Bayreuth Academy Individual Fellowships for African Studies Scholars

Deadline: 05-Oct-26

The Bayreuth Academy Individual Fellowships support established scholars working in African Studies to conduct research at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. Fellows join the interdisciplinary Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, receive workspace, library access, travel support, and a monthly living and mobility allowance, and are expected to contribute actively to the Cluster’s research and academic activities. What Is the Bayreuth Academy Individual Fellowship? The Bayreuth Academy of Advanced African Studies (BA) offers individual research fellowships through the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. The programme brings together an international community of researchers studying Africa from different disciplinary perspectives. The Cluster includes scholars from more than 15 academic disciplines, creating an interdisciplinary environment for research and scholarly exchange. The fellowship allows selected scholars to spend an extended period at the University of Bayreuth, develop their research, collaborate with Bayreuth-based academics, and contribute to debates in African Studies. What Is the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence? The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence is a major interdisciplinary research environment focused on African Studies. Its approach brings together different academic disciplines to examine Africa and African societies from multiple perspectives. Fellows are expected to connect their proposed research with the Cluster’s theoretical and thematic agendas. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship supports scholars who want to advance research projects in African Studies while benefiting from the academic environment at Bayreuth. Research can come from a wide range of disciplines, including: Other academic fields with a strong African Studies focus The programme is particularly interested in research that contributes to broader theoretical and thematic discussions within the Africa Multiple Cluster. Why Does This Fellowship Matter? African Studies is inherently interdisciplinary, involving history, politics, anthropology, sociology, economics, literature, environmental studies, technology, and many other fields. The Bayreuth Academy fellowship provides scholars with an opportunity to work within an international research community rather than conducting research in isolation. Because fellows are expected to contribute at least one publication resulting from the fellowship project, applicants should identify a realistic publication outcome in their research plan. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should demonstrate more than an interesting research topic.

Applicants should show:

A strong academic record in African Studies. A clearly defined research question. A convincing connection with the Africa Multiple Cluster. Opportunities for collaboration with Bayreuth scholars. A clear contribution to academic discussions. A feasible publication outcome. Commitment to participating in Cluster activities. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting a proposal with only a general connection to Africa but no clear African Studies focus. Failing to connect the research to the Cluster’s theoretical or thematic agenda. Treating the fellowship as an individual research retreat without academic engagement. Providing an unrealistic research timetable. Ignoring opportunities to collaborate with Bayreuth-based scholars. Failing to explain the intended publication outcome. Applying without a completed PhD. Planning to reside outside Bayreuth during the fellowship. Overlooking the requirement to participate in Cluster activities. Tips for African-Based Scholars Africa-based scholars are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applicants based in Africa can emphasize:

Their direct engagement with African research contexts. The importance of international scholarly exchange. Potential collaborations between African and European researchers. How their research contributes to broader African Studies debates. How the Bayreuth residency will strengthen their research and publication plans. Key Details at a Glance

Fellowship: Bayreuth Academy Individual Fellowship

Institution: University of Bayreuth, Germany

Research area: African Studies

Academic level: Postdoctoral/established scholars with a PhD

Disciplines: Humanities, social sciences, technical sciences, natural sciences and interdisciplinary fields

Winter fellowship: 1–5 months

Summer fellowship: 1–4 months

Financial support: Travel subsidy plus monthly living and mobility allowance

Additional support: Increased mobility allowance for fellows travelling with minor children

Possible teaching buyout: For fellowships longer than three months

Research facilities: Workspace and University library access

Special encouragement: Scholars based in Africa

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Bayreuth Academy Individual Fellowship? It is a research fellowship at the University of Bayreuth for scholars working in African Studies. Fellows join the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence and participate in its interdisciplinary research community. Who can apply for the fellowship? Applicants must hold a PhD and have a proven academic track record in African Studies. Researchers from the humanities, social sciences, technical sciences, and natural sciences may apply where their work fits the programme. Are scholars based in Africa eligible? Yes. Scholars based in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply. How long can the fellowship last? Winter-term fellowships can last one to five months, while summer-term fellowships can last one to four months. Where must fellows be based? Fellows are required to reside at the University of Bayreuth during their fellowship period. What financial support is provided? Fellows receive a travel subsidy and a monthly living and mobility allowance, with the amount depending