THE NEW INSTITUTE runs a fellowship program. The central element of our fellowships is residency at our Warburg Ensemble in Hamburg whose purpose is to facilitate close collaboration among the fellow cohort. Our goal is to create conditions for collaborative, interdisciplinary and transsectoral research in exchange with partners from non-academic sectors such as politics, business, media, the arts, and social activists.

THE NEW INSTITUTE’s fellowship program runs on a term structure with a fall term (mid- September to mid-December), winter term (mid-January to end of March), and a spring term (May – June). While Program Chairs are required to commit to a residency of three terms, Fellows can apply for either one, two, or three terms. We do not offer extensions by request.

During terms, there is residency requirement at THE NEW INSTITUTE of four days per week. Fellows are expected to be present and actively contribute to our weekly speaker and discussion formats. During terms, one week of absence for research purposes is permitted. Absences must be coordinated with the Program Chairs and the Managing Director. There is no residency required during term breaks. While fellows may remain in residence from September to June, no residence is offered during our summer term.

Fellows from academia ideally use a paid leave of absence (sabbatical) to take up a fellowship at THE NEW INSTITUTE. If this is not possible, THE NEW INSTITUTE can cover the costs of a buy-out or for a temporary replacement. If on a paid leave of absence, Fellows are offered an additional stipend in the amount of 1.150 EUR per month to cover costs incurred by our residency requirement.

If a paid leave of absence is not possible, Fellows can be granted an individually negotiated research stipend in accordance with German non-profit law. Normally, the stipend amounts to the equivalent of the remuneration of a scholar in Germany at the respective career level.

Individual solutions in line with the legal framework of THE NEW INSTITUTE will be found for Fellows working outside of academia.

The fellowship does not constitute an employment or service relationship with THE NEW INSTITUTE and is therefore not subject to social security contributions (health, pension, long-term care, unemployment, and accident insurance) in Germany. Accordingly, THE NEW INSTITUTE does not make any employer contributions to social security.

While the research stipend is paid tax-free in Germany, this is not definitive information about the actual taxation. Personal tax issues must be clarified by the Fellows.

Fellows are requested to reference funding by THE NEW INSTITUTE in publications resulting from their time at the institute. Fellows are also requested to provide the library of THE NEW INSTITUTE with file copies of their publications as well as with PDF files of online publications.

Publication of results achieved through mutual work during the time of the fellowship must be communicated in advance with the Academic Directors of THE NEW INSTITUTE.

These regulations also apply to open access publications.

THE NEW INSTITUTE publishes an ongoing series with transcript, an academic press whose mission focuses on transdisciplinary approaches to cultural, social, and political issues. Subject to a peer review process, research carried out by Fellows during their time at the Institute could be published as part of this series, either as discussion papers, policy briefs, or edited volumes. Additionally, we publish a wide range of outputs by our Fellows on THE NEW INSTITUTE website, from interviews to videos and podcasts.

Each program has a budget for projects and events. The budget is allocated to and administered by the respective Program Chair. Any other individual research costs, e.g., conference participation, publications, translations, must be borne by the Fellows.

Fellows are offered meals prepared by our in-house hospitality team. Whenever possible, we take individual dietary requirements into consideration. Common meals include breakfasts and lunches on work days as well as weekly dinners.

As meals are considered an integral part of our communal life, Fellows are expected to regularly take part. Fellows register for common meals weekly in advance via a dedicated app.

The monthly cost contribution to common meals is 400 EUR and is deducted from the stipend at the end of each month. No meals are offered during the term breaks. Accordingly, there is no cost contribution during these periods.

If Fellows wish to bring family members or guests to the common meals, they need to register these guests with the hospitality team beforehand. Breakfasts will be charged at 10 EUR and lunches at 20 EUR per person.

THE NEW INSTITUTE’s bar operates on the basis of trust. Fellows enter the drinks they have consumed in a list. At the end of the month, the total amount is deducted from the stipend payment.

THE NEW INSTITUTE’s home is the Warburg Ensemble, a series of 19th century town houses providing apartments for Fellows. While Fellows do not pay rent at THE NEW INSTITUTE, they are required to contribute to the operating, consumption, and heating costs (approx. 200 – 550 EUR/month). The exact amount depends on the size of the apartment and will be communicated after the final apartment allocation. As with common meals, the monthly contribution to operating, consumption, and heating costs is deducted from the stipend payment.

The distribution of apartments is at the discretion of THE NEW INSTITUTE.

If family members accompany Fellows for at least one term, THE NEW INSTITUTE will provide larger apartments whenever possible. Provided there is available space, THE NEW INSTITUTE can provide housing for family members visiting for shorter periods of time at extra cost or help search for space in hotels in the vicinity.

Fellows will be provided with a desk in their apartments.

Apartments will be cleaned once a month. Further cleaning can be arranged by individual arrangement and against a fee. Additional bed linen for guests can also be provided against a fee. The costs will be deducted from the stipend payment at the end of each month.

It is generally possible to bring a pet. In this case, additional cleaning costs of 30 EUR per month will be deducted from the stipend payment at the end of each month. Fellows must pay for any damage to furniture caused by the pet.

THE NEW INSTITUTE covers the Fellows’ costs of travel to and from Hamburg in the amount of documented rail costs (< 4 hours: 2nd class, > 4 hours: 1st class) or flight costs (economy class) and related expenses for ground transportation. Proven transport costs for work material and travel goods in connection with the transfer to THE NEW INSTITUTE (and vice-versa) will also be reimbursed against presentation of receipts in an appropriate amount and upon prior approval.

This scheme also applies to family members who accompany the Fellow for the entire duration of the stay in Hamburg.

THE NEW INSTITUTE welcomes Fellows with children and will help to find schools and/or childcare in Hamburg. Our Fellow Management team will also assist looking for babysitters and give advice on all matters relevant for families living in Hamburg. Please note that the number of apartments suitable for families is limited.