The Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (CALAS) and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) appoint outstanding scholars, scientists, and artists from Latin American research institutions to pursue their research projects for four months on-site in Hamburg and two months at Bielefeld University, Germany.

This call for applications for a fellowship at the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study and Bielefeld University addresses interdisciplinary researchers with projects that shed light on political reactions, collaborations, horizons and visions that are currently taking place in Latin America in response to geopolitical change and the conflictive internal fragmentation of the southern hemisphere of the double American continent. CALAS and HIAS welcome applications that specifically address current transformation processes.

Like the rest of the world, Latin America is currently experiencing radical geopolitical changes. It finds itself in a zone of tension between various economic, political and even military influences and interventions, with the United States, China and the European Union as the main competitors. In particular, the new US foreign policy has brought about profound changes. Against this backdrop, the concept of Latin American unity, often symbolised as 'Our America', is continually being tested.

At the same time, the countries in the region are politically divided. The relationship between Latin American countries is being redefined by migration, populism, environmental crises, and the influence of organised crime and nationalism within the region, interacting with external global influences. What new constellations of solidarity, cooperation, delineation, and social vision are emerging in Latin America and the Caribbean? How are Latin American countries positioning themselves in relation to the United States, China and the European Union? What might Latin American responses be? What Latin American visions for the future are emerging?

Researchers from all disciplines and at all stages of their careers, from the postdoctoral level onwards, are welcome to apply. This call is open to candidates from all Latin American countries and covers a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, especially literary and cultural studies, political sociology, history, and gender studies.

Candidates are required to be internationally recognized in their areas of specialization, to demonstrate creativity and originality in their interdisciplinary approaches, and to show a willingness and curiosity to integrate into a multidisciplinary community of researchers and artists. In addition, candidates are expected to interact with the general public through lectures and other similar activities. A solid proficiency in English, both in written and oral expression, is crucial.

The CALAS/HIAS fellowship offers a competitive stipend for a four-month stay at the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) in Hamburg (February to May 2027) and two months at the Center for InterAmerican Studies (CIAS) at Bielefeld University (June and July 2027). This scholarship programme provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, working materials, visa and other associated costs. For those applicants who maintain their salary in a permanent position, the scholarship can be used to fund a teaching replacement during their absence. In addition, the scholarship will cover the costs of airfare to and from Germany.

Scholarship holders are required to reside Hamburg and Bielefeld for the whole duration of the fellowship and to participate in the activities and events organized by the respective institution.

During the stay, HIAS and Bielefeld University will provide the visiting fellow with a workplace with internet access and the university's infrastructure (library, etc.). Additionally, they will receive support in finding accommodation, completing bureaucratic formalities on-site, obtaining the required visa, etc.

CALAS/HIAS is committed to inclusive and gender parity. Applications from people with special needs are expressly welcomed. CALAS/HIAS also welcomes accompanying children and family of scholarship holders.

 

Planned tasks for the CALAS/HIAS fellowship in Hamburg and Bielefeld

• Develop a research project that is related to the thematic focus of the call and its main research questions. Ideally, the project has a high degree of interdisciplinary openness.
• Publication of the results of the investigation (academic article/s).
• Teach a course in the Master program in Interamerican Studies at Bielefeld University (English or Spanish). The course should include the organization of exams and other student evaluation methods.
• Carry out at least one public academic activity (lecture, conference, colloquium) at each host institution during the stay.
• Prepare a 5-page final report on all activities carried out during the period of the fellowship.

 

Application:

Complete the online application form and add the following documents in English as pdf files:

• Cover letter, which should address the following points:
  • How the project fits into the CALAS/HIAS fellowship
  • What are your expectations undertaking the project.
  • Brief information on how the project matches with research activities at one of the nine HIAS member institutions in Hamburg (https://hias-hamburg.de/en/about-us/members/).
  • Name an academic cooperation partner in Hamburg with whom you already have collaboration or with whom you would like to start collaboration. Not having a cooperation partner in Hamburg yet will not have a negative impact on your application.[1] HIAS will support you in connecting with local researchers once your application has been successful.
  • Short statement on how your research project would benefit from the interdisciplinary exchange with the multi-disciplinary fellow group at HIAS.
• Two-page Curriculum Vitae with a list of max. 15 relevant publications and courses taught in English and/or German.
• Summary of the research project, including a timeline and work plan (max. 2,000 words). The proposed project establishes new perspectives/ways of thinking and shows potential for connections with other disciplines.
• Interdisciplinary course for Kassel: (max.1 page with title and a brief course description -200 words) to be taught at Kassel University (English or German).
• Copy of doctoral degree certificate:

 

Timeline:

• Deadline for submission of application: June 6, 2026
• Announcement of results: July 31, 2026
• Start of the fellowship: February 1, 2027 (February to May in Hamburg; June and July in Bielefeld).

Further information on the CALAS-BI/HIAS fellowship:

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Raussert, Bielefeld University

eMail: calas@uni-bielefeld.de