Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027 in Vienna

Digital Humanism is opening its applications for its 2026-2027 fellowship programme in Vienna. The fellowship offers doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers from around the world the opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research in Vienna, Austria, while contributing to critical discussions on the relationship between technology and society.

“Hosted under the Institute’s Digital Humanism Program, the fellowship encourages scholars from diverse academic backgrounds to examine how digital technologies shape humanity, governance, economics, culture, and global society. The Digital Humanism Fellowship promotes research that explores the complex interactions between technological innovation and human society.”

Applications are open until 21 September 2026, Applicants are encouraged to submit projects addressing topics related to:

• Digital transformation and society
• Technology and human rights
• Artificial intelligence and governance
• Digital policy and regulation
• Social, political and economic impacts of digitalisation
• Geopolitics of emerging technologies
• Ethics and responsible innovation
• Humanities and social science perspectives on technology

Selected fellows will spend three consecutive months at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna between February and June 2027. The fellowship provides generous financial support based on academic status. For Postdoctoral Fellows, a monthly stipend of EUR 3,300 is awarded. Doctoral Candidates receives a monthly stipend of EUR 2,750

In addition to the stipend, fellows will receive access to numerous institutional resources, including:

• Fully equipped office space
• High-speed internet access
• In-house research facilities
• Administrative and institutional support
• Membership within the international IWM scholarly community
• Opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, lectures and academic events

The fellowship welcomes applications from outstanding early-career researchers worldwide. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral programme, or have completed a PhD no earlier than 21 September 2022.

Applicants must have successfully defended their doctoral dissertation before the application deadline if applying as postdoctoral researchers. All applications must be completed in English and submitted through the Institute’s online application system.

Applicants are required to prepare the following:

• A motivation letter explaining the project’s relevance, expected benefits of conducting research at IWM, and planned research outcomes.Educational Resources
• A project description of up to 550 characters, including spaces.
• A detailed project proposal of up to 7,500 characters, including spaces, covering:
• Project objectives
• Current state of research
• Research methodology
• Planned work schedule
• A curriculum vitae including publications.
• Two confidential letters of recommendation submitted directly by academic referees before the application deadline.

Applicants should also ensure all supporting documents are merged into a single PDF file before submission, as only one attachment can be uploaded. File names must use Latin characters.

Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. Click the link to apply.

https://www.iwm.at/calls/digital-humanism-fellowship