Open Fellowship 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 for the Networked Society is a place of open exchange and inspiration. For this purpose, we are looking for international scientists who want to develop, discuss and investigate new ideas as Fellows at the Institute. Twice a year, the Weizenbaum Institute awards Open Fellowships for a maximum of three months. The next application deadline is 31 March 2024. The Weizenbaum Fellows spend the time of their fellowship on site at the Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin. If you would like to apply with a non-scientific project related to the research profile of the WI, please contact us in advance: fellowships[at]weizenbaum-institut.de
This Fellowship program is open to all disciplines and career levels with a project related to the research profile of the Weizenbaum Institute. We are looking for project ideas that combine basic research and interdisciplinarity with social relevance and a reference to the guiding values of the Weizenbaum Institute (strengthening individual and collective self-determination and sustainability in dealing with and using digital technology). Furthermore, they should open up new perspectives on the digitally networked society or contribute innovative proposals for solutions for research and practice to the discussion.
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 gain support for a project. In addition, there is the opportunity for publications in the publication formats of the Weizenbaum Institute, especially the Weizenbaum Journal of the Digital Society.
Questions about the Fellowship Programme should be sent to fellowships[at]weizenbaum-institut.de.
Application Process
International scientists of all disciplines and career stages with a project related to the research profile of the Weizenbaum Institute can apply. We particularly encourage applications that strengthen the international networking of the WI relate to research perspectives of the global south. If you have already been a Fellow at the Weizenbaum Institute, it is not possible anymore to apply for the Open Fellowship program.
- Application deadline: 31. March 2024, period of stay between 01. July - 31. December 2024
- Duration of the Fellowship: 1 to max. 3 months
For your application, please submit the following documents (in English):
- Completed application form
- Project description (max. 2 pages)
- Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
- Publication list
The project description should not exceed 2 pages. When describing your project, please consider the aspects of innovation and interdisciplinarity and address the following points: abstract, research question, methods, work plan for the fellow period at the WI, connection points of the own project to the profile of the WI, output, potential links to researchers in the WI (these do not have to be existing contacts yet), relevant research literature for the project (list of max. 5 most important).
Please hand in the form and your documents in one PDF at https://weizenbaum-institut.kenjo.io/open-fellowship-945308. You will receive a confirmation.
Selection process
An interdisciplinary committee consisting of representatives of the research priorities evaluates the applications received and makes a quality-based decision. Diversity criteria are also taken into account.
The selection criteria include:
- Degree of innovation, social relevance and cohesion of the project
- Interdisciplinarity and methodical quality of the research approach
- Connectivity to the profile of the WI
- Scientific profile of the applicant
Feedback is usually given 10 weeks after the application deadline.
In case of rejection, a new application with a new or adapted project is possible. The open fellowship program cannot finance two or more stays at the WI.
Fellow Expense Allowance
The fellows receive a lump-sum allowance to support their living expenses. The expense allowance is made up of two components:
- a basic rate, which is set as an expense for one month of attendance at the WI and is graded according to career level, and
- a lump sum for travel expenses graded according to distance.
Basic rates for:
| Doctoral candidate: | 3.000 €/month |
| Postdocs (incl. Assist./Associate Professors): | 4.000 €/month |
| Jun. Professors, Professors: | 5.000 €/month |
If the period of stay differs from a monthly period, the expense allowance will be calculated proportionately.
In addition, a monthly family allowance of 500 € can be paid, if the fellow is accompanied by child(ren).
Lump sum for travel costs:
- within Germany 200 €
- within Europe (also non-EU countries) 500 €
- outside Europe 1.200 €
This lump sum covers the travel costs for the fellow's arrival and departure. Any additional costs incurred cannot be invoiced separately to the WI.