The Herzog August Bibliothek (HAB) in Wolfenbüttel, Germany, offers a distinguished fellowship program for scholars whose research deeply engages with its extraordinary collections. As one of Europe’s most important research libraries, the HAB houses rare manuscripts, incunabula, early printed books, historical maps, graphics, and artists’ books making it a rich environment for interdisciplinary scholarship.
Fellowship Types and Opportunities
The HAB provides several fellowship formats tailored to different academic stages and research needs:
- Post-Doctoral Fellowships
Designed for scholars within six years of completing their PhD, these longer-term fellowships last between six and ten months. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €2,200, along with a one-time travel reimbursement (up to €2,000). There is also a monthly supplement for those bringing children: €300 for one child, €400 for two, and €500 for three or more. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide uninterrupted time for writing and in-depth study, embedded in the HAB’s dynamic research community. - Short-Term Fellowships
Available to scholars at any stage of their careers from early-career researchers to emeritus academics these fellowships support focused visits of one to three months. Participants receive a monthly stipend of €1,800, plus a travel subsidy that varies by country of origin, ranging between €150 and €650. This format is ideal for those seeking to gather sources, consult archives, or make progress on specific research milestones without committing to a long stay. - FAIR Data Fellowships (NFDI4Memory)
Through the NFDI4Memory initiative, the HAB offers a one-month fellowship focused on research data management. Fellows receive €1,500 and benefit from expert guidance in applying the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to datasets arising from their own research. During this period, they prepare structured, well-documented datasets ready for publication, and they contribute back to the scholarly community by sharing their process and outcomes. - Doctoral Fellowships
Supported by private foundations, these fellowships cater to doctoral candidates who require intensive use of the HAB’s holdings for their dissertation research. The funding supports stays of two to ten months, with a monthly stipend of around €1,300, plus a modest materials allowance. Fellows typically reside in Wolfenbüttel, using their stipend to cover accommodation costs. Travel support is available for those lacking alternative funding.
Eligibility, Application, and Selection
Applicants for all fellowship types must demonstrate that their research relies substantially on the HAB’s collections. The selection process emphasizes academic excellence, originality of project, and the central role of the library’s holdings in the proposed research. Evaluation is carried out by the HAB’s Scientific Advisory Board, often with external referees.
Candidates must apply using the official application form, clearly indicating the fellowship type (e.g., “Post-doc,” “Short-term,” or “FAIR Data”) and providing a detailed research proposal. Required materials typically include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a clear description of the project’s dependence on the HAB collections, proof of academic qualifications, and a budget (if travel support is requested). FAIR Data Fellowship applicants must also present a plan for organizing and publishing their dataset.
Selection meetings are held regularly, and successful fellows normally begin their residency in Wolfenbüttel on preset dates. Recipients are expected to live in the town for the duration of their stay and engage in the intellectual community: they participate in colloquia, contribute to library events, and share their findings. At the close of their fellowship, fellows submit a report summarizing their progress and outcomes.
Why the HAB Fellowship Program Matters
- World-Class Collection Access: The HAB’s unparalleled holdings provide a fertile ground for deep scholarly inquiry, especially in fields like early modern studies, book history, art, cartography, and digital humanities.
- Financial Support: Generous stipends, travel reimbursements, and family allowances make international research stays viable and sustainable.
- Collaborative Environment: Fellows become part of a vibrant cohort of researchers. They benefit from the HAB’s research infrastructure, including reading rooms and digitization services, as well as intellectual exchange through seminars and colloquia.
- Innovation in Scholarship: The FAIR Data fellowship highlights the HAB’s commitment to modern research practices, promoting open and sustainable data management in the humanities.
- Strategic Residency: Living in Wolfenbüttel provides scholars with a dedicated, distraction-free environment to advance their work while contributing to a historic academic community.
Apply here: https://www.hab.de/en/forschungsstipendien/
