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 program for the 2025-2026 session. This fully funded fellowship provides a significant opportunity for scholars to conduct cutting-edge research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technologies on society. The program offers a monthly stipend designed to cover living expenses, travel, accommodation, and health insurance, alongside access to IWM's resources and intellectual community.

Fellowship Details: A Deep Dive

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at IWM aims to foster a deeper understanding of the societal, ethical, and political dimensions of digitalization. The program is structured to accommodate both established and emerging scholars. Senior Visiting Fellows are invited for one-month stays, while Junior Visiting Fellows are selected for three-month residencies during the Spring of 2026. All fellows benefit from a collaborative research environment.

Benefits and Resources

Financial Support: Doctoral degree holders receive a monthly stipend of €3,300, while current doctoral candidates receive €2,750 per month. Comprehensive Coverage: The stipend is intended to cover all necessary expenses, including travel, accommodation, health insurance, and general living costs. Research Infrastructure: Fellows are provided with dedicated office space, reliable internet access, and access to IWM's extensive research facilities. Community Engagement: Fellows can participate in in-house research activities, lectures, and conferences, engaging with both the academic community and the broader public in Vienna.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Digital Humanism

"Digital humanism is not merely about understanding technology; it's about understanding how technology shapes, and is shaped by, human values, institutions, and experiences," explains Dr. Anya Schmidt, a professor of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Berlin, specializing in the societal impact of AI. "Fellowships like the one offered by IWM are crucial for fostering interdisciplinary research that can guide the responsible development and deployment of digital technologies. The financial support and access to resources provided by IWM allow scholars to focus on critical questions about the future of our digital society."

Historical Context: The Evolution of Digital Humanism

The concept of digital humanism emerged in response to growing concerns about the potential negative consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Initially, the focus was primarily on issues of privacy and security. However, the scope has broadened to encompass a wider range of concerns, including algorithmic bias, the spread of misinformation, and the impact of automation on employment. The IWM's fellowship program reflects this evolution, encouraging research that addresses the complex interplay between technology and human flourishing.

Eligibility and Application Process

The Digital Humanism Fellowship is open to researchers who have completed their doctoral degrees or are currently pursuing them. Senior Visiting Fellowships are awarded by invitation only. Junior Visiting Fellowship applicants must be either currently enrolled in a doctoral program or have completed their PhD within the last four years.

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application form. Email applications are not accepted. Provide personal and contact information. Detail your educational background and employment history. Submit a project title and a comprehensive project description. Include contact information for two recommenders. Upload the following documents as a single PDF file: Letter of motivation Project description summary Project proposal Curriculum Vitae (CV) Two letters of recommendation Ensure that all file names use Latin characters. Accept the terms and conditions. Submit the application form.

Critical Analysis: A Pathway to Responsible Innovation

According to Dr. Ben Carter, a research fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, "The IWM's Digital Humanism Fellowship stands out because it directly addresses the ethical and societal challenges posed by rapid technological change. By supporting researchers from diverse backgrounds, the program promotes a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the digital landscape. This is essential for developing policies and practices that promote responsible innovation and ensure that technology serves the common good."

Important Dates and Deadlines

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

This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for scholars to contribute to a critical and timely conversation about the future of technology and its impact on humanity. Scholarships Corner encourages all eligible candidates to consider applying.