Since 2021, the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung has awarded an annual doctoral scholarship in the field of artistic-academic research. This scholarship is part of the foundation’s Dissertation Plus funding program.

The Claussen-Simon-Stiftung particularly seeks to support doctoral projects that interweave artistic and academic methodologies in ways that generate new forms of knowledge and practice—projects that defy clear categorization as either strictly artistic or strictly academic. Such interdisciplinary approaches contribute to the advancement of both fields by illuminating the dynamic and often tension-filled intersections between the arts and the sciences. (See also the “Recommendations on the Postgraduate Qualification Phase at Universities of the Arts and Music” by the German Council of Science and Humanities, 2021, pp. 10–11.)

A key concern of the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung is to enhance the visibility of artistic research in the public sphere. For this reason, collaboration with a third-party institution outside the degree-granting university is a prerequisite for application. Such a partner may be a theater, museum, concert hall, gallery, literature house, socio-cultural center, or a comparable institution. The cooperating organization is expected to provide a platform for the public presentation of the research process or its results and to act as a communication partner for the project. While financial contributions from the partner institution toward the dissemination of research outcomes are welcome, they are not mandatory.

The Claussen-Simon-Stiftung supports a broad range of postdoctoral trajectories, welcoming both academic and purely artistic career paths following the successful completion of the doctoral degree.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form (see “application portal” button, available during the application period)
• Curriculum vitae in tabular format; an application photo is optional
• University transcripts, in particular the Master’s degree certificate or other proof of eligibility for doctoral studies
• Letter of motivation
• Research proposal outlining the planned doctoral project, including a timeline of research steps (maximum 15 pages, including bibliography)
• Confirmation of supervision: Please consult with your intended supervisor to ensure they are willing to participate in the Dissertation Plus program with you. The supervisor must submit an informal letter confirming their willingness to supervise your doctoral project within the framework of Dissertation Plus, which includes participating in a supervision agreement and providing monthly evaluations.
• At least one, preferably two, informal and recent letters of recommendation from university faculty and/or representatives of your artistic discipline
• Proof of cooperation with a third-party institution for the presentation of your research process or research results
• Financial statement: a tabular overview of your expected living expenses, additional costs, and income during the doctoral period
• Double funding (e.g. through another scholarship covering living expenses) is not permitted; all income sources will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• For applicants whose first language is not German and who did not obtain their Master’s degree in Germany: proof of German language proficiency
• If already available: formal admission to doctoral studies by the doctoral committee

All application materials may be submitted in German and/or English.