Germany – Fellowship Position in AI & Humanities at Göttingen Academy

University: Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Country: Germany
Deadline:
Fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Science and Technology Studies
Position: Postdoc

Overview

The Hannah Arendt Fellowships, coordinated by the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony, Germany, invite distinguished postdoctoral and established researchers worldwide to engage in independent scholarship under the annual theme “Humans and AI: Perspectives from the Humanities and Social Sciences” for the summer semester of 2027. This prestigious fellowship offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, address critical questions at the frontier of technology and humanity, and benefit from the intellectual resources of one of Europe’s most respected academic regions.

About the University

The Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities, founded in 1751, stands as one of Germany’s most renowned academic societies. With a rich tradition of fostering groundbreaking research, the Academy is part of a vibrant academic ecosystem in Lower Saxony, home to world‑leading universities and research institutions. Göttingen itself is recognized internationally for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaborations, and its role as a hub for both historical and contemporary scholarship. Lower Saxony, located in northern Germany, offers a dynamic, culturally rich, and academically stimulating environment. The region’s universities and research centers are celebrated for their commitment to innovation, global exchange, and nurturing scholarly talent.

Research Topic and Significance

The annual theme for 2027, “Humans and AI: Perspectives from the Humanities and Social Sciences,” addresses the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human society. As AI technologies increasingly shape our social, cultural, and political realities, critical inquiry into their implications is more vital than ever.

Key Topics

• The negotiation of autonomy, decision‑making, and accountability in the context of human agency and AI.
• The impact of AI on social, cultural, and political dynamics, including power relations, alienation, and the shaping of the public sphere.
• Issues of justice, legitimacy, equality, and trust as societies adapt to AI‑driven change.
• The evolving nature of knowledge, authorship, and creativity in the age of AI, with attention to originality, epistemology, and integrity.

Project Details

The Hannah Arendt Fellowship offers up to ten scholars a six‑month research residency at a host institution in Lower Saxony during the summer semester 2027 (April–September). Fellows will be embedded within universities or non‑university research institutions across the region, working closely with a local academic partner (tandem partner). This decentralized residency model ensures close integration into the host institution’s academic life and provides access to extensive institutional networks.

Key Features of the Fellowship

• Competitive individual stipend or compensation to your home institution, based on a “no gain, no loss” principle.
• Coverage of travel and accommodation expenses.
• Family support options, if applicable.
• Freedom from teaching obligations, allowing full focus on research.
• Structured academic and networking support, including joint cohort activities and exchange formats with other fellows and tandem partners.
• Selection by an independent international committee of experts, ensuring academic excellence and diversity.

Candidate Profile

• A strong academic background and research experience relevant to the annual theme.
• A record of independent scholarship, with a clear ability to develop and pursue innovative research questions.
• Interest in interdisciplinary and cross‑cultural perspectives on AI and society.
• The capacity to collaborate effectively with local academic partners and engage with the host institution’s scholarly environment.
• Proficiency in English, as project proposals and communications are conducted in English.

Applicants may either be invited by a local researcher at a host institution in Lower Saxony or independently establish a tandem partnership with a host institution. All projects must be developed collaboratively with the tandem partner and confirmed through a signed letter of intent.

Application Process

• Application deadline: 1 June 2026.
• Documents required (single PDF):
  • Signed application and letter of intent (between applicant, tandem partner, and host).
  • Curriculum vitae and list of key publications.
  • Fellowship project proposal in English (maximum 3 pages / 1,500 words, excluding bibliography).
  • Optional: Letters of recommendation.
• For full details on the application process, eligibility, and required documents, please refer to the official advertisement: Hannah Arendt Fellowships Announcement .

Conclusion

The Hannah Arendt Fellowships represent a rare and prestigious opportunity to advance your research at the intersection of AI and the humanities, in one of Europe’s most dynamic academic regions. If you are passionate about exploring how technological change shapes—and is shaped by—human society, and if you seek to collaborate with leading scholars in a supportive and stimulating environment, we encourage you to apply.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Hannah Arendt Fellowship?
A: Postdoctoral and established international scholars in the Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences.

Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A: Research residency of up to six months during the summer semester of 2027.

Q: Is the fellowship fully funded?
A: Yes, fellows receive a competitive stipend or compensation to their home institution, as well as travel and accommodation allowances.

Q: Can I choose my host institution in Lower Saxony?
A: Yes, fellows are hosted at universities or non‑university research institutions in Lower Saxony, either through invitation or by establishing a tandem partnership.

Q: What is the main research theme for 2027?
A: “Humans and AI: Perspectives from the Humanities and Social Sciences.”

Q: What documents are required for the application?
A: Signed application and letter of intent, CV and publications list, project proposal, and optionally, letters of recommendation.

Q: Is English proficiency required?
A: Yes, as project proposals and communications are conducted in English.

Q: Where can I find more information or apply?
A: Please refer to the official advertisement: Hannah Arendt Fellowships Announcement .

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