In response to the worldwide acceleration of social change, the University of Basel, Switzerland's oldest university, founded the Forum Basiliense, a research center and platform for interdisciplinary dialogue. Now we are putting out our fourth call for applications for fellowships in Basel. In 2027, the intellectual focus for the groups of international fellows and guests at the Forum Basiliense will be “Errors! Mistakes, Deceptions, and Corrections”.
At some point, it inevitably becomes part of every work process and every scientific problem: the occurrence of the first major mistake. To err is human, as the Latin proverb goes. The duo of trial and error is one of the best-known and most successful methods for modern advances in technology and science. Yet by no means is every kind of mistake made with good intentions, inevitable, or even legitimate. Over time, every relevant social practice is infiltrated by malicious attempts at deception and fraudulent schemes, which in turn raise questions about the effectiveness of warning systems and control mechanisms. Yet despite the enormous significance of the ever-present forces of error, mistake, deception, and the like, it becomes clear: It is surprisingly rare to find systematic, interdisciplinary reflections on the concept of error in terms of its historical dimensions, manifestations, and social consequences. [continue reading here]
We encourage applications focused on this theme in any of the disciplines represented at the University of Basel.
Your position
We invite fellows for visits of three to six months during 2027, preferably during the spring or the autumn term. Fellows are expected to participate in events and in scientific exchange (a regular colloquium) during their stay.
Your profile
You hold an excellent PhD or a junior professorship in any of the disciplines represented at the University of Basel. Fellowships are awarded based on scientific merit, the quality of the application, and how the application speaks to the theme of "Errors! Mistakes, Deceptions, and Corrections”. We welcome applications from all over the world.
We offer you
Application / Contact
Please include the following documents in your application:
Project proposal (3-5 pages max.) describing what you plan to accomplish during your fellowship. Please indicate your contribution to debates around "Errors! Mistakes, Deceptions, and Corrections” and include how long you would like to stay in Basel (3-6 months).
- CV including publication list
- One contact at the University of Basel
- 2 reference letters
We look forward to receiving your completed application by 20 July 2026 via the University's
online application portal.For inquiries, please contact Dr. Julia Büchele (
j.buechele@unibas.ch)
