Gerda Henkel Foundation Germany Research Fellowship 2025
Description
The Gerda Henkel Fellowship program for 2025 is now open for applications, offering exceptional opportunities for scholars in the history of knowledge and the history of science. Supported by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, this prestigious program is hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for European Enlightenment Studies (IZEA) in Halle, Germany.
With two postdoctoral fellowships and one doctoral fellowship available, researchers gain access to unparalleled resources, including the historical collections of the University and State Library Saxony-Anhalt, the Francke Foundations, and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
What Fellows Can Expect
Fellows will:
- Engage in independent research with access to cutting-edge facilities.
- Present findings through public lectures and the blog Café Lumières, a collaboration with the Voltaire Foundation at Oxford.
- Contribute to the growing discourse on science, knowledge, and society.
Degree Level
Gerda Henkel Foundation Germany Research Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake PhD, Research, Fellowship, Post Doctorate level programs at Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg.
Available Subjects
Research Opportunities at the IZEA
The IZEA, affiliated with Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, is a premier institution for Enlightenment studies. Its program, titled "Structures of Knowledge", focuses on:
- Knowledge practices in the 18th century.
- Order and dissemination of scientific discoveries.
- Interdisciplinary approaches linking history, natural sciences, and society.
Benefits
This program offers a unique platform to explore 18th-century knowledge acquisition, dissemination techniques, and classification practices, key themes in Enlightenment studies. Fellows will benefit from:
- A monthly stipend of €2,300 for postdoctoral researchers or €1,600 for doctoral students.
- Full access to historical archives and collections, including rare manuscripts in the natural sciences, anatomy, and more.
- The opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and contribute to current debates in science politics and societal development.
Eligible Nationalities
This fellowship is open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Focus Areas: Research in history of knowledge or history of science, with emphasis on the Enlightenment.
- Postdoctoral Applicants: Must hold a completed PhD and submit a publication list with one published article.
- Doctoral Applicants: Must be enrolled in a PhD program and provide a letter of recommendation.
- Research Proposal: Clear project outline (max. 5 pages) relevant to Enlightenment studies.
- Residency: Full-time presence at IZEA, Halle, for up to three months.
- Engagement: Participate in IZEA activities, deliver a public lecture, and contribute to the Café Lumières blog.
- Language: Proficiency in English required; German knowledge is a plus.
Ineligibility
- Projects unrelated to Enlightenment studies.
- Inability to reside on-site during the fellowship.
How to Stand Out
When applying, ensure your research proposal clearly demonstrates relevance to 18th-century knowledge practices. Highlight how your work contributes to the broader understanding of science history and connects to current societal debates.
Application Procedure
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Applicants must submit their materials by 15 January 2025 to izea@izea.uni-halle.de. Required documents include:
- Letter of Motivation: Explain your interest in Enlightenment studies and how this fellowship aligns with your research goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight academic achievements, publications, and relevant experience.
- List of Publications: Include a copy of a published article (optional for doctoral students).
- Research Proposal: Provide a detailed outline of your project (max. 5 pages).
- Recommendation Letter: Required for doctoral applicants.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Dr. Andrea Thiele at andrea.thiele@izea.uni-halle.de.
Conclusion
The Gerda Henkel Fellowship is an unmissable opportunity for scholars passionate about the history of knowledge and science. With its focus on Enlightenment studies and strong institutional backing, this program offers a platform to make a lasting academic impact.
Apply now to advance your research and join a distinguished network of scholars contributing to the historical discourse on knowledge and science.
