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 program for the 2025-2026 session. This fully funded fellowship offers exceptional scholars a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technologies on society. The program provides a generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses, travel, accommodation, and health insurance, making it accessible to researchers worldwide.

A Deep Dive into Digital Society

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at IWM provides a platform for researchers to explore critical questions surrounding the ethical, social, and political dimensions of digitalization. Fellows will engage with a vibrant community of scholars, participate in research activities, and contribute to public discourse through lectures and conferences. The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of how technology shapes human values, institutions, and experiences.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The fellowship program offers two distinct tracks:

Senior Visiting Fellowships: These are awarded by invitation only to established researchers for a one-month period. Junior Visiting Fellowships: Open to both doctoral candidates and recent PhD graduates (within the last four years), these fellowships provide a three-month residency at IWM during the Spring of 2026.

All fellows benefit from:

A monthly stipend: €3,300 for post-doctoral fellows and €2,750 for doctoral candidates. Coverage of travel, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses. Dedicated office space with internet access. Access to IWM's research facilities. Complimentary in-house meals.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Interdisciplinary Research

"Digital Humanism is not merely about understanding technology; it's about understanding ourselves in the age of technology," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in the field of digital ethics at the University of Berlin. "Fellowships like this one at IWM are crucial because they foster interdisciplinary dialogue. We need philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, and computer scientists working together to address the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence, social media, and datafication."

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To be eligible for the Junior Visiting Fellowship, applicants must be either currently enrolled in a doctoral program or have completed their PhD within the past four years. Applicants are required to submit the following documents through the online application portal:

A letter of motivation A project description summary A detailed project proposal A curriculum vitae (CV) Two letters of recommendation

All documents must be combined into a single PDF file for submission. The application deadline is September 21, 2025. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

Historical and Contemporary Context of Scholarship in Austria

Austria has a long and rich history of supporting international scholarship. Institutions like the IWM play a vital role in attracting leading researchers and fostering intellectual exchange. Government support for research and development, coupled with the presence of world-class universities and research centers, makes Austria an attractive destination for scholars seeking to advance knowledge and address pressing global challenges. In recent years, there's been an increased focus on interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between the humanities and technology, reflecting a growing awareness of the societal implications of digital innovation.

The Broader Impact of Digital Humanism

The Digital Humanism Fellowship contributes to a broader global conversation about the responsible development and deployment of technology. By supporting research that examines the ethical, social, and political dimensions of digitalization, the program aims to promote a more human-centered approach to technological innovation.

Don't Miss Out: Apply Now

This fully funded fellowship offers a transformative opportunity for researchers to contribute to the growing field of Digital Humanism. Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline of September 21, 2025. Further details and the online application portal can be found on the IWM website.

Application Deadline

September 21, 2025