About the opportunity
The Käte Hamburger Centre for Cultural Practices of Reparation (KHK CURE) at Saarland University is an institute for advanced study dedicated to researching how cultural and social practices address irreversible harms, such as the destruction of cultural heritage, war trauma, or climate change. The centre seeks to develop theoretical approaches to reparation, defining it as a process of shaping the future while acknowledging past damage. For the 2027/2028 academic year, the centre focuses on the theme of ‘things’, exploring the material dimension of reparation through objects, artifacts, and material environments. Fellows are expected to reside in Saarbrücken, engage in collaborative work, participate in centre events, and contribute to publications while pursuing their independent research projects.
Funding and benefits
- Monthly stipend of 6,100 to 7,200 euros (before taxes) for fellows on unpaid leave or independent scholars/artists.
- Option for home institutions to receive salary replacement funding for teaching relief.
- Reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Saarbrücken once per the Saarland Travel Expense Act.
- Fully equipped workspace at the centre.
- Access to optional modern apartment accommodation at Saarland University for approximately 1,250 euros per month.
Who can apply?
- Scholars in cultural studies, humanities, and social sciences with a completed PhD (submitted and defended) by the deadline.
- Artists with a doctorate and experience in academic collaboration.
- Must be currently active professionally in academia or research.
- UniGR Fellowship applicants must be currently employed at the University of Trier, University of Liège, University of Luxembourg, University of Lorraine, or RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau.
- Not eligible: retired individuals, scholars/artists without a doctorate, and current staff members of Saarland University.
Required documents
- CURE online application form with abstract.
- PDF 1: Motivation letter (max 1 A4 page), CV (max 3 A4 pages), and publication list.
- PDF 2: Project description with bibliography (max 5 A4 pages) relating to the centre's research program and the annual theme.
- Proof of employment (for UniGR Fellowship applicants only).
When to apply
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026.
- Notification of selection results: By the end of April 2027.
- Fellowship period: October 2027 to September 2028.
How to apply
- Complete the online application form on the KHK CURE website.
- Upload the required PDF documents as specified.
- Submit the application by the deadline.
- Await confirmation email; contact the centre if not received.
Additional information
- Applications may be submitted in German, English, or French.
- Fellows are expected to live in Saarbrücken for the duration of the fellowship.
- Longer absences for extended research trips are not permitted.
- Insurance and living costs beyond the stipend/salary replacement are the responsibility of the fellow.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Scholars or artists whose research directly engages with the material dimensions of reparation, specifically the 2027/2028 theme of 'things'.
- Researchers seeking a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment to develop theoretical approaches to cultural practices of reparation.
- Academics at partner universities in the Greater Region (UniGR) looking for a dedicated research fellowship opportunity.
What should you think carefully about?
- The fellowship requires full-time residency in Saarbrücken; extended research trips are not permitted.
- Applicants must cover their own insurance and living costs beyond the provided stipend or salary replacement.
- The fellowship is highly selective and requires a project that aligns closely with the centre's specific annual research theme.
- The funding is contingent upon final approval by the German Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for established scholars and artists to dedicate 6 to 12 months to intensive, focused research within a supportive, interdisciplinary community. It is particularly well-suited for those looking to pivot their work toward the theoretical study of reparation or to deepen existing research on material culture and social justice. The structure allows for both independent research and collaborative engagement, making it ideal for those who value academic exchange and want to contribute to a shared research agenda.
Our take
This is a premier opportunity for researchers and artists with a completed doctorate who are ready to commit to a period of intensive, on-site research in Germany. It is less suitable for those who cannot relocate to Saarbrücken or whose research does not align with the centre's specific thematic focus on cultural practices of reparation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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