IWM Digital Humanism Fellowship 2027 | Fully Funded 3-Month Research Fellowship in Vienna, Austria
The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is inviting applications for the Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027, a prestigious international research fellowship that brings together doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers from around the world to explore the relationship between technology and society. The fellowship provides selected scholars with the opportunity to spend three consecutive months in Vienna, Austria, conducting independent research within an interdisciplinary academic environment dedicated to addressing the societal challenges of the digital age.
Hosted by the Institute for Human Sciences (Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen – IWM), the programme forms part of the Institute’s broader Digital Humanism Program, which promotes research that places people, democratic values, and human rights at the centre of technological innovation. The fellowship encourages collaboration between researchers from the humanities, social sciences, computer science, law, philosophy, economics, political science, and related disciplines.
About the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM)
The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), located in Vienna, Austria, is one of Europe’s leading independent institutes for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences. Since its establishment, the Institute has welcomed scholars from around the world to conduct innovative research while fostering dialogue across academic disciplines.
The Digital Humanism Programme was launched to examine how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, automation, and data-driven systems—are transforming societies, institutions, economies, and democratic governance. Rather than focusing solely on technological innovation, the programme emphasizes responsible, human-centred approaches that ensure digital transformation serves the public good.
About the Digital Humanism Fellowship
The Digital Humanism Fellowship supports outstanding junior researchers who are investigating the societal implications of digital technologies. Fellows spend three consecutive months at the IWM between February and June 2027, conducting research, writing, and collaborating with an international community of scholars.
The fellowship period is intentionally coordinated to overlap with the residency of the Senior Digital Humanism Visiting Fellow, creating opportunities for mentorship, discussion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Themes
Applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines, provided the proposed research addresses Digital Humanism.
Potential research areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Society
- Democracy and Digital Governance
- Human Rights in the Digital Age
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Platforms and Social Media
- Data Governance and Privacy
- Technology Policy
- Digital Inequality
- Algorithmic Decision-Making
- Digital Labour
- Cybersecurity and Society
- Political Communication
- Digital Education
- Philosophy of Technology
- Digital Economy
- Technology and Public Policy
The programme clearly distinguishes Digital Humanism from Digital Humanities. Projects that simply apply digital tools to humanities research are not eligible. Instead, applicants should focus on the broader societal, political, economic, ethical, or cultural impacts of digitalization.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants receive generous financial and institutional support during their stay in Vienna.
Monthly Stipend
The fellowship provides:
- EUR 3,300 per month for postdoctoral researchers who have completed their PhD before the application deadline.
- EUR 2,750 per month for doctoral candidates enrolled in a PhD programme.
While fellows are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, health insurance, and research expenses from the stipend, the financial support is intended to enable full-time engagement with their research project during the fellowship period.
Institutional Support
In addition to the stipend, fellows receive:
- Office space at the Institute for Human Sciences.
- Internet access.
- Access to the Institute’s research facilities and library resources.
- Administrative support.
- Opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, lectures, and academic events.
- Membership in an international scholarly community.
These resources allow fellows to concentrate on producing high-quality research while engaging with experts from multiple disciplines.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and all academic disciplines, provided their research aligns with the Digital Humanism Programme.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral programme or
- Have obtained a PhD within the previous four years (not before 21 September 2022 for the current call).
Previous IWM fellows must wait three academic years before applying again, and applicants may submit only one fellowship application during the same academic year.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit their application through the online portal. Required documents include:
- A letter of motivation explaining how the fellowship will benefit the proposed research and how it aligns with IWM’s mission.
- A short project description (maximum 550 characters).
- A detailed research proposal (maximum 7,500 characters) including:
- Research objectives
- Current state of research
- Methodology
- Work plan
- Curriculum Vitae (including publications).
- Two confidential letters of recommendation submitted directly by referees.
All application materials must be prepared in English and combined into a single PDF document before submission. Email applications are not accepted.
Application Timeline
For the 2026–2027 Digital Humanism Fellowship, the key dates are:
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2026 (23:59 CEST)
- Notification of Results: By 30 November 2026
- Fellowship Period: Three consecutive months between February and June 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals well in advance of the deadline.
Why Apply?
The IWM Digital Humanism Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to:
- Conduct independent research in one of Europe’s leading institutes for advanced study.
- Collaborate with internationally recognized scholars.
- Develop interdisciplinary perspectives on digital transformation.
- Expand your international academic network.
- Advance publications, policy research, or book projects.
- Contribute to global debates on artificial intelligence, democracy, ethics, and technology governance.
For doctoral candidates and early-career researchers interested in the future relationship between technology and society, the fellowship provides both financial support and a stimulating intellectual environment.
How to Apply
- Visit the official IWM Digital Humanism Fellowship webpage.
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your motivation letter, research proposal, and CV.
- Arrange for two referees to submit recommendation letters.
- Upload all required documents through the online application system before 21 September 2026.
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Disclaimer
Vacancy Bridge shares verified fellowship opportunities for informational purposes only. Vacancy Bridge is not affiliated with the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM). Fellowship conditions, eligibility requirements, stipend amounts, and deadlines may change in future application cycles. Applicants should always consult the official IWM website for the latest information.
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