Visiting Fellowship

The Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz, an Institute for Advanced Study for early career researchers, is accepting nominations for its Visiting Fellowships program. As part of its “5i strategy” — international, intergenerational, independent, interdisciplinary, and intra-university — the program aims to foster dynamic academic exchange by hosting international researchers for stays of up to four months. These short-term residencies are designed to support scholars who are already visiting departments at the University of Konstanz and are interested in engaging with the Zukunftskolleg’s interdisciplinary academic environment. The Visiting Fellowships program offers several benefits to participating scholars. Fellows receive access to all Zukunftskolleg events during their stay and are encouraged to present their research at the institute’s weekly “Jour fixe,” a key platform for scholarly exchange. Fellows also become part of a vibrant, English-speaking international community and are supported in networking with researchers at Konstanz. Although the fellowship does not include an employment contract, a monthly research allowance of €200 (approximately $236 USD) is provided to cover travel expenses or research-related costs. Fellows may also be allocated a shared workspace, depending on availability, and will receive formal recognition of their affiliation through the Zukunftskolleg website and a certificate. In exchange for these benefits, Visiting Fellows are expected to reside in or near Konstanz throughout their fellowship period and actively contribute to the Zukunftskolleg’s academic life. Attendance at the weekly Jour fixe is required, and fellows must engage with the research community at Konstanz. Additionally, fellows must acknowledge the support of the Zukunftskolleg in any resulting publications and submit a report within six months of completing the fellowship that outlines their activities and expected outcomes. Eligibility is limited to early career researchers (within seven years of completing a PhD) who are employed by an institution outside Germany. Candidates must be visiting the University of Konstanz as part of a competitive selection process and be funded by external sources such as the DAAD, their home institution, or a foundation. While applicants from all departments and subject areas at the University are welcome, those working on interdisciplinary projects are especially encouraged to apply. The application process requires nomination by an academic host at the University of Konstanz. Nominations must be submitted in English as a single PDF file and should include a cover page with details such as the nominee’s name, institution, funding source, intended period of stay, project title, and abstract. The host must also provide a one-page letter explaining how the fellowship will enhance the research project. Candidates must include a motivation letter (max one page) describing how they will benefit from and contribute to the Zukunftskolleg, a CV of no more than three pages, and a copy of their PhD diploma. Up to five Visiting Fellows may be hosted each semester during the lecture periods: mid-October to mid-February and mid-April to mid-July. Nominations for the Summer Term 2026 are due by March 1, 2026, and those for Winter Term 2026/27 are due by October 1, 2026. Applications should be sent to [email protected]. Selection decisions will be made by the Executive Committee of the Zukunftskolleg.