Dante Fellowship

The Deutsche Dante Gesellschaft (DDG), founded in 1865, is the oldest literary society dedicated to the study of the Florentine poet Dante Alighieri (1265–1321). Since 2016, it has been based in Weimar.

Through the Dante Fellowship, the DDG, in cooperation with the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, supports research projects that engage with the works of the Italian author and their reception. Both fundamental research and the development of new research questions connected to existing scholarly debates on Dante’s work are encouraged. Relevant disciplines include Italian studies, literary and linguistic studies, comparative literature, German studies, history, the history of science, art history, scholarly editing, and related fields. The duration and amount of funding are determined individually; the maximum funding is €500 for a period of up to four weeks.

With the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek, the Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv, as well as the museums and art collections of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, the local research environment is exceptionally well- suited for scholarly work. Historically, Weimar has been a centre of Dante reception and research. As part of the extensive Dante holdings of the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek, the collections of the DDG (including archival materials, books, paintings, coins, and more), which were transferred to the Klassik Stiftung Weimar in 2015, are available for consultation. In this way, the DDG is closely connected to the former ducal residence in central Germany. Research projects that contribute to the development and cataloguing of the Weimar Dante collection are particularly welcome. Projects focusing on the DDG and its history are also encouraged.

The Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek will, where possible, provide fellows with a study carrel for the duration of the fellowship. Fellows will receive a guest card granting free admission to the collection-holding institutions of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar. Participation in the foundation’s Research Colloquium, together with other fellows, is expected. Where appropriate, the DDG may facilitate publication of the research results in one of its outlets (website, magazine, or yearbook).

Application requirements:
Funding is primarily awarded for research projects following a qualifying university degree (M.A.), such as doctoral or postdoctoral projects. Applicants must submit a project outline (maximum 2 pages) as well as a CV detailing their academic background to date. A list of publications may be included optionally.

Duration of funding:
Individually determined, typically 2–4 weeks

Call frequency:
Every two years

Funding amount:
Individually determined, up to €500 (including travel expenses)

Accommodation:
The Deutsche Dante-Gesellschaft cannot provide accommodation but will assist fellows in securing accommodation in Weimar.

Obligations of fellows:
Within six months after completion of the fellowship, fellows are required to submit a short report on their work to the DDG. Participation in the research colloquium of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar is encouraged. Where appropriate, research results may be published in one of the DDG’s outlets (website, magazine, or yearbook) or by the Klassik Stiftung Weimar.

Application deadline: May 31, 2026

Applications to: fellowship@dante-gesellschaft.de, subject line: “Dante Fellowship”

Contact for inquiries: Dr. Paula Kitzinger fellowship@dante-gesellschaft.de

Further Information:

Homepage Dante Gesellschaft