inherit Fellowships 2026-7

Applications for Inherit Fellowships 2026-7

The Centre for Advanced Study inherit.heritage in transformation, a BMBF-funded Käte Hamburger Kolleg based at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, explores historical, contemporary, and potential future transformations in heritage. inherit’s work is guided by its intellectual agenda, which sets out the Centre’s context, rationale, and aims. Annually, up to fifteen international fellows engage in research activities at the Centre. Fellowships for 2026-7 will run from 1 October 2026 until 31 July 2027.

Applications for fellowships for 2026-7 should address the topic of Addressing Heritage Loss and relate to one or more of our guiding themes: decentring the west, decentring the human, and transforming value. Successful projects are likely to be based in original empirical or archival study/analysis of source material or creative work.

Researchers and topics from areas currently underrepresented in heritage scholarship, including the global South and Eastern Europe, are especially encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from artists, film-makers, and curators.

Topic for 2026–7: Addressing Heritage Loss

We invite applications that consider the dismantling, destruction, and letting go of heritage, as well as issues of disinheritance, disposal, renouncing, and revising. We encourage original research that addresses past, ongoing, or possible future consequences of, and responses to, such undoing of heritage. Our interest is also in research-based creative approaches to addressing heritage loss.

Duration and Conditions

Fellowships can be awarded for a maximum period of 10 months. Preference may be given to applications for the full-time period, which runs from October 2026 until July 2027. Other than for short visits elsewhere, it is required that you spend the time of your fellowship in Berlin and participate in the work of inherit. A monthly stipend, determined by career stage and family circumstances, will be awarded. In addition, costs for the return journey (economy) to Berlin and any necessary visa costs will be reimbursed. You are required to cover accommodation, health insurance, and any further costs.

Unfortunately, members of Humboldt-Universität are not eligible to become fellows.

Participation in and Contribution to inherit

During the fellowship, fellows are expected to be based in Berlin and devote their time to their work in the Centre, actively participating in inherit’s events, such as the regular colloquium, workshops, the annual lecture series, and conferences. A workspace at our Centre is provided.

Application Requirements

Applicants should have completed (submitted and successfully defended by the application deadline) a PhD to an excellent standard and significant publishing from this or, in the case of artists and practitioners, should have a substantial portfolio of accomplished work.

Applicants should submit the online application form, where they will be asked to submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter stating proposed start date and length of fellowship, title of proposed project, and brief motivation for applying to inherit.
2. Project proposal – up to 2 pages of A4 (in a font no smaller than Times New Roman pitch 11) with an annex of up to 6 pages of images, where relevant. To include: title and abstract (150 words), summary of proposed work, including how it relates to the topic of Addressing Heritage Loss and one or more guiding themes of inherit, timetable, and any resources necessary to complete the work.
3. CV that includes:

• List including dates and locations of all further and higher education, including PhD in the case of academic researchers. The title of the PhD should be given. Funding sources should also be listed.
• List of academic- or practice-related activities, including exhibitions, film or conference presentations, organizational activities, teaching, etc.
• Any fellowships, prizes, or awards, with dates, sources, and funding amounts.
• Full list of publications, making clear which emanate from the PhD (where relevant). If written in a language other than English, please provide a translation of the title. Include full reference details, including page numbers and online links where relevant.

Selection Process

The selection process is made by an internal committee together with the advisory board. We receive high numbers of excellent proposals, which means many cannot be accepted. In making selections, we emphasize the quality of the proposal, especially the originality of the ideas and capacity to go beyond existing scholarship or practice. A key criterion is how well it speaks to the areas emphasized in the call. Relevance to our themes and the heritage field is also important. Beyond these matters, the strength of CVs is addressed during selection, including the quality of work submitted and that undertaken previously. Issues of diversity, geographical spread, and disciplinary mix are also considered.

Apply Now:

To submit your application for the fellowship program, please click here. The deadline for submission is 14th April 2025.