Open Research Program

This open and overarching program is aimed at researchers who want to develop, discuss, and explore new ideas as fellows at the Weizenbaum Institute.

The Weizenbaum Institute – an interdisciplinary research institute in Berlin focusing on digital transformation – is a place of open exchange and inspiration. We are looking for scholars who want to develop, discuss, and explore new ideas as fellows. The content of their work needn’t necessarily correspond with the research foci of the Institute (https://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en/research/) but should nevertheless be in line with our profile.

Therefore, we are looking for project ideas that combine fundamental research and interdisciplinarity with a particular relevance to society as well a reference to our core values (self-determination, sustainability). In addition, they should reveal new theoretical perspectives on the digitally networked society or contribute innovative solution proposals for research and practice.There is also particular interest in project proposals that deal with Joseph Weizenbaum's life, work, and environment, or that illustrate the importance of his research and criticism/critique as an intellectual for current public debates.

There are no restrictions on applications in terms of the applicant's discipline, the status of the project, its format, or the methods applied Applications from non-academic backgrounds are also accepted.

We offer the freedom to implement an original idea in a stimulating environment as well as the opportunity to make new contacts, discuss concepts, and find further support for a project.

HOW TO APPLY:

Four three-month fellowships will be granted duringeach semester in 2023. The application deadlines are:

  • For fellowships from beginning of January to 30 June 2023: 31 January 2023
  • For fellowships from 1 July to 31 December 2023: 31 May 2023

The Weizenbaum Institute is open to project proposals with deviating timeframes if plausible justification is provided.

Applications are reviewed and selected by an interdisciplinary selection committee consisting of principal investigators and research group/unit leads.

Your application documents should include the following:

  • Letter of motivation (1 page)
  • CV and publication list
  • Project description, including an abstract (5 pages max.) outlining the relevance of the project as well as a rough project plan

Please send your application in a single-file PDF in German or English to: fellowships[at]weizenbaum-institut.de

FAQ –  Imortant answers can be found here.

For further questions please send an email to: fellowships[at]weizenbaum-institut.de

Overview Fellowships