Morphomata Fellowship Program

The Morphomata Center for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Cologne is pleased to invite applications for fellowships for the academic year 2016–2017. The fellowships are awarded to scholars working within the Humanities (“Geisteswissenschaften”), in the field of biography/life writing and portraiture/life imaging. Morphomata especially invites projects from international scholars, with a cross-cultural approach, and which go beyond conventional biographical accounts. Fellowships are granted for a period of 3 to 9 months. Fellows must be in residence in Cologne during the fellowship period. The latter must include the months of October through February and/or April through July.

The Fellows receive compensation, provided the Fellow will receive no income from his/her home institution while he/she is in Cologne. If possible, the amount of the grant will be based on the Fellow’s previous level of compensation; however, the maximum amount is capped by the funding organization (the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research). The actual amount of the grant is negotiated on an individual basis. Alternatively, the grant can be used to finance a teaching substitute at the Fellow’s home university. If the Fellow does continue to receive his or her income for the duration of the fellowship, an expense allowance is all that can be paid for any additional expenses (such as paying double rent). The same applies to emeriti/retirees.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Morphomata Fellowship, the candidate must have the status of at least assistant professor (or equivalent) and a strong research record in biography/life writing and/or portraiture. Scholars with particular interest in the theory of the formation, dynamics, and mediality of cultural figurations are also invited to apply. Fellows are required to participate actively in the interdisciplinary and intercultural life of the Center and the University of Cologne. Morphomata Fellows are expected to participate in weekly events at the Center.

Number of award(s): 10-15 fellowships will be awarded.

Duration of award(s): Fellowships are granted for a period of 3 to 9 months.

Selection Criteria: The criteria for the selection process are based on the academic qualifications of the applicants and the originality of their research aims.

Note: The selection will be made by the advisory board during its meeting in January/February 2016.