Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026 provide a remarkable chance for postdoctoral and senior researchers to deepen their expertise in art, philosophy, spirituality, and cultural studies. This prestigious fellowship welcomes international applicants to participate in a unique program set in the peaceful town of Ascona, Switzerland, starting March 1, 2026, and lasting up to six weeks. The tranquil Swiss Alps setting offers an ideal environment for focused academic research.
Offered jointly by the Archivio Luigi Pericle in Ascona and the Dahlem Humanities Center (DHC) at Freie University, this fellowship supports humanities scholars in conducting in-depth research and writing projects. Successful candidates will spend up to six weeks immersed in the rich cultural and historical landscape of the Ascona region, making it an excellent opportunity for scholars affiliated with Freie University or international researchers aiming to expand their academic pursuits in 2026.
Benefits
On March 1, 2026, the chosen fellow will begin a six-week residency at Archivio Luigi Pericle/Hotel Ascona, where they will be cordially received. This bundle includes:
- Room and Board at Hotel Ascona
- Stipend for 600 CHF
- Access to important archive documents promotes research in topics such as
- Monte Verità,
- utopian communities,
- Luigi Pericle’s art,
- philosophy,
- theosophy, and
- early modern to twentieth-century cultural movements.
- Travel expenses are not covered.
- However, postdoctoral researchers at Freie University Berlin can apply for additional travel support of up to €500 from the Ernst Reuter Gesellschaft.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Postdoctoral researchers and senior scholars (professors) in humanities.
- Applicants must work at Freie University Berlin, specifically in:
- Department of Philosophy and Humanities
- The Department of Historical and Cultural Studies
- One of the main institutes (LAI, JFKI, OEI).
How to Apply?
- Prepare a cover letter that includes your preferred fellowship dates. The fellowship lasts up to 6 weeks and starts from March 1, 2026.
- Update your CV with your latest academic and professional information.
- Write a research proposal of about 1,500 words (excluding bibliography). Explain your research goals and the materials you plan to use during your stay in Ascona.
- Combine your cover letter, CV, and research proposal into a single PDF file.
- Send your application by email to [email protected].
- Make sure to submit your application before the deadline on November 2, 2025.
You will be notified about the results in December 2025. If selected, you will be expected to submit a formal report of at least 10 pages within three months after your fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026 offers a funded six-week residency for Freie University Berlin postdocs and senior scholars. It covers room, board, and a stipend, focusing on humanities research related to Ascona. Applications close November 2, 2025.
What is the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026?
The Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026 offers a fully funded residency of up to six weeks at the Archivio Luigi Pericle in Switzerland. It supports postdocs and senior scholars working on humanities research related to Ascona.
Who is eligible to apply for the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026?
Eligible applicants are postdoctoral researchers and senior scholars employed at Freie Universität Berlin in humanities departments or central institutes. The fellowship targets those whose research connects to the cultural and intellectual history of the Ascona region.
What does the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026 cover financially?
The fellowship provides room and board at Hotel Ascona and a stipend of 600 CHF. Travel expenses are not covered, but postdocs may apply for up to 500 Euros travel assistance. Fellows must arrange their own health insurance for the stay.
How long is the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026?
The fellowship lasts up to six weeks, starting from March 1, 2026. Applicants can choose their preferred dates within this period, but the maximum duration cannot exceed six weeks.
What research topics are encouraged for the fellowship?
Research related to the Ascona region is encouraged, including Monte Verità, life reform movements, utopian communities, Luigi Pericle’s work, philosophy, theosophy, art, spirituality, anthroposophy, and the literary scene during and after WWII.
What documents are required to apply for the Research Fellowships for Humanities Scholars 2026?
Applicants must submit a cover letter with preferred dates, a CV, and a research proposal of about 1,500 words explaining their research goals and materials to be consulted. All documents should be combined into a single PDF for submission.
How and where should I submit my application?
Applications must be sent as a single PDF file via email to [email protected]. The deadline for submission is November 2, 2025.
When will applicants be notified about the fellowship results?
Applicants will be informed about the selection results in December 2025. Successful candidates will receive further instructions regarding their fellowship stay and reporting requirements.
Is there a reporting requirement after the fellowship?
Yes, fellows must submit a formal report of at least 10 pages within three months after completing the fellowship. The report should include “Luigi Pericle” in the title and summarize the research conducted during the residency.
Can scholars from outside Switzerland apply for this fellowship?
Yes, the fellowship is open to all nationalities, but applicants must be employed at Freie Universität Berlin in the relevant humanities fields. The residency takes place in Switzerland, but nationality is not a restriction.
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