The Gotha Research Centre at the University of Erfurt is offering a prestigious three- to four-month scholarship for research on 17th and 18th century court culture. This opportunity is available to scholars holding an excellent doctorate or PhD, with a focus on historically oriented disciplines. The scholarship program is internationally oriented and encourages research that explores the collections of Gotha’s court culture. A solid connection to these collections is required for the application, although the research topic does not have to focus exclusively on Gotha.
Scholarship Details
The scholarship is named after Duchess Luise Dorothea of Saxe-Gotha and Altenburg (1710–1767), one of the most educated princesses of her era. Known for her commitment to the French Enlightenment, Duchess Luise Dorothea maintained a vast correspondence with prominent figures like Rousseau, Voltaire, and the Saxon Count Ernst Christoph von Manteuffel, a significant patron of the Enlightenment and supporter of Christian Wolff. The scholarship honors her legacy and encourages research on early modern court culture with an emphasis on cultural studies and gender history.
The scholarship will be awarded for a duration of three to four months, starting from 1 October 2025, and the closing date for applications is 31 May 2025.
Research Location and Context
The research will take place at the Gotha Research Centre, a prominent institution that houses outstanding collections for the cultural history of the early modern period. This includes:
- The Friedenstein Foundation Gotha
- The Gotha Research Library
- The Thuringian State Archives – Gotha State Archives
These collections are vital resources for studying early modern court culture. The Gotha Research Centre has previously hosted impactful research initiatives such as conferences on the “Palace as Lecture Hall” and various summer schools on African presence at European courts in the early modern period.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Luise Dorothea Scholarship is funded by the Dr. Fritz Wiedemann-Stiftung at the Stifterverband and provides 2,000 euros per month. Additional support includes:
- A family allowance of 400 euros per month (if applicable)
- A one-off travel allowance of 500 euros
The research centre will also assist in arranging childcare for scholars with families. Residence at the Gotha Research Centre is compulsory for the entire scholarship period.
Application Process
The scholarship supports the continuation of ongoing research on Gotha’s court culture, such as the study of Africans at European Courts and early modern perceptions of Africa. Scholars interested in this prestigious opportunity are encouraged to submit their applications before the 31 May 2025 deadline.
For more information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and research focus, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Gotha Research Centre’s official website or contact the scholarship program directly.
