Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg

The Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg (HWK) is a non-profit foundation, incorporated under German civil law by the German federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen and by the City of Delmenhorst. It is located in the Northwest of Germany, close to the city of Bremen. Its primary goal is to support and to inspire excellent and innovative research across disciplinary borders. It offers junior and senior scholars of all ages and nationalities the opportunity to concentrate on research projects without the distraction of routine commitments and to gain insights from other disciplines and other scientific traditions. Fellows have the opportunity to cooperate with colleagues at neighboring universities (i.e. Bremen and Oldenburg) and research institutes in the region. This allows HWK to offer laboratory space for scientists from the natural sciences. Weekly fellow lectures followed by dinner, between 70 and 100 conferences and workshops per year that cover all HWK research areas and lots of informal meetings and events create a lively intellectual environment.

Scientific Priorities

HWK concentrates on four broad research fields:Brain, earth, energy, society. Dedicated to interdisciplinary dialogue HWK promotes projects that seek to explore interrelations between its four research fields.

HWK encourages projects that explore interdisciplinary research questions. Within these areas any excellent application is most welcome. There is no advance exclusion of any specific scientific discipline.

In addition, HWK hosts an art program the strengthens dialogue between humanities, science, and the arts, literature included.

Premises and Facilities

21 fully-furnished and comfortable apartments for singles, couples and families are provided for the Fellows. The lobby, the lounge, a lecture hall, a fireplace and fitness facilities offer space for academic, cultural and social activities.

Language classes and extracurricular activities for Fellows and their families help to ease integration. Fellows have their own library with direct access to the university libraries; free interlibrary loan service is also available. Several cars and public transport tickets ensure convenient access to the regional universities and research institutes.