University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships, Switerland – 2026

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

The University of Basel is now accepting applications for the NOMIS Fellowships 2026 at eikones – Center for the Theory and History of the Image. These prestigious fellowships are fully funded and open to outstanding early-career and established scholars across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Fellows will join a world-class, interdisciplinary research environment committed to exploring how images function as models across cultures, scientific practices, and aesthetic traditions.

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🏛 About eikones – Center for the Theory and History of the Image

Founded in 2005, eikones is an internationally recognized research center focused on the role of images in knowledge production and cultural meaning. The center provides a collaborative platform for investigating how images operate as cognitive and symbolic tools across time, media, and scientific disciplines.

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🎯 Fellowship Theme: Images as Models

The 2026 NOMIS Fellowships invite research projects that explore the role of images as models in shaping knowledge, perception, and communication. Suggested topics include:

• Visual modeling in medicine and the natural sciences

• Political, educational, or social uses of images

• Image-based canon formation in art and media

• Scientific visualizations and epistemic functions

• Symbolic representations in public discourse

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🧠 Eligible Disciplines

Scholars from any of the following (or related) fields are encouraged to apply:

• Art History, Media Studies, and Visual Studies

• History and Philosophy of Science

• Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science

• Cognitive Science and Neuroscience

• Natural Sciences (particularly those using imaging)

• Digital Humanities and Computational Image Analysis

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🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NOMIS Fellowship, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a recognized institution

• Have published either:

  • One scholarly monograph (e.g., doctoral dissertation), or

  • At least three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters

• Submit a compelling project proposal aligned with the theme

• Demonstrate fluency in either English or German

• Be available to begin the fellowship in 2026

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💼 Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive full support, including:

• Competitive salary, aligned with Swiss academic standards

• Travel and conference funding

• Full access to University of Basel’s research infrastructure

• No teaching or administrative obligations

• The opportunity to collaborate within a vibrant, interdisciplinary scholarly community

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📅 Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

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📝 Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Contact details of two academic referees

4. Copy of doctoral degree certificate

5. Research Project Proposal (2–3 pages, including references)

6. Writing Sample (approximately 20 pages)

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📤 Submission Instructions

• Combine items 2 through 6 into one PDF file and upload it under the “Resume” field via the University of Basel online application portal.

• Upload your cover letter separately under the “Cover Letter” field.

• Only complete applications submitted through the portal will be reviewed.

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📧 Contact Information

For questions regarding the fellowship or the application process, please email:
eikones@unibas.ch

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the NOMIS Fellowships?
Any scholar with a PhD in a relevant field—regardless of nationality—can apply.

2. What does “fully funded” mean?
The fellowship provides a competitive salary, travel and conference support, and access to all research facilities, with no teaching load.

3. Is German proficiency required?
No. Proposals and applications may be submitted in either English or German.

4. Can applicants from non-listed disciplines apply?
Yes—if their project is thematically relevant to “Images as Models”, applications from other disciplines are welcome.

5. Are fellowship dates fixed?
Exact start and end dates are flexible and will be arranged in consultation with selected fellows.

6. What makes a strong proposal?
A successful proposal should align with the fellowship’s theme, demonstrate interdisciplinary relevance, and show originality and academic merit.

7. Can I reach out before applying?
Yes. Inquiries regarding fit or eligibility can be directed to eikones@unibas.ch.

APPLY HERE

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