MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

"First Research Article“ Fellowship Program (Dept. III)

Deadline
March 15, 2020
Department/Research Group

 

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin (MPIWG), Department III Artifacts, Action, and Knowledge (Director: Prof. Dagmar Schäfer), is offering two fellowships for outstanding graduate students.

The fellowships are open to graduate students based at Asian, African or Latin American institutions. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to a research topic related to the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, or Science and Technology Studies and a need to work with an international community at the MPIWG, Berlin in order to prepare and publish their first single-authored research paper in the English language. Eligible are students in good standing through the grant period of February 28, 2021.

Candidates are expected to have already completed the archival research for their thesis and be in a position to devote six months to writing and preparing an article in English for journal publication. Regular meetings will be held to support both the writing process and academic development.

The fellowships will run from September 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021.

Applicants should submit the following materials in English through our online application portal:

  1. Official proof of enrollment and good standing in an accredited graduate program from your PhD thesis/or confirmation of your university. Brief description of dissertation.
  2. Curriculum vitae and list of publications
  3. Title, abstract and outline of intended essay (maximum 750 words)
  4. English writing sample
  5. A letter of recommendation from one supervisor

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2020 (23:59 CET) to be uploaded to the following link: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/14254095

Please note that only electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Only successful candidates will be notified.

Descriptions of the research projects of Department III are to be found under https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/dept-three.

Fellowships are endowed with a monthly stipend according to the guidelines of the Max Planck Society. Applications from women are especially welcome. The Max Planck Society is committed to promoting underrepresented groups as well as people with disabilities and encourages them to apply. Finalists may expect a decision by May 6, 2020.

FAQs

  • 1. How do I present materials describing my good standing in an accredited graduate program?

    A combination of letters from academic supervisors, and certificate of matriculation, and most recent transcript of grades are among the materials that are accepted.

  • 2. How long should my writing sample be?

    The English language sample should demonstrate your honest ability to write (without external editorial assistance) a scholarly paper in English on your topic. This could be a university term paper or something you are currently working on. A maximum of 8000 words, inclusive of notes and bibliographies are accepted.

  • 3. Should the “dissertation description” be about my MA or PhD research?

    Please provide a description of your PhD project.

  • 4. Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship program if I am enrolled in a graduate program in the U.S., Europe, or Australia?

    No. This fellowship is for graduate students based at an Asian, African or Latin American institution.

  • 5. Is the fellowship a residential one? What does this mean?

    Yes. Fellowship recipients must be willing to live in Berlin, which is where the MPIWG is located.

  • 6. I might submit my dissertation this summer. Am I eligible to apply?

    The First Research Article Fellowship is open to those who will not have received their Ph.D. before the end of the announced fellowship term is completed. Do refer to the original call to check the fellowship term dates.

  • 7. Does my topic fit into the fellowship program?

    Your work will need to be able to demonstrably engage with the themes of the Department and history of science in general. See https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/page/dept-iii-structure for more information.

  • 8. How do I find out about other opportunities?

    Please check https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/page/dept-iii_opportunities for new information about fellowships and jobs.

Inquiries

For further information please contact Dr. Danyang Zhang: dzhang@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de