Programme Overview

The DISSS Fellowship Programme at the Leibniz Center for Science and Society (LCSS) at Leibniz University in Hanover (LUH) invites international researchers from the field of Wissenschaftsreflexion (interdisciplinary studies of science and society) to pursue collaborative research at Leibniz University Hannover. The programme aims to foster robust international and interdisciplinary partnerships, and is open to researchers from sociology, economics, political science, law, and philosophy.

We offer flexible research fellowships ranging from 1 to 18 months, enabling researchers to engage in joint research projects, publications, and knowledge transfer activities with LCSS members. The programme provides a stimulating environment for examining how science and higher education operate under the rapidly changing conditions of democratic societies.

Disruptions at the Science-Society Interface

The fellowship programme focuses on the critical examination of contemporary disruptions affecting the relationship between science and society. We welcome researchers investigating e.g. the tension between scientific accountability to society, societal impact and the independence of science from a wide variety of disciplinary and methodological perspectives.

Established Researchers

Established researchers are recognised in their field and demonstrated high-quality research output. They have developed their own research agenda and have demonstrated their ability to conduct research independently. Candidates who completed their doctorate more than 3 years and less than 12 years ago may apply for this category.

Leading Researchers

Leading researchers are internationally recognised as excellent scholars in their field with extensive internationally visibility. They typically hold permanent positions at their home institutions. We also acknowledge outstanding achievements beyond scientific excellence, including leadership roles in research communities, contributions to science communication, and positions in scientific policy advice.

Internationality

To be eligible for the fellowship, international researchers need to have spent at least 12 out of the last 18 months outside of Germany. German citizens may be eligible to apply for a fellowship if their center of life and work has been outside of Germany for at least 5 years.

The programme offers monthly fellowships of €3,000 for established researchers and €3,500 for leading researchers. Fellowship duration ranges from 1 to 18 months, with flexibility to divide the fellowship period into multiple visits if required.

Additional Benefits

Fellows receive financial support for the following:

• Monthly mobility allowance for local travel
• Family allowance for accompanying partners and children (where applicable)
• One-time reimbursement of travel costs for arrival and departure (see below)

Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion

By the end of 2025, the LCSS will relocate to the new Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion, a state-of-the-art research building designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. This facility will house the LCSS alongside partner institutions including the DFG Centre for Advanced Studies SOCRATES, the Institute of Philosophy, CELLS, the TIB Lab Knowledge Infrastructures, the sociological science studies and higher education research group, and the DZHW Research Data Centre, creating an exceptional environment for science and society studies.

Research Community at LCSS

The LCSS unites distinguished scholars from sociology, economics, law, political science, and philosophy, creating Germany's a leading interdisciplinary hub for science and higher education research. Our unique partnership with the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) provides data access and opportunities for research cooperation.

Fellows join and contribute to a vibrant intellectual community engaged in collaborative projects, research colloquia, and knowledge exchange activities.

Programme Activities

Fellows participate in the LCSS research community through structured activities designed to facilitate academic exchange and collaboration:

• LCSS Lunch Meetings: Once a week, LCSS hosts a lunch meeting to which all fellows are cordially invited. This format also includes scientific presentations during which fellows can present their projects, but provides room for informal exchanges with researchers at LCSS and the Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion.
• Workshops and events: On request, the coordination office organises thematic workshops and networking events in collaboration with the fellows

Data Access

Fellows benefit from excellent research infrastructure including:

• Access to comprehensive bibliometric databases through the Kompetenznetzwerk Bibliometrie
• DZHW research data on higher education and science
• Integration with national and international research partners in the area of Wissenschaftsreflexion