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 prestigious Digital Humanism Fellowship for the 2025-2026 session. This fully funded program offers exceptional scholars the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technologies on society. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, travel, accommodation, and health insurance, alongside access to IWM's extensive research facilities.

A Deep Dive into Digital Society

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at IWM is designed to foster critical and interdisciplinary inquiry into the ethical, social, and political dimensions of digitalization. Fellows will engage with a vibrant community of researchers, participate in lectures and conferences, and contribute to public discourse on the future of technology and its role in shaping human experience.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The fellowship program offers two distinct tracks:

Senior Visiting Fellows: By invitation only, these established researchers participate in a one-month fellowship program. Junior Visiting Fellows: Open to doctoral candidates and recent PhD graduates (within the last four years), this track offers a three-month fellowship in Spring 2026.

Both tracks provide significant benefits, including:

A monthly stipend of €3,300 for fellows with a completed doctorate or €2,750 for doctoral candidates. Coverage of travel, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses. Dedicated office space with internet access at IWM. Access to IWM's research facilities and administrative support. Free in-house meals.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches

"Digital Humanism, as a field, is crucial in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of Sociology specializing in technology and society at the University of Berlin. "This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for scholars from diverse backgrounds – philosophy, sociology, law, computer science – to come together and critically examine the societal implications of digital technologies. The interdisciplinary nature of the IWM program is particularly valuable, as it encourages a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization."

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Junior Visiting Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Currently pursuing a doctoral degree or have completed a PhD within the last four years. Demonstrated research interest in digital humanism and related topics.

The application process requires submitting the following documents through an online portal:

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

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file for submission.

Historical and Current Context of Scholarship in Austria

Austria has a long and rich tradition of supporting international scholarship, dating back to the Habsburg Empire's patronage of the arts and sciences. Today, the Austrian government and institutions like IWM continue to prioritize international collaboration and the advancement of knowledge. Scholarships and fellowships play a vital role in attracting talented researchers from around the world, contributing to Austria's intellectual and economic growth. This Digital Humanism Fellowship aligns with Austria's strategic focus on innovation and its commitment to addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by the digital age. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure supports the IWM, highlighting the government’s commitment to this area.

The Deadline and Further Information

The deadline to apply for the Digital Humanism Fellowship is September 21, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official IWM website for detailed information and application instructions.

The Rise of Digital Humanism

The emergence of Digital Humanism as a distinct field of study reflects a growing awareness of the need to reconcile technological advancements with human values. As artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics become increasingly pervasive, it is essential to consider their potential impact on human rights, social justice, and democratic governance. Fellowships like the one offered by IWM provide crucial platforms for fostering critical dialogue and shaping a more human-centered digital future. As Dr. Sharma notes, "Funding for research in Digital Humanism is an investment in a future where technology serves humanity, rather than the other way around."