The Nordost-Institute (IKGN e. V.) in Lüneburg, a research institution for regional connections between East European and German cultures, will award up to four research fellowships of 2500 € per month beginning September 16, 2024 – subject to the approval of the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Culture and the Media. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Hamburg and funded by the Federal Commissioner for Culture and Media (BKM) in accordance with § 96 of the Federal Expellees Act (Bundesvertriebenengesetz).
Thematically, the fellowships will focus on the complex relations between Germany and Russia in the 20th century and, above all, the controversial discourses surrounding the politics of memory in both countries. The fellowship programme supports historical research into such topics through independent research projects and public history measures. The fellowship may be used to prepare an application for third-party funds.
The fellowship is being awarded under the auspices of the German secretariat of the German-Russian Historical Commission, which is based at the IKGN. It is primarily aimed at historians and people working in the field of historical politics from Russia who wish to pursue their professional activities in Germany. However, other applications examining the history of German-Russian relations are also welcome.
The selected projects are to be carried out independently, preferably in cooperation with a university or other institution in Germany. The Nordost-Institute will offer a permanent work place in the reading room of the extensive Nordost-Bibliothek for the duration of the scholarship. In addition, the Institute provides insight into academic research and discourse at a regional, national, and international level. Fellowship holders are invited, but not obliged to stay in Lüneburg.
Applicants should submit a short description of their research project, including a work schedule for the duration of the fellowship, a CV and, if applicable, a written confirmation from the host institution, by 1 September 2024.
It is expected for the IKGN to receive a detailed project report or an essay at the end of the fellowship to be published via the institute's publication channels. In addition, the fellows will present their work to a selected audience in the form of a lecture (in person at the IKGN or online).
The Nordost-Institute is committed to gender equality in the workplace. In cases of equal aptitude, ability and professional achievement, women and severely disabled persons will be given special consideration, the former in accordance with the Federal Equality Act [Bundesgleichstellungsgesetz], the latter in accordance with the German Social Code Book IX [Sozialgesetzbuch IX]. In the case of severely disabled persons, only a minimum level of physical ability is required.