The American Academy in Berlin invites applications for its residential fellowships for the academic year 2024/25.
The Academy seeks to enrich transatlantic discussion in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and public policy through the development and communication of projects of the highest merit. Past recipients include anthropologists, historians, literary and legal scholars, philosophers, writers of fiction and nonfiction, journalists, translators, musicologists, sociologists, economists, political scientists, diplomats, and public policy experts. While the Academy supports projects from a wide range of disciplines, some fellowships are granted to projects covering specific topics, including those seeking innovative solutions to major global issues such as climate change or armed conflict; projects in political economy; biotechnology and public health; Jewish studies; and migration and social integration.
Approximately two dozen Berlin Prizes are conferred annually. Fellowships are typically awarded for an academic semester, but shorter stays of six to eight weeks are also possible. Benefits include round-trip airfare, partial board, a $5,000 monthly stipend, and accommodations at the Academy’s lakeside Hans Arnhold Center in the Wannsee district of Berlin.
For all projects, the Academy asks that candidates explain the relevance of a stay in Berlin to the development of their work. Proposals need not focus on German topics, but the Academy is interested in projects that will resonate with a Berlin public. The fellowship carries the expectation that recipients will engage with audiences in Germany on one or more occasions.
Fellowship candidates must be based in the United States. Candidates in academic disciplines must hold a PhD at the time of application. The Academy seeks to support both established and emerging scholars with strong records of peer-reviewed work beyond the dissertation, as well as writers and professionals who wish to engage in independent study. Writers should have published at least one book with an established press at the time of application. Candidates working in journalism, film, law, public policy, or related fields must have equivalent professional experience and a strong body of work.
Following a peer-reviewed evaluation process, an independent Selection Committee reviews finalist applications. Recipients will be notified in March 2024. The 2024/25 Berlin Prizes will be publicly announced in May 2024. Please note that Berlin Prizes for visual artists, composers, and poets are determined in invitation-only competitions.
The application deadline for 2024/25 is Friday, September 29, 2023 (12pm EST/6pm CET).