Opus Magnum
Opus Magnum by the Volkswagen Foundation funds professors in the humanities and social sciences to complete major scholarly works by supporting research leave and substitute teaching.
Funder: Volkswagen Foundation
Due Dates: November 18, 2026 (Application deadline, 2:00 p.m.)
Funding Amounts: Up to €220,000 total for up to 18 months (substitute professorship + up to €5,000/semester for non-personnel costs + possible open access publication support)
Summary: Supports established professors in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences at German universities to complete major scholarly works by funding substitute professorships.
Key Information: Applicants must hold a permanent professorship at a German university and be at least five years from retirement.
Description
This initiative provides established professors in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences at German universities with the opportunity to take extended research leave to write a significant scholarly treatise ("Opus Magnum"). The program funds a substitute professorship for up to 18 months, enabling the applicant to focus exclusively on their writing project. The initiative aims to foster the production of works with substantial academic and societal impact, while also offering early career scholars valuable teaching experience through the substitute role.
