The College for Social Sciences and Humanities International Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 (Funded)

The College for Social Sciences and Humanities at the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its prestigious International Senior Fellowship Programme for the academic year 2026/2027. This fully-funded programme offers an extraordinary opportunity for senior researchers from around the globe to enhance their academic portfolios while collaborating with esteemed institutions in Germany. The fellowship aims to promote advanced research in the social sciences and humanities, fostering international collaboration and scholarly exchange beneficial to both the fellows and their host institutions.

Programme Overview

The International Senior Fellowship Programme is designed to bring together outstanding researchers who exhibit a strong commitment to their disciplines and a passion for collaboration. Selected fellows will not only advance their own research projects but also engage with diverse academic communities at UA Ruhr, which comprises the University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum, and TU Dortmund University. This unique initiative encourages knowledge exchange and nurtures long-lasting partnerships among researchers across borders.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for a Senior Fellowship is broad and inclusive, catering to a diverse group of researchers.

• Who Can Apply? The programme welcomes applications from established researchers with significant academic experience and expertise in the social sciences and humanities. Both international scholars and German citizens are encouraged to apply, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to diversity.
• Reapplications and Tandem Partnerships: Applicants who have previously submitted applications but were not selected have the option to reapply in subsequent years. Additionally, candidates must establish a tandem partnership with an experienced senior researcher from one of the UA Ruhr member universities. This tandem partner, at a minimum, should hold a position at the R3 level (advanced researcher).

Finding a Tandem Partner

A crucial aspect of the application process is identifying a suitable tandem partner. This partnership ensures that the fellowship is well-integrated within the existing academic framework at UA Ruhr and promotes collaborative research efforts. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential partners within the member universities who align with their research interests to discuss possible collaboration.

How to Apply

The application must be submitted through the online application form available on the College’s website. Here are the necessary components of the submission:

1. Abstract of Planned Research Project: An overview of the proposed research project limited to 2,500 characters, including spaces.
2. Outline of Research Project: A detailed explanation of the planned work and intended tandem collaboration in English, not exceeding 10,000 characters.
3. Funding Preferences: Candidates should indicate their preferred period for the fellowship and specify which funding option they would like to pursue.
4. Tandem Partner Information: The name and institutional affiliation of the potential tandem partner.
5. Letter of Intent: This document, signed by the tandem partner, should confirm their willingness to collaborate and express how the proposed project will benefit their institution and the UA Ruhr.
6. Desired Outcomes: The expected results from the fellowship, such as publications, conference participation, or grant proposals.
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV detailing academic background, research experience, and a list of the applicant’s five most significant publications.

Selection Procedure

The selection process for the International Senior Fellowship Programme is conducted by the Scientific Board of the College for Social Sciences and Humanities. Criteria for evaluation include the originality and relevance of the proposed research project, the applicant’s qualifications, the feasibility of the planned collaboration, and the potential impact of the research. The committee aims to select candidates who demonstrate substantial promise in their academic pursuits and a clear plan for tandem collaboration.

Terms and Conditions of the Fellowships

Benefits of the Senior Fellowship

Fellows selected for the programme will enjoy various funding options and support mechanisms tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

1. Duration and Start Date: The fellowship lasts for one year, with specific starting dates contingent on individual preferences and institutional requirements.
2. Funding Options: The College offers multiple funding alternatives:

• Leave of Absence with Salary Continuation: For fellows receiving a salary from their home institution, a general allowance of €3,050 per month (pre-tax) is provided, along with a family allowance of €250 (if applicable) and a mobility allowance of €125 per month to assist with relocation costs.
• Leave of Absence without Salary: For those not receiving a salary, fellows can choose between compensation agreements—usually approximating a W3 professorship, which is around €7,100 (pre-tax) monthly—or a direct monthly fellowship grant of €5,000 (pre-tax).

1. Substitute Coverage: The College may cover the costs associated with hiring a substitute for the fellow at their home institution. This funding option cannot be combined with other financial aid.
2. Taxation and Social Security: It is important to note that grants are exempt from social security contributions in Germany; however, taxation may apply. Therefore, fellows are responsible for ensuring compliance with tax laws and filing declarations, if necessary.

Final Thoughts

The International Senior Fellowship Programme represents an invaluable opportunity for established researchers to expand their scholarly horizons and engage in meaningful collaborative efforts in the field of social sciences and humanities. This fellowship not only supports individual academic pursuits but also strengthens the research community through enhanced partnerships across borders.

As the application deadline approaches, potential candidates are encouraged to prepare their materials thoroughly and to leverage the resources available through UA Ruhr to identify suitable tandem partners. This is an exceptional chance to foster international collaboration and contribute to impactful research while receiving comprehensive support from a leading academic institution. The College for Social Sciences and Humanities looks forward to welcoming new fellows into this enriching experience for the 2026/2027 academic year.

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