2021/22 Heinrich Hertz Fellowships in History and Philosophy of Physics (Bonn, Germany)

 The Heinrich Hertz Fellowship in History and Philosophy of physics is designed to allow graduate students (typically PhD students but Master students can also apply) and early-career postdoctoral scholars to spend either half of or a full academic year at the University of Bonn to work on any topic in the history and philosophy of physics. They have no formal duties apart from following their own research agenda and interacting with the other historians and philosophers of physics in Bonn [ https://www.history-and-philosophy-of-physics.com/ ]. Hertz fellows are provided with:

  • A (possibly shared) office in the Institute of Philosophy of the University of Bonn. 
  • Reimbursement of all travel and visa costs to come to Bonn. 
  • A monthly stipend of 2500 Euros to cover accommodation and maintenance during the stay in Bonn. Stipends are not generally taxable in Germany. Fellows have to show that they have sufficient (travel) health insurance for their stay in Bonn. 
  • Reimbursements of some conference travel and similar expenses during the stay in Bonn.

Fellows can apply to spend either the winter semester, the summer semester or both (i.e. the whole academic year including the time between the two semesters) in Bonn. In the academic year of 2021/2022, the winter semester goes from early October to the end of January (with a two week break for the holidays) while the summer semester lasts from early April till the end of July.  

If you are interested in a Hertz fellowship, please send your complete application documents by 31 January 2021 to Ms Yvonne Luks at office.lehmkuhl@uni-bonn.de. Before sending your application, please combine and convert all of your documents into one PDF file. A complete application will consist of a.) a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a writing sample of no more than 10.000 words; and b.) up to three letters of reference which must be sent by the letter writers or the placement service directly to the above address. In your cover letter, please state for which semester(s) you would like to come to Bonn, what kind of research project you intend to pursue during your time here, and why pursuing this project in Bonn would be particularly useful to you. If you have questions, please contact Prof. Lehmkuhl.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore urges women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the `Landesgleichstellungsgesetz’ (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.