Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) Research Fellowships 2027

The Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) is inviting applications from outstanding researchers, academics, scientists, artists and cultural professionals worldwide for its 2028–2029 fellowship programme.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for selected individuals to pursue independent research or artistic projects in Hamburg while engaging with experts from different academic and cultural disciplines.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorHamburg Institute for Advanced Study
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Financial support through a stipend paid directly to the fellow or partial reimbursement of the home institution's costs for a teaching replacement.

• Dedicated office space in central Hamburg.

• Access to research infrastructure, including laboratories through local partner institutions where required.

• Administrative assistance with literature procurement, workshop organisation and other research activities.

• Opportunities to collaborate with scholars and cultural professionals across HIAS member institutions.

• Access to academic networking events, weekly fellows' lunches, colloquia and cultural excursions.

• Assistance with accommodation, including access to furnished University of Hamburg guesthouse apartments, subject to availability.

• Support for fellows relocating with partners or children, including assistance with finding suitable accommodation, schools and childcare facilities.

Requirements

Prerequisites and evaluation criteria for?selection?are:? 

• For applicants in the humanities, social?sciences,?and natural/life sciences: doctorate (minimum)? 
• For applicants in the arts: a demonstrated connection to academic and scientific research is desirable 
• Publications (as first author, monographs, or articles/reviews in relevant academic journals, cultural pages, or art?journals)**? 
• Exhibitions in renowned museums or art institutions,?or concerts/performances on major stages? 
• An interdisciplinary and international research profile? 
• Interest in dialogue between the arts and?research? 
• Prestigious?prizes?and?awards? 
• An excellent?command of English (the working language at HIAS is English)? 

** HIAS takes the respective career stage into account and pays particular attention to the future potential of early-career researchers.?Early-career researchers are expected to have an above-average?track record?by the standards of their discipline; publishing a monograph is not mandatory. However, a doctorate is?required?for fellows working in academia.? 

Application Documents

An application must include the following documents:? 

• A cover letter?containing?information?about:?? 
  • The desired period of stay?? 
  • Possible academic or artistic tandem partner(s) in Hamburg? 
  • If applicable, potential (partial) financing?(e.g.,?through a sabbatical or paid leave)?? 
  • A statement explaining how?your? research or personal qualities will enrich the fellows’ group or Hamburg as a hub of research and culture? 
• If?your?prospective tandem partner has already agreed to collaborate: a letter of intent from them confirming and describing the collaboration (max. 1?page)*? 
• A list of?your?most important publications (highlighting the contributions most relevant to the intended research project) (max. 2 pages)?? 
• A CV, including prizes and other awards? 
• A description of the planned project (2-3 pages)? 
• A summary/description of the planned project for a non-specialist audience (max. 1 page)? 
• A link to an online video, talk, or lecture (optional)? 

* A letter of intent is only required if the applicant and prospective tandem partner know each other and intend to collaborate. Otherwise, simply naming a potential tandem partner is sufficient for applying to HIAS; no prior contact is?required.? 

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the HIAS webpage.