New scholarship for research on the holdings in Gotha, Halle and Wolfenbüttel

The Gotha Research Campus with the universally oriented collections of the former ducal house of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, especially in the Gotha Research Library, the Francke Foundations in Halle with the Historical Library and the famous Arts- und Naturalienkammer from 1736/41, and the Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel as the most important early modern library in Germany are among the outstanding collection and research institutions for the cultural history of pre-modern Europe (temporal focus before 1800). "The new joint scholarship programme opens up the possibility of even better networking the research potential of the three participating institutions with their high-calibre early modern source holdings," emphasises Thomas Müller-Bahlke, Director of the Francke Foundations in Halle.

Peter Burschel, Director of the Duke August LibraryWolfenbüttel, emphasises the special profile of the scholarship: "With this programme, we are specifically addressing 'early career researchers': In addition to optimal framework conditions at three important German research institutions, we offer family benefits with the programme that are specifically made for the needs of this group." For example, the scholarship can be supplemented by a flat-rate family allowance; the host institutions are helpful in arranging childcare.

The programme is funded by the Dorothee Wilms Foundation in the "Stifterverband". Applications are still possible until 31 October 2023. For the entire period (3 months between 1 January and 31 August 2024), residency is compulsory at at least one of the three locations, with stays of at least two weeks at all three institutions. A travel allowance will be provided.

The detailed call for applications with information on the documents to be submitted can be found on the website of the Gotha Research Centre of the University of Erfurt (in German only).