Viaggio a Palermo – Research fellowships granted by the Bibliotheca Hertziana – Max Planck Institute for Art History (Rome) in collaboration with Fondazione Palazzo Butera (Palermo)
- the history of art, architecture, and urban development in Palermo and Sicily from the Middle Ages to the present day, also if considered in the broader context of Southern Italy and the Mediterranean area;
- the representation of Sicily and Southern Italy in visual media, especially in cinema and photography.
The program requires fellows to conduct research for two months in Palermo, at Palazzo Butera, and for two months in Rome, at the Bibliotheca Hertziana.
The fellowship amounts to EUR 12,000 (net). Accommodation and living costs are to be borne by the fellow. The stay in Palermo is bound to a residency at Palazzo Butera (which offers a workspace and accommodation in a bedroom with en suite facilities and access to a shared kitchen) at an agreed price (1400 euros).
Fellows are required to present their research results at the two respective host institutions in Palermo and Rome, and these results may be published in one of the Bibliotheca Hertziana’s publication series.
To be eligible, doctoral candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a university.
Post-doctoral candidates must have obtained their PhD no more than 10 years prior to the closing date of the call for applications.
Candidates must not already be residents of the province of Palermo.
Good Italian language skills are required.
Applications may be submitted in Italian, German, or English and are to include the following documents:
- A one-page, tabular curriculum vitae;
- A certificate of enrollment in a doctoral program or proof of having obtained a Ph.D.
- A presentation of the research project clearly demonstrating the need to conduct research in Palermo. The presentation may not exceed three pages, including the bibliography and research schedule. The research schedule must specify the dates of the period to be spent in Palermo (two months) and in Rome (two months).
Applications can be sent by February 28, 2026, to the following email address: Elisabetta.Scirocco@biblhertz.it
The outcome of the selection process will be communicated by March 10, 2026.
The scholarship may begin at the candidate’s earliest convenience, in accordance with the administrative and logistical requirements of the host institutions.
The Max Planck Society is committed to fostering equal opportunities and diversity and welcomes applicants from all parts of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disabilities, or sexual orientation.
