifications for their decisions.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials as part of their application:

Letter of Motivation: A concise statement explaining how the fellowship aligns with your research goals, how your project connects to the IWM’s mission, and your intended research or writing objectives during the fellowship.
Project Description: A brief overview of your research project, limited to 550 characters.
Project Proposal: A detailed proposal of up to 7,500 characters (including spaces), which should include:

The project’s objectives
A discussion of the current state of research in the field
Methodological approaches

A comprehensive work plan for the fellowship period

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A full academic CV, including a list of your publications.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with your academic work. These letters must be submitted directly by your referees through the application system. Referees will receive a link to upload their letters after you submit your application.

Note: All application materials must be submitted in English and within the specified deadline.

Benefits of the Digital Humanism Fellowship

The IWM Digital Humanism Fellowship offers a robust package of benefits designed to support fellows during their residency in Vienna:

Monthly Stipend: Postdoctoral fellows receive EUR 3,300 per month, while doctoral candidates are awarded EUR 2,750 per month. This stipend is intended to cover living expenses, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and incidental costs.

Office Space: Fellows are provided with office facilities, including internet access and administrative support.
In-House Research Resources: Fellows gain access to IWM’s research and academic resources, which are tailored to foster productivity and innovation.
Meals and Additional Services: Fellows enjoy free in-house lunches and other support services to enhance their experience.

These benefits ensure that fellows can fully immerse themselves in their research without financial or logistical concerns.

How to Apply

The application deadline for the 2025/26 Digital Humanism Fellowship is 21 January 2025, 23:59 CET. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their materials well before the deadline to ensure all requirements are met.

To apply for this fellowship, follow these steps:

Complete the online application form provided by the IWM.
Upload all required documents, including your letter of motivation, project description, project proposal, CV, and any supporting materials.
Ensure your referees submit their letters of recommendation within the application period.

Applicants are advised to carefully review their submissions to ensure clarity and coherence, as the competition for this fellowship is highly competitive.

Final Thoughts

The IWM’s Digital Humanism Fellowship is a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in meaningful research on the societal implications of digital transformation. By joining this program, fellows become part of a global academic community dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether you are an early-career scholar seeking to expand your expertise or a senior researcher aiming to deepen your impact, this fellowship provides the platform, resources, and intellectual environment to help you excel.

If you are passionate about exploring the intersection of digital technology and society, do not miss this chance to advance your work at one of Europe’s leading research institutions.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY