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 the Digital Humanism Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This fully funded program offers a significant opportunity for scholars to conduct innovative research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technology on society. The fellowship aims to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical, social, and political dimensions of the digital age.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend designed to cover all necessary expenses, including travel, accommodation, living costs, and health insurance. The stipend amount varies based on academic qualifications: Fellows holding a doctoral degree will receive €3,300 per month, while those currently pursuing their doctorate will receive €2,750 per month. Beyond financial support, the IWM provides fellows with dedicated office space equipped with internet access, as well as access to the institute's research and administrative resources. In-house lunch and other services are also provided free of charge.

The fellowship program includes both Senior and Junior Visiting Fellow positions. One Senior Visiting Fellow is invited for a one-month fellowship each semester, while two Junior Visiting Fellows are selected for three-month fellowships during the Spring of 2026. This structure facilitates a dynamic research environment and encourages collaboration between scholars at different stages of their careers.

A Deep Dive into Digital Humanism

Digital Humanism, as a field of study, seeks to understand and shape the digital transformation in a way that aligns with human values and promotes societal well-being. "Digital technologies are rapidly reshaping our world, and it's crucial that we guide this transformation with a human-centered approach," explains Dr. Elisabeth Weigend, a research fellow specializing in digital ethics. "This fellowship provides a vital platform for scholars to explore these complex issues and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable digital future."

Eligibility and Application Requirements

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. The IWM seeks candidates with a strong research focus on topics related to digital society, including but not limited to:

Digital ethics and governance The impact of AI on labor markets The role of technology in shaping democratic processes Digital inclusion and accessibility The social and cultural consequences of online platforms

The application process requires candidates to submit an online application form, including personal and contact information, education and employment history, a project title and description, and contact details for two recommenders. Applicants must also upload the following documents as a single PDF file:

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

It is important to name the PDF file using Latin characters.

Historical Context and Current Relevance

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at the IWM builds upon a growing global movement to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution. The concept of digital humanism emerged as a response to concerns about the potential for technology to exacerbate existing inequalities, erode privacy, and undermine democratic institutions. By supporting research that explores these issues, the IWM aims to contribute to the development of policies and practices that promote a more human-centered and ethical digital future.

Professor Klaus Mainzer, a leading expert in the philosophy of technology, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding digital humanism. "The digital age requires us to bridge the gap between the humanities and the sciences," he states. "This fellowship fosters collaboration between researchers from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to develop a more holistic understanding of the complex interplay between technology and society."

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is September 21, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline. For more information and to access the online application form, please visit the official website of the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM).

Contact Information For any inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided on the official IWM website.

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