CfA: CEMES International Fellowships 2026–202727.3.2026 {en}
The Käte Hamburger Center for Messianic Studies (CEMES) at the University of Würzburg invites applications for international fellowships beginning in November 2026. CEMES, a Käte Hamburger Kolleg, is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on messianism within cultural, political, religious, and social contexts. The first phase of the fellowship will focus on person-centered messianism from diverse disciplinary perspectives.
We welcome 8–10 international senior and junior fellows annually—scholars whose work critically and creatively engages with the study of messianic figures, narratives, and practices as forms of cultural, political, religious, and social power.
Research Theme 2026–2027: Person-Centered Messianism and Emergence
We invite proposals exploring person-centered messianism—defined as the formation, circulation, and impact of messianic figures, personas, and imaginaries across cultural, political, religious, and social contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on the emergence of messianic phenomena, examining how messianic identities, narratives, and expectations come into being and evolve within specific historical and cultural settings.
Successful applications should present original research questions and methodologies while meaningfully engaging with existing scholarly debates. Projects may employ historical analysis, empirical investigation, critical theory, cultural studies, or
comparative approaches.
We particularly encourage proposals that:
- Investigate messianic figures as agents or constructs of social and political
power - Explore messianism across diverse cultural and religious traditions
- Address messianism in historical, contemporary, or evolving global contexts
- Propose new theoretical frameworks or methodological innovations
Applications from scholars from underrepresented regions and disciplines are strongly
encouraged.
Duration and Conditions
After November 2026, fellowships will be awarded for six to nine months. Fellows are expected to reside in Würzburg during their fellowship period and actively participatein CEMES activities, including colloquia, workshops, lecture series, and collaborative research initiatives. A workspace at the Center will be provided. Fellows who take unpaid leave from their home institution during the fellowship will receive financial compensation in the form of a stipend (approx. 5,000 to 9,000 EUR/mo, calculated individually). Alternatively, if a fellow decides to keep their current salary and contract benefits, CEMES compensates the fellow’s home institution with the corresponding salary for a teaching replacement. Both options are capped by the regulations of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Fellows are responsible for their own accommodation, travel costs, and health insurance.
Application Requirements
Applicants must have completed a PhD (submitted and successfully defended by the application deadline) with an outstanding academic record.
Applications should be submitted via email and must include:
- Cover Letter
- Proposed Start Date and Duration (6–9 months)
- Project Title
- Project Proposal (max. 2 pages, Times New Roman, 11pt, single-spaced),
including:
o Title and abstract (150 words)
o Summary of proposed work and its relation to person-centered
messianism - Curriculum Vitae, including:
o Dates and locations of all academic degrees (including PhD)
o List of key publications (titles in languages other than English should include English translations)
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and originality of the project proposal
- Relevance to the research theme
- Academic achievements demonstrated in the CV and submitted work
- Potential for interdisciplinary contribution
- Consideration of geographical, disciplinary, gender, and career-stage diversity
Due to the high number of excellent proposals, not all can be funded. Selection decisions aim to balance thematic excellence with potential impact on global research landscapes.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email no later than May 15, 2026 to claudia.leppich[at]uni-wuerzburg.de
For questions or further information, please consult: www.uni-wuerzburg.de/cemes
Prof. Dr. Barbara Schmitz: barbara.schmitz[at]uni-wuerzburg.de
Prof. Dr. Christian Wehr
Source: CFA: CEMES International Fellowships 2026–2027, H-Net: Humanities & Social Sciences Online, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US.
