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 unique opportunity for scholars to conduct innovative research on the multifaceted impacts of digital technologies on society. The program offers a generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses, travel, and health insurance, along with access to IWM's research facilities and resources.

A Deep Dive into Digital Society

The Digital Humanism Fellowship aims to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical, social, and political dimensions of digitalization. Fellows will engage with a vibrant community of researchers at the IWM, participating in lectures, conferences, and collaborative projects. The program offers both Senior Visiting Fellowships (1 month) and Junior Visiting Fellowships (3 months), catering to different career stages and research interests. The Junior Visiting Fellowships will be held in Spring 2026.

Funding and Resources Provided

The fellowship is fully funded, ensuring accessibility for researchers from diverse backgrounds. Successful applicants will receive:

A monthly stipend of €3,300 for fellows who have completed their doctoral degree. A monthly stipend of €2,750 for fellows currently pursuing their doctoral degree. Coverage for travel, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses. Access to a dedicated office space with internet connection. Access to IWM's extensive research facilities and resources. Free in-house meals.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

While Senior Visiting Fellowships are awarded by invitation only, Junior Visiting Fellowships are open to researchers who are currently pursuing a doctoral degree or have completed their PhD within the last four years. The application process is entirely online and requires the submission of a comprehensive application package, including:

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

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

Important Dates and Deadlines The deadline for applications is September 21, 2025.

Historical Context and the Rise of Digital Humanism

The Digital Humanism Fellowship at IWM reflects a growing global concern about the societal implications of rapid technological advancements. The concept of "Digital Humanism" has gained traction in recent years as a framework for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization. It emphasizes the need to prioritize human values, rights, and autonomy in the design and deployment of digital technologies. As Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading scholar in digital ethics, notes, "Digital Humanism is not about rejecting technology, but about shaping it in a way that serves humanity's best interests. Fellowships like this one at IWM are crucial for fostering the interdisciplinary research needed to address these complex issues."

Expert Perspectives on the Fellowship's Significance

Professor Klaus Weber, a sociologist specializing in the impact of technology on society, emphasizes the importance of such fellowships. "These programs provide a vital platform for researchers to critically examine the ways in which digital technologies are reshaping our lives, from the spread of misinformation to the erosion of privacy. By bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds, the IWM fellowship can generate innovative solutions to the ethical and social dilemmas posed by the digital age." He further adds, "The fully funded nature of the fellowship is particularly significant, as it ensures that talented researchers from all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate, enriching the diversity of perspectives and ultimately leading to more robust and equitable outcomes."

Apply Now

Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for the Digital Humanism Fellowship through the official IWM website. This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the growing discourse on digital society and make a meaningful impact on the future of technology and humanity.