University of Basel Switzerland NOMIS Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The University of Basel, one of Switzerland's most prestigious institutions, invites applications for three fully funded NOMIS Fellowships at eikones – Center for the Theory and History of the Image. These highly competitive postdoctoral and research fellowships are open to outstanding junior and senior scholars from diverse academic backgrounds, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

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

Since its establishment in 2005, eikones has been a leading international hub for advanced research on the theory and history of images. The center explores how images function as instruments of human knowledge and culture, analyzing their use across time and in modern society. Its interdisciplinary environment is ideal for scholars interested in understanding the epistemic and symbolic functions of images.

Selected fellows will receive:

1. A competitive salary
2. Travel funding and conference support
3. Full access to University of Basel’s research infrastructure
4. No teaching or administrative obligations
5. Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment

The NOMIS Fellowships are interdisciplinary. Suitable research fields include but are not limited to:

1. Art history and visual studies
2. History and philosophy of science
3. Media studies
4. Cultural studies
5. Cognitive science and neuroscience
6. Social sciences (anthropology, sociology, political science)
7. Natural sciences with an emphasis on imaging techniques
8. Digital humanities and computational image analysis

Research Focus: Images as Models

Projects should investigate how images function as models, paradigms, or tools in scientific and aesthetic processes. Relevant research topics might include:

1. Imaging in natural sciences and medicine
2. Visual representations in political and social discourse
3. Canon formation in art and media
4. Symbolic and didactic uses of images
5. The epistemology of visualization techniques

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

To be considered for the 2026 NOMIS Fellowship, applicants must:

1. Hold a doctoral degree (PhD) from a recognized institution.
2. Have published either:
3. One scholarly monograph (e.g. a dissertation), or
4. Three peer-reviewed articles in journals or collected volumes.
5. Be conducting research that relates to the role of images as models in aesthetic or scientific contexts.
6. Be proficient in German or English (application can be submitted in either language).

How to Apply

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Contact information for two academic references
4. Copy of doctoral degree
5. Research project description (2–3 pages + references)
6. A writing sample (~20 pages)

Submission Instructions:

1. Combine all six materials into one single PDF file and upload it in the "resume" field on the University of Basel online portal.
2. Upload the cover letter separately in the "cover letter" field.
3. Only complete applications submitted through the portal will be considered.

Contact Email for Queries: [email protected]

FAQs about NOMIS Fellowship at University of Basel

Q1: Who can apply for the NOMIS Fellowship at University of Basel?

A: Researchers from all academic disciplines with a completed PhD and a strong interest in image-based research are welcome to apply.

Q2: Is the fellowship open to international candidates?

A: Yes, the fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. However, the fellow must be willing to reside in Basel, Switzerland, during the fellowship year.

Q3: What makes a project eligible?

A: Projects should explore how images function as models in either scientific or artistic domains, demonstrating an innovative approach grounded in a specific academic discipline.

Apply Now to become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community and gain access to one of Europe’s leading research environments at the University of Basel.