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Call for applications: Fellowships for scholars working on histories of knowledge and collective life in Africa
Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG)
The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) is a research institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG) with currently two research departments, several independent research groups, and a graduate school. It is located in southwestern Berlin, close to the campus of the Free University Berlin and other research institutions.
Researchers in the Department on Knowledge Systems and Collective Life, led by Dr. Etienne Benson, use historical and ethnographic methods to study the relationship between knowledge systems and forms of collective life in the past and present. They seek to foreground neglected histories, trace cross-cultural connections, engage with diverse publics, expand the boundaries of the political, challenge conventional definitions of science and technology, critically reflect on their own political and ethical commitments, and experiment with new methods and media.
Building on the MPIWG initiative "An African History of Knowledge and Science beyond Academic Conventions" (2022-2024), the department is offering up to 2 short-term fellowships (1-6 months) for scholars working on histories of knowledge and collective life in Africa starting 1 September 2025, or later.
These fellowships aim to support scholars at all career stages whose research projects are closely related to the department’s core research themes and current working groups (see https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/research/department/knowledge-systems-collective-life). They are particularly interested in hosting fellows who are based at African universities and research institutions.
Application deadline: 1 May 2025
