MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

The sportsman and sports journalist Lauri "Tahko" Pihkala is writing on a typewriter in 1932. The typewriter is attached to the thighs with Knefix pliers, developed by Pihkala, so that the writer can write in any position needed.

The sportsman and sports journalist Lauri "Tahko" Pihkala is writing on a typewriter in 1932. The typewriter is attached to the thighs with Knefix pliers, developed by Pihkala, so that the writer can write in any position needed.

Methods and Tools (2025-)

"First Research Article" Fellowship

This fellowship program is open to graduate students based at Asian, African, or Latin American institutions. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to a research topic related to the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, or Science and Technology Studies, and a need to work with an international community at the MPIWG in Berlin, in order to prepare and publish their first single-authored research paper in the English language.

Candidates are expected to have already completed the archival research for their thesis and to be in a position to devote six months to writing and preparing an article in English for journal publication. Regular meetings will be held to support both the writing process and academic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I present materials describing my good standing in an accredited graduate program?

    A combination of letters from academic supervisors, and certificate of matriculation, and most recent transcript of grades are among the materials that are accepted.

  • How long should my writing sample be?

    The English language sample should demonstrate your honest ability to write (without external editorial assistance) a scholarly paper in English on your topic. This could be a university term paper or something you are currently working on. A maximum of 8000 words, inclusive of notes and bibliographies, are accepted.

  • Should the “dissertation description” be about my MA or PhD research?

    Please provide a description of your PhD project.

  • Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship program if I am enrolled in a graduate program in the U.S., Europe, or Australia?

    No. This fellowship is for graduate students based at an Asian, African, or Latin American institution.

  • Is the fellowship a residential one? What does this mean?

    Yes. Fellowship recipients must be willing to live in Berlin, which is where the MPIWG is located.

  • I might submit my dissertation this summer. Am I eligible to apply?

    The First Research Article Fellowship is open to those who will not have received their PhD before the end of the announced fellowship term is completed. Do refer to the original call to check the fellowship term dates.

  • Does my topic fit into the fellowship program?

    Your work will need to demonstrably engage with the themes of the Department Artifacts, Action, Knowledge or the Department Knowledge Systems and Collective Life, as well as with the history of science in general.
    Click on these links for more information:

  • How do I find out about other opportunities with the MPIWG?

    Please check https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/news-events/career/opportunities for current information about fellowships and jobs across the Institute.

Current Fellow
Herminson Ariel Saavedra Currivil

Related Projects

The sportsman and sports journalist Lauri "Tahko" Pihkala is writing on a typewriter in 1932. The typewriter is attached to the thighs with Knefix pliers, developed by Pihkala, so that the writer can write in any position needed.
  • 2014-2018
"Get-It-Published" Fellowship
more