OPPORTUNITÀ

Fellowship Opportunity: Astral Sciences in Trans-Regional Asia (ASTRA)

Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), Berlin

Deadline: 15 January 2026

The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin invites applications for its fellowship program, offering exceptional predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars the opportunity to conduct research in a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment.

We particularly wish to draw your attention to the possibility of joining the Max Planck Research Group “Astral Sciences in Trans-Regional Asia” (ASTRA). ASTRA explores the history of astral sciences across premodern Eurasia, focusing on the transmission, translocation, and transcreation of astronomical knowledge. We encourage scholars whose research aligns with our interests (detailed here: https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/research/departments/max-planck-research-group-astra) to consider applying.

For the next round, we are especially looking for scholars working on South and South-East Asian astral sciences.

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (for fellowships starting May 15, 2026, at the earliest)
• Fellowship Duration: ASTRA can host fellows for visits up to twelve months.
• Eligibility: Predoctoral (PhD students) and postdoctoral (early-career) scholars.
• Note: The MPIWG has two application deadlines per year; the second deadline is September 15, 2026. Fellows can begin four months after the deadline, at the earliest, meaning the earliest start date for those applying by Sept 15th would be January 15, 2027.

We especially encourage promising PhD students and early-career scholars to apply. This fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience as a visiting fellow at the MPIWG, fostering intellectual growth and expanding your research network.

Interested candidates are invited to:

• Carefully review the fellowship program details and eligibility criteria on the MPIWG website: https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/news-events/career/fellowship-program
• Contact Professor Anuj Misra (amisra@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de) to discuss your proposed research project and its alignment with ASTRA’s research interests.

Please ensure you have thoroughly read the fellowship guidelines before contacting Professor Misra.