Inherit Fellowships 2026-7, Berlin – Käte Hamburger Kolleg, Centre for Advanced Study inherit. heritage in transformation
Location: Berlin, Germany
The Centre for Advanced Study inherit. heritage in transformation, a BMBF-funded Käte Hamburger Kolleg based at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, invites applications for its fellowship program running from 1 October 2026 to 31 July 2027. Annually, up to fifteen international fellows engage in research activities at the Centre, exploring historical, contemporary, and potential future transformations in heritage. This open call is open to both experienced and early-career postdoctoral researchers, as well as artists, filmmakers, and curators.
Fellowship Details
- Duration: 1 October 2026 – 31 July 2027
- Application Deadline: 14 April 2025
- Focus Topic: Addressing “Heritage Loss”
- Proposals should consider the dismantling, destruction, and letting go of heritage, including issues of disinheritance, disposal, renouncing, and revising.
- Research-based creative approaches, including practical and artistic responses, are encouraged.
- Guiding Themes:
- Decentring the West
- Decentring the Human
- Transforming Value
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must have completed a PhD (submitted and successfully defended by the deadline) and significant publishing record, or for artists and practitioners, a substantial portfolio of accomplished work.
- Projects should ideally be based on original empirical or archival study, or on creative work.
- Commitment:
- Fellows are expected to be based in Berlin for the duration of the fellowship, actively participating in inherit’s events (colloquia, workshops, annual lecture series, conferences) and contributing to dissemination platforms.
- A workspace is provided at the Centre.
- Funding:
- Fellows receive a monthly stipend (rate determined by career stage and family accompaniment or replacement cover for German-based applicants).
- Return journey (economy) and visa costs are reimbursed.
- Fellows are responsible for accommodation, health insurance, and additional costs.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the online application form and include the following:
- Cover Letter:
- State the proposed start date and length of fellowship, title of the proposed project, and a brief motivation for applying.
- Project Proposal:
- Up to 2 pages of A4 text (using at least Times New Roman, size 11) plus an annex of up to 6 pages of images (if relevant).
- Include a title, abstract (150 words), summary of proposed work (linking it to “Heritage Loss” and the guiding themes), a timetable, and a list of necessary resources.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
- List all higher education (including PhD details), funding sources, academic or practice-related activities, fellowships/prizes/awards, and a full list of publications (with translations for non-English titles, if applicable).
- Additional Materials:
- Either two articles/chapters (published or unpublished, max 20,000 words total) OR, for artists, a portfolio of artworks, films, or exhibitions, clearly indicating your role and details of previous showings.
Selection Process
- Applications will be evaluated by an internal committee in conjunction with the advisory board.
- Emphasis will be placed on the originality of ideas, capacity to expand existing scholarship or practice, relevance to the call themes, and overall quality of the proposal and CV.
- The final selection will also consider diversity, geographical spread, and disciplinary mix.
How to Apply
- Submit your application here: https://umfrage.hu-berlin.de/index.php/525266?lang=en
- Deadline: 14 April 2025
