Applications are open for HIAS Fellowships 2028–2029 in Hamburg, Germany. Outstanding researchers, scientists, artists and cultural professionals can apply for at least three months of interdisciplinary research and creative work. Deadline: 1 February 2027.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) is inviting applications for its 2028–2029 Fellowship Programme in Hamburg, Germany. The programme offers outstanding researchers, scientists, artists and cultural professionals an opportunity to pursue independent projects while exchanging ideas with an international, interdisciplinary community.
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. HIAS particularly welcomes early-career researchers, emerging artists and cultural professionals, and applicants from regions that are underrepresented in research and academia.
The academic year runs from 1 October 2028 to 30 June 2029. Applicants must propose a fellowship period of at least three months and indicate their preferred dates.
The programme supports projects that benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration and can be conducted in Hamburg with the involvement of local academic or cultural partners.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) |
| Fellowship | HIAS Fellowships 2028–2029 |
| Location | Hamburg, Germany |
| Eligible applicants | Researchers, scientists, artists and cultural professionals |
| Nationality | All nationalities |
| Academic fellowship requirement | Doctorate for applicants working in academia |
| Duration | Minimum 3 months |
| Fellowship period | 1 October 2028–30 June 2029 |
| Financial support | Stipend or partial reimbursement of home institution’s teaching replacement costs |
| Application deadline | 1 February 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Official application page | HIAS Fellowship Calls |
Fellowship Benefits and Research Opportunities
1. Financial Support
HIAS provides financial support through either a stipend paid to the fellow or partial reimbursement of the fellow’s home institution for the cost of a teaching replacement. Applicants who have additional financial contributions from their home institutions, such as a research semester or paid leave, should mention these in their applications.
The official announcement does not specify a fixed stipend amount.
2. Independent Research and Creative Work
Fellows receive time and flexibility to concentrate on their own research or creative projects without their usual professional obligations. Projects should benefit from interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary exchange and offer opportunities for new questions, perspectives and collaborations.
3. Workspace and Research Support
HIAS provides office space in central Hamburg and ongoing assistance from its staff. A local academic or cultural professional from one of HIAS’s member institutions serves as a tandem partner, helping fellows connect with relevant research and cultural networks and access suitable research infrastructure.
Important: HIAS does not provide or finance artists’ studios.
4. Networking and Academic Activities
Fellows participate in a structured programme that includes weekly fellows’ lunches on Tuesdays and colloquia followed by dinner on Thursdays. Participation in these activities is mandatory. Additional scientific or cultural excursions are offered approximately once a month.
The programme is designed to strengthen interdisciplinary relationships and help fellows share their work with other professionals.
5. Accommodation and Family Support
Subject to availability, fellows may stay in furnished apartments with cooking facilities at the University of Hamburg’s centrally located guesthouse. HIAS also assists fellows travelling with partners or children in finding suitable accommodation, schools and childcare facilities.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The HIAS Fellowship Programme is open to outstanding researchers, scientists, artists and cultural professionals at different career stages and from all nationalities.
Applicants should meet the following expectations:
- Researchers and scientists: A doctorate is the minimum academic requirement for applicants working in academia.
- Artists and cultural professionals: Applicants should demonstrate substantial artistic or cultural achievements. A connection to academic research is desirable for candidates in the arts.
- Strong professional record: Relevant publications, exhibitions, performances, awards or other achievements may support an application, depending on the applicant’s field and career stage.
- Interdisciplinary interest: Candidates should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and an openness to collaboration beyond their own discipline.
- English proficiency: Excellent English skills are required because English is HIAS’s working language.
- Public engagement: Applicants are expected to communicate their project to a broader audience.
- Location requirement: Applicants working within the Hamburg metropolitan region are not eligible for this fellowship. Selected fellows must conduct projects that can be carried out in Hamburg, at HIAS or through local partner institutions.
HIAS considers applicants’ career stages during selection and particularly values the future potential of early-career researchers. A monograph is not compulsory for early-career academic applicants.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Required Application Documents
According to the official call, applicants should prepare:
- Cover letter: Include the preferred fellowship period, possible academic or artistic tandem partners in Hamburg, any potential co-financing, and an explanation of how the applicant’s work or personal qualities would benefit the fellows’ community or Hamburg’s research and cultural environment.
- Letter of intent from a tandem partner, if applicable: This is required only when the applicant and proposed partner already know each other and have agreed to collaborate. Otherwise, naming a potential partner is sufficient.
- Publication list: Up to two pages, highlighting the most relevant publications for the proposed project.
- Curriculum Vitae: Include relevant professional details, prizes and other awards.
- Research or project description: Two to three pages.
- Project description for a general audience: A maximum of one page.
- Optional supporting link: A link to an online video, talk or lecture may be included.
Applicants must also indicate whether they used artificial intelligence when preparing their application.
How to apply: Visit the official HIAS Fellowship application page, review the full requirements and access the application form before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the HIAS Fellowships 2028–2029?
They are research and creative fellowships hosted by the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study in Germany, supporting independent projects and interdisciplinary collaboration.
2. Who can apply for the HIAS Fellowship?
Researchers, scientists, artists and cultural professionals of all nationalities can apply. Academic applicants working in research must hold a doctorate, while artists and cultural professionals are assessed according to their relevant achievements and project suitability.
3. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship period runs between 1 October 2028 and 30 June 2029. Applicants must request a stay of at least three months.
4. Does the HIAS Fellowship provide funding?
Yes. HIAS either pays a stipend to the fellow or partially reimburses the home institution’s teaching replacement costs. The official announcement does not state a fixed stipend amount.
5. Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes. Applicants from all nationalities are eligible, although candidates must meet the programme requirements and be able to undertake their projects in Hamburg.
6. Can applicants based in Hamburg apply?
Applicants working within the Hamburg metropolitan region are not eligible for the HIAS Fellowship.
7. Is accommodation provided?
Accommodation may be available in furnished apartments at the University of Hamburg guesthouse, subject to availability. HIAS also provides assistance with accommodation searches and family-related arrangements.
8. Is a local research partner required?
Fellows are connected with a local academic or cultural professional who acts as a tandem partner. Applicants can name a potential partner without having contacted them beforehand.
9. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
10. How can I apply?
Review the requirements and access the application through the official HIAS Fellowship page.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The HIAS Fellowships 2028–2029 may be suitable for experienced researchers, early-career academics, emerging artists and cultural professionals seeking dedicated time for independent work in an international environment. The main advantages include financial support, access to local research networks, a central workspace and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applicants should prepare a well-developed project proposal, demonstrate a strong record of relevant work and explain why their project would benefit from being conducted in Hamburg.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with HIAS and does not select fellows on the institute’s behalf. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application details through the official HIAS website.
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