Call for Applications: for CAIS Fellowship Program, Apply by 31 August 2026
Are you researching the societal impact of digital transformation? Do you need time to focus on your own project and want to exchange ideas with experts from diverse disciplines? A fellowship at CAIS offers you the freedom to dedicate yourself to your research – and the opportunity to become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community. Step away from daily work routines to gain new perspectives and build lasting connections.
Concentration and Inspiration
Fellows spend either six or three months in Bochum. During this period, CAIS finances their leave from work through compensation or grants. Individual offices and meeting rooms with modern facilities provide optimal working conditions. Comfortable apartments are provided free of charge.
Fellows are members of the vibrant interdisciplinary research community at CAIS and of an international network of alumni, working groups, and affiliates. Regular joint activities foster academic and social exchange at the Center. These activities include breakfast on Tuesdays, colloquium and dinner on Wednesdays, as well as occasional workshops on Thursdays. Fellows can invite guests for collaboration and receive financial support for their research expenses.
Fellowships of six months usually start in October or April. Fellowships of three months can start in October, January, April, or July. Exceptions are possible after consultation.
Funding and Facilities
Fellows should ideally be on sabbatical leave with a full salary. In that case, they will receive an additional grant of €600 per month. Alternatively, reimbursement for the costs of their salary or of a substitute can be paid within reasonable limits.
Fellows with no regular income will receive a grant of €2000 per month. Fellows with a regular income below €1400 will be given a grant that covers the difference to the full grant. Fellows with a full or compensatory grant receive an additional payment of €100 per month for each child under the age of 18. In Germany, full and compensatory grants are not subject to social security contributions and are usually tax-exempt. Fellows are responsible for checking whether they qualify for tax exemption, especially if they reside abroad.
Fellows are provided with private offices at CAIS and rent-free, fully furnished apartments. In addition, CAIS will cover travel expenses for one return-trip to Bochum. Alternatively, CAIS can cover the costs of a daily commute if the Fellow lives close to Bochum.
Fellows can request financial support for research expenses. They can furthermore apply to invite a Visiting Fellow with whom they wish to collaborate for up to three weeks. It is also possible to invite up to three experts based in Europe for half-day workshops. CAIS will cover travel and accommodation expenses for these guests and pay them a daily allowance of up to €24.
Applicant Requirements
The fellowship program invites applications from experts in academia and professional practice across all disciplines.
All applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification and have a very good command of English.
Applicants from professional practice must demonstrate relevant expertise in the field of the proposed project and the research profile of CAIS. This may include journalistic publications, reports, policy papers, artistic or technical works, prototypes, leadership roles, public engagement, or other field-specific achievements.
Applicants from academia must demonstrate a publication record relevant to the proposed project and the research profile of CAIS. Relevant academic publications may include peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers, academic books or book chapters, or comparable scholarly formats appropriate to the applicant’s discipline.
Doctoral researchers must have at least one relevant academic publication.
Postdoctoral researchers must have at least two relevant academic publications.
Senior researchers must have at least three relevant academic publications and demonstrate experience in securing competitive research funding. Senior researchers are established researchers, typically at the level of tenured faculty or equivalent positions.
Fellows are expected to devote their full working time to the funded project. They are also required to be present at CAIS from Tuesday to Thursday, to take part in regular joint activities, and to actively contribute to the interdisciplinary exchange on site. Fellows who are employed are required to take leave from their regular professional duties for the duration of the fellowship.
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