The fellowship is designed to support projects that critically engage with the dismantling, destruction, and revision of heritage, including issues of disinheritance and disposal. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches that investigate how societies navigate the evolving meanings and functions of cultural heritage. Fellows will explore questions related to the political, social, and technological forces shaping heritage discourse and practice.
The Centre for Advanced Study inherit.heritage in transformation, a BMBF-funded Käte Hamburger Kolleg at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, invites applications for its 2026-2027 international fellowship program. This prestigious fellowship provides scholars, researchers, and practitioners with the opportunity to explore historical, contemporary, and future transformations in heritage. The program seeks to foster innovative research on the complexities of heritage transformation by examining how historical narratives, cultural artifacts, and societal values are reinterpreted, challenged, or preserved over time.
Projects should align with at least one of inherit’s core research themes:
- Decentring the West: This theme examines heritage beyond traditional Western perspectives, encouraging research that highlights alternative narratives, indigenous knowledge systems, and decolonial approaches.
- Decentring the Human: This area explores the role of non-human actors in shaping heritage, including ecological perspectives, artificial intelligence, and digital preservation.
- Transforming Value: This theme focuses on how heritage is commodified, contested, or redefined across different historical, economic, and social contexts.
The fellowship program is open to scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including history, anthropology, archaeology, cultural studies, art history, and related fields. Artists, filmmakers, and curators whose work critically engages with heritage transformation are also encouraged to apply. The program particularly welcomes applications from researchers based in underrepresented regions, including the Global South and Eastern Europe.
Organizing Institution
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the fellowship:
- A completed PhD, with the dissertation successfully defended by the application deadline. Alternatively, artists and practitioners with a substantial portfolio of accomplished work related to heritage studies are also eligible.
- A strong publishing record in academic journals, books, or other relevant media, or significant professional achievements demonstrating expertise in heritage-related fields.
Fellows will be expected to actively contribute to the Centre’s research activities, participate in academic discussions, and engage with other scholars in the program.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship program runs for ten months, offering fellows the opportunity to conduct independent research while participating in interdisciplinary discussions and workshops. Fellows will benefit from a collaborative academic environment where they can present their work, receive feedback, and develop new perspectives on their research topics.
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Fully funded research fellowship at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Access to an extensive academic network and leading scholars in heritage studies
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from various fields
- Engagement with heritage institutions, museums, and cultural organizations in Berlin
- Opportunity to present research findings through seminars, conferences, and publications
This program provides fellows with a platform to advance their research while contributing to ongoing discussions on heritage transformation.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is April 14, 2025.
Conclusion
The Heritage Fellowships 2026-2027 at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offer an exceptional opportunity for scholars, researchers, and cultural practitioners to engage with critical issues in heritage studies. This fully funded fellowship program supports innovative research that challenges conventional perspectives and contributes to a deeper understanding of heritage in a rapidly changing world. Whether examining historical narratives, digital heritage preservation, or new methodologies in cultural studies, this program provides a dynamic intellectual environment for advancing knowledge in the field.
Researchers passionate about heritage transformation and interdisciplinary inquiry are encouraged to apply and be part of this groundbreaking fellowship program.
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