Fully Funded Interdisciplinary Research Fellowships on Digital Transformation (All Career Stages) at CAIS Germany Center for Advanced Internet Studies in United States

The Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) in Bochum, Germany, is offering fully funded research fellowships and working group opportunities for 2027. These fellowships are designed for scholars and professionals from all disciplines and career stages who are interested in exploring the societal impact of digital transformation. The program supports innovative projects that advance interdisciplinary and international discourse, focusing on topics such as digital transformation, technology and society, and internet studies.

Fellows can spend either three or six months at CAIS, receiving up to €2,000 per month in funding, free furnished accommodation, and additional support for research expenses. Those on sabbatical with a full salary receive an additional €600 per month, while fellows with no regular income are eligible for the full grant. Additional payments are available for fellows with children under 18. CAIS also covers travel expenses for one return trip to Bochum and provides private offices and modern facilities to support research activities.

Working groups can bring together international experts, with CAIS covering travel, accommodation, and meeting facilities. The program encourages both basic and application-oriented research, welcoming regionally focused case studies that address broader questions of digitalization. Projects should be self-contained, with clear milestones and objectives, and produce outputs suitable for publication, such as journal articles, book chapters, policy papers, or prototypes.

Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding level of qualification relative to their career status; an academic degree is not strictly required. A very good command of English is essential, as the working language at CAIS is English. Fellows are expected to dedicate their full working capacity to the funded project and be present at CAIS from Tuesday to Thursday, actively participating in regular joint activities and interdisciplinary exchange.

The application deadline for the fellowship period of April to September 2027 is 19 December 2025. Applications must be submitted in English via the official application form and should include personal data, a detailed research proposal, CV, and a relevant publication. Selection is based on professional expertise, originality, social relevance, and potential for interdisciplinary exchange. For further information or assistance, applicants can contact Dr. Esther Laufer, Director of CAIS College.

This opportunity is ideal for researchers and practitioners seeking time and resources to focus on innovative projects related to digital transformation and its societal implications, within a vibrant international research community in Germany.