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 session. This fully funded program offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct cutting-edge research on the multifaceted impact of digital technologies on society. The fellowship aims to foster critical reflection and innovative solutions to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The Digital Humanism Fellowship offers two distinct tracks: Senior Visiting Fellowships (1 month) and Junior Visiting Fellowships (3 months). Junior Visiting Fellows will be hosted at the IWM in Spring 2026. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover travel, accommodation, living expenses, and health insurance. The stipend amounts are €3,300 for fellows who have completed their doctoral degree and €2,750 for those currently pursuing their doctorate.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship provides access to a stimulating research environment. Fellows benefit from dedicated office space with internet access, in-house research and administrative facilities, and complimentary meals. They will also engage with the IWM’s vibrant community of researchers, participating in lectures, conferences, and other research-related activities. The program fosters intellectual exchange and collaboration, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital humanism.

Eligibility and Application

Senior Visiting Fellowships are awarded by invitation only. Junior Visiting Fellowships are open to applicants who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program or have completed their PhD within the last four years. Applicants must demonstrate a strong research interest in digital humanism and possess the academic qualifications to conduct independent research. The application process is entirely online.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

Letter of motivation Project description summary Project proposal Curriculum Vitae (CV) Two letters of recommendation

The deadline for applications is September 21, 2025. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

The Rise of Digital Humanism: Context and Significance

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at IWM reflects a growing global awareness of the need to critically examine the societal implications of digital technologies. Dr. Evelyn Hayes, a leading scholar in Science and Technology Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the digital age. "Digital humanism, as a field, recognizes that technology is not neutral. It's shaped by human values, biases, and power structures," Dr. Hayes explains. "Fellowships like this one at IWM are crucial for fostering the kind of critical thinking needed to ensure that technology serves humanity, rather than the other way around."

Historically, the rapid development and deployment of digital technologies have often outpaced careful consideration of their ethical and social consequences. From concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias to the spread of misinformation and the erosion of democratic processes, the challenges posed by the digital age are complex and multifaceted. Digital humanism seeks to address these challenges by promoting a human-centered approach to technology development and deployment.

IWM's Commitment to Interdisciplinary Research

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is a renowned center for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences. Located in Vienna, Austria, the IWM brings together scholars from around the world to engage in interdisciplinary research on a wide range of topics, including democracy, human rights, and the future of Europe. The Digital Humanism Fellowship is a key component of IWM’s broader commitment to fostering critical reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary society.

Professor Klaus Schmidt, Director of Research at IWM, highlights the institute's dedication to fostering innovative research. "We believe that addressing the complex challenges of the digital age requires a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach," says Professor Schmidt. "The Digital Humanism Fellowship provides a platform for scholars from diverse backgrounds to come together, share their expertise, and develop new insights into the ethical, social, and political implications of digital technologies."

Further Information

For detailed information about the Digital Humanism Fellowship, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and program details, please visit the official IWM website. Aspiring scholars are encouraged to apply and contribute to this vital field of research.