The Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS) invites applications for Heinz Heinen Fellowships for the academic year 2027/2028. The BCDSS is a Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Excellence Strategy. Its Fellowship Program brings together international scholars whose research focuses on different forms of strong asymmetrical dependency (SAD) and slavery in all historical periods and cultural contexts.
For 2027/2028, we invite proposals that advance historical research in the field of Slavery and Dependency Studies. Research should focus on the period before 1900 and take a comparative perspective, preferably at the micro-level within a specific region or culture. Proposals should also describe their potential contribution to the BCDSS research structures and to one or two of its five Research Areas:
- Transitions and Transformations of SADs
- Economies of SADs
- Power, Violence, Trauma
- Cultural Heritage, Transitional Justice, Memory Cultures
- Alternative Archives and Life Writing
Applications are invited in the following categories (earliest starting date: 1 October 2027):
- Doctoral Fellows (about to finish their PhD), for up to 6 months
- Junior Postdoctoral Fellows (PhD completed a maximum of four years ago), for up to 12 months
- Postdoctoral Fellows (PhD completed more than four years ago), for up to 12 months
- Senior Fellows (full professors), for up to 6 months
- Alternative Knowledge Producers (for example journalists, artists, creatives, museum professionals, curators and intellectuals), for up to 6 months
The fellowship comprises:
- a monthly stipend: doctoral fellows €1,700, junior postdocs €2,600, senior postdocs €3,100, senior fellows €3,600
- a travel allowance for the outward and return journey
- for researchers from outside Bonn and the surrounding area, a monthly lump sum for accommodation of up to €1,000 (up to €1,250 if the fellow is accompanied by children)
- a working space including a desktop computer at the BCDSS
- the opportunity to organize a workshop at the BCDSS (BCDSS funding guidelines apply)
- support in organizational matters before and upon arrival, and support in finding day care for children
Further information on the BCDSS Fellowship Programs is available on our website. We would be grateful if colleagues and networks would share the call.