RWTH Aachen University | KHK Fellowship Program
Open call for applications for fellowships (postdoctoral to senior level) starting in October 2027 for up to twelve months for history, philosophy, and sociology of science and technology.
About
The Käte Hamburger Kolleg: Cultures of Research (c:o/re) is an international center for advanced studies for history, philosophy, and sociology of science and technology at RWTH Aachen University. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The center invites applications from scholars from the humanities and social sciences, as well as from natural, life, and technical sciences. The focus of the center’s work is on the manifold research cultures within the sciences, their commonalities and differences, and how they are transformed through interdisciplinary discourse. We are particularly interested in exploring the concepts of ‘digitality/complexity’, ‘globality/varieties of science’ and ‘historicizing science studies’ together with international fellows.
Each year, the KHK c:o/re invites up to ten scholars from the humanities, social sciences and science and technology studies (STS) as well as from natural, life and technical sciences to Aachen. Part of its mission is to offer a free space to its fellows to develop their own research and to exchange ideas.
Fellows will join the center for a maximum period of 12 months. The fellowships provide a full grant commensurate with applicants’ level of professional experience, working space in fully-equipped offices, logistical support, and access to the interdisciplinary research landscape and research labs at RWTH Aachen University. Residency in Aachen is required and the center can support fellows in the search for accommodation.
Scholars can apply for either junior or senior fellowships. For junior fellows a successfully completed PhD is an eligibility requirement; for senior fellowships a professorship (associate or full professorship) or comparable position is expected.
For the year 2027/2028, KHK c:o/re’s research will be centered around the topic of “Historical Reflections on Science Studies.” Proposals may address
- Historical reflections on the philosophy, sociology, and history of science and technology.
- Historical reflections on Science and Technology Studies (STS).
- Studies in the history of related fields influencing the philosophy, sociology and history of science and technology and STS, e.g. Gestalt-theory, behaviorism, precursors of AI, etc.
- Methodological approaches and challenges for historical reflections on science studies.
Participation and contribution to the center
Fellows will join the international center for a maximum period of 12 months (minimum 6 months), starting in October 2027. The fellowships provide a full grant commensurate with applicants’ level of professional experience, working space in fully-equipped offices, logistical support, and access to the interdisciplinary research landscape and research labs at RWTH Aachen University. Fellows who have no other regular income during their fellowship will receive a monthly stipend. Alternatively, the center can cover costs for a teaching replacement at the fellow’s home institution. In order to create a stimulating intellectual environment among the resident research community, regular presence at the center and participation in its weekly events are mandatory. Residency in Aachen is required and the center can support fellows in the search for accommodation. For more information about the fellowship program, please see our website here.
Location
RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest universities of science and technology in Europe. Located at the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands (Euregio), it has close ties with STS institutes at the universities of Maastricht and Liège, and with the neighboring Jülich Research Center, a research campus of more than 5,000 researchers. More information can be found on the website of RWTH Aachen University.
Application Modalities
Applications are open to postdoctoral (PhD must be fully completed by the time of application) as well as senior researchers who have already distinguished themselves with outstanding work within the thematic focus of the center. The application (in English) includes the application form (link see below), a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, an exposé (max. 3 pages) in which the applicant presents her/his research project and its relation to c:o/re’s research program, and a writing sample (in English). An interdisciplinary outlook is advantageous.
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2026.
Application and more details: https://khk.rwth-aachen.de/fellowship-program/
