Ernst Mach Fellowship

Become an Ernst Mach Fellow at the Department for E-Governance and Administration in Krems.

International researchers are invited to submit expressions of interest by 30 October 2026. 

The Center for E-Governance (CeGov) at the University for Continuing Education Krems invites early-stage researchers from around the world to apply for an Ernst Mach Grant – worldwide and conduct research in Austria. 

The grant supports eligible young researchers with a university affiliation who wish to undertake a research project in Austria. It provides funding for research stays of 1–9 months, including a monthly stipend and travel subsidy. 

The department welcomes researchers with a strong academic profile whose work contributes to digital governance, artificial intelligence, public administration, and digital transformation. 

Research areas 

We particularly encourage interdisciplinary proposals addressing one or more of the following areas: 

• E-Government and E-Governance: Digital public administration, public-sector innovation, and digital public services. 

• AI Theory and Governance: Theoretical and conceptual foundations of AI, socio-technical perspectives, human–AI interaction, agency, explainability, and accountability. 

• Responsible AI and Data-Driven Systems: Ethical and trustworthy AI, algorithmic decision-making, human oversight, and the responsible use of generative AI. 

• Digital Participation and Cooperation: Digital democracy, civic engagement, collaborative governance, and public trust. 

• Digital Transformation and Technology Policy: Institutional change, legal and organisational frameworks, digital sovereignty, and technology governance. 

We welcome projects that combine theoretical and empirical approaches and contribute to understanding the implications of AI and digital technologies for public institutions and society. 

What we offer 

As a visiting researcher, you will join our interdisciplinary and international research team, receive a workplace and access to departmental infrastructure, and benefit from individual academic support throughout your stay. 

We encourage active collaboration through joint publications, policy papers, conferences, workshops, and other academic activities. Depending on their profile, fellows may also contribute to teaching through guest lectures, webinars, or seminars. 

How to apply 

Interested researchers should submit an academic CV and a short research project outline (approximately 1–2 pages). The outline should describe the research objectives, theoretical or conceptual approach, methodology, expected contributions, and alignment with the department's research areas. 

Please also include approximately half a page explaining how your project would advance and complement ongoing research at the department. 

Send your expression of interest to sabina.ertl@donau-uni.ac.at by 30 October 2026. 

The department will notify applicants of its support and provide feedback and recommendations by 9 November 2026. 

The final deadline for submitting the application to the OeAD is 1 December 2026, 23:59 CET. 

We look forward to your research ideas and to welcoming new international colleagues to Krems! 

Further information: Ernst Mach Grant – worldwide