Fully Funded Digital Humanism Fellowship in Vienna Opens Applications for 2025-2026

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) in Vienna, Austria, is now accepting applications for its Digital Humanism Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This fully funded program provides a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct innovative research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technologies on society.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The fellowship offers a monthly stipend designed to cover all essential expenses, including travel, accommodation, living costs, and health insurance. The stipend amount varies based on academic qualifications, with doctoral degree holders receiving €3,300 per month and doctoral candidates receiving €2,750 per month.

Beyond financial support, the IWM provides fellows with a dedicated office space equipped with internet access, granting them access to the institute's research and administrative resources. Fellows can also benefit from complimentary in-house lunch and other services. The program invites one Senior Visiting Fellow for a one-month fellowship each semester, and two Junior Visiting Fellows for three-month fellowships in the Spring of 2026.

Collaborative Research Environment

Fellows will actively engage with the IWM's vibrant community of researchers, participating in various research-related activities. The program also encourages fellows to share their work through public lectures and conferences, contributing to the broader intellectual discourse in Vienna and beyond.

Eligibility and Application Process

The fellowship is open to both doctoral candidates and those who have completed their doctoral degrees within the past four years. Senior Visiting Fellowships are awarded by invitation only. The application process requires candidates to submit an online application, including personal and contact information, education and employment history, a project title and description, and details of two recommenders. Required documents include a letter of motivation, a project description summary, a project proposal, a CV, and two letters of recommendation, all compiled into a single PDF file.

The application deadline is September 21, 2025.

The Significance of Digital Humanism

The Digital Humanism Fellowship addresses a growing need to understand and shape the impact of digital technologies on human lives. Dr. Elena Rossi, a leading scholar in digital ethics at the University of Bologna, emphasizes the importance of this field. "Digital Humanism seeks to ensure that technological advancements serve humanity's best interests, promoting values such as autonomy, dignity, and social justice in the digital sphere," she explains. "Fellowships like this one at IWM are crucial for fostering interdisciplinary research and developing ethical frameworks for navigating the digital age."

Historical and Current Context of Scholarship

Scholarships and fellowships have long played a vital role in fostering intellectual exchange and advancing knowledge. Historically, these programs were often limited to specific fields or regions. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the availability of international and interdisciplinary scholarships, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of global collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

Government scholarships, like the Chinese Government Scholarship mentioned on Scholarships Corner, and programs offered by institutions such as the IWM, represent a significant investment in the future. They provide opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue advanced studies and contribute to research that benefits society as a whole.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM)

The IWM, located in Vienna, is a renowned institute dedicated to promoting research and intellectual exchange in the humanities and social sciences. It provides a platform for scholars from around the world to engage in critical discussions on pressing social, political, and cultural issues.

Fellowship Program Details

Host Country: Austria Host Organisation: Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure Program Location: The Institute of Human Sciences (IWM), Vienna Program Duration: 1 month (Senior Visiting Fellows), 3 months (Junior Visiting Fellows)

Benefits:

Fully funded visiting fellowship program Monthly stipend: €3,300 (doctoral degree holders), €2,750 (doctoral candidates) Stipend covers travel, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses Office space with internet connection Access to research facilities at IWM Free in-house meals

Eligibility:

Senior Visiting Fellowships: Awarded to researchers by invitation only. Junior Visiting Fellowships: Open to applicants currently pursuing a doctoral degree or who have completed their PhD within the last four years.

Required Documents:

Letter of motivation Project description summary Project proposal CV 2 letters of recommendation

Deadline:

September 21, 2025

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at the IWM offers a valuable opportunity for scholars to contribute to a critical and timely field of research. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing generous financial support, the program aims to shape a future where digital technologies are harnessed for the benefit of all.