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Research project (Special Research Area) „Neo-Latin in the Modern World“
In January 2026, the Universities of Innsbruck and Freiburg i.Br. will launch a research project on Neo-Latin literature, for which 12 additional collaborators are sought. This Special Research Area (SRA) entitled Neo-Latin in the Modern World intends to continue and expand the institutions’ existing research focus on Neo-Latin—established not least by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies—in the years 2026–33.
The SRA aims to solve two crucial problems in Neo-Latin studies: While Neo-Latin research has made considerable progress in recent decades, it continues to struggle with two problems: First, the cultural and lifeworld anchoring of early modern Latinity has hitherto only been selectively researched and, thus, the understanding of its manifold functions during this era remains blurred. Secondly, most Neo-Latin texts remain largely inaccessible to early modern researchers who are not familiar with Latin, which is why they frequently ignore the results of Neo-Latin studies.
The SRA will consist of seven thematically defined sub-projects (six in Innsbruck and one in Freiburg i.Br.). In addition, there will be a general unit that will set up a general database and develop the SRA’s digital infrastructure. The topics of the seven thematic sub-projects are listed below, along with their PIs:
- Early Modern Classics: Ancient Greek and Neo-Latin in the World (William M. Barton): An inclusive and panoramic study of works produced in Ancient Greek in the Neo-Latin world from the Renaissance until c.1850. Aiming to grasp the widest extent of ‘New Ancient Greek’ production, this sub-project’s representative corpus will include, e.g., New Ancient Greek production outside of Europe, women’s New Ancient Greek, Ancient Greek as a language of translation, and the continued use of Ancient Greek by Greek-speakers into the 19th
- Viva vox: Oral Neo-Latin (Martin Korenjak): In contrast to the oral use of modern languages, the one of ‘dead’ languages from the past, such as Latin, has been little studied so far. This project tries to make good for this by creating a proper source basis, analysing the phenomenon along a number of pertinent questions, and producing a detailed overview, including an assessment of the similarities and differences between the oral use of a living and a ‘dead’ language.
- Latin of Queens, Abbesses, Scientists: Women’s Voices in Neo-Latin (1450-1800) (Johanna Luggin): Latin literature written by women is, after centuries of neglect, finally seeing a rise of research interest. This project will elucidate highly neglected areas of women’s interactions with Latin, examine how women were able to learn Latin despite all obstacles, how they used it in their writings and how these were received.
- Neo-Latin Translations: Bilingual Books for Early Modern Readers (Federica Rossetti): The relevance of Neo-Latin as a language of dissemination is evident in the frequent publication of bi and multilingual editions, where texts in ancient (Greek, Aramaic, Syriac, etc.) or vernacular languages appear alongside Neo-Latin translations – or vice versa. Who were these editions intended for, and how did they meet readers’ expectations? This research will offer the first systematic study of multilingual editions in the early modern period.
- Neo-Latin and the Newcomers: Catholic Inculturation(s) (Patryk Ryczkowski): What was the role of Latin in the processes of inclusion into Catholic culture? How did communities emerging and re-orientating themselves in the Church use Latin (literature) to adopt Catholic discourse and, conversely, to mark their specific profile? In particular, the project will look into Eastern Catholicism and Catholic monastic communities.
- Canones of Neo-Latin Texts (Florian Schaffenrath): Which Neo-Latin texts have been made accessible through editions, translations, or commentaries? Which ones are on the reading lists of schools and universities? Which Neo-Latin texts are assumed to be known in academic literature like commentaries? Research into such questions will lead to an understanding of canon formation in the early modern period.
- The Nachleben of Neo-Latin Literature (Stefan Tilg, Freiburg i.Br.): What legacy does Neo-Latin have as a language, literature, and culture? This project examines the reception history of Neo-Latin in modern languages and cultures from c. 1800 to the present day. It deals with the ongoing relevance of authors, genres, motifs and literary approaches, but also of terms and phrases, cognitive patterns and broader concepts and practices of Neo-Latin literary culture. Candidates are expected to write a monograph in one of these areas.
For each of the sub-projects based in Innsbruck, we are looking for a PreDoc—i.e. a candidate who has completed a Master’s degree in Classics or a subject specialising in the early modern period—who would like to dedicate a dissertation to one of these Neo-Latin topics. We are looking for a PostDoc for the position in Freiburg.
In addition, we are looking for four PreDocs and one PostDoc for the SRA’s digital platform: The task of these employees consists of setting up and maintaining a database, digitising texts, and preparing these texts for the use of new technologies. Additional scientific activities are not mandatory for these employees.
All positions start January 1, 2026. PreDoc positions last for three years and can then be converted into a PostDoc position. PostDoc positions last for four years. After the first four years (2026–29), the SRA can be extended for another four years.
The ideal requirements for candidates are therefore:
- Master’s degree (resp. PhD) in a relevant subject
- interest in writing a PhD thesis in the field of Neo-Latin
- some experience in the field of Neo-Latin
- readiness to work in an international research team
- excellent Latin (for the collaborators in one of the seven sub-projects)
- good skills in digital humanities (for the collaborators working at the digital platform)
What we offer:
- inclusion in a worldwide leading centre of Neo-Latin research
- possibility of developing a career in the thriving field of Neo-Latin and early modern studies under the supervision and encouragement of experienced researchers
- possibility to benefit from the universities’ training programmes
- flexible working conditions and family-friendly working environment
- additional benefits for the employees like subsidies for public transport or lunch
The employees will be based in Innsbruck (or Freiburg). The working hours are 30 hours per week for PreDocs and 40 hours per week for PostDocs. Payment is based on the salary rates of the FWF (listet here in gross) resp. DFG, which funds this research project. The positions do not involve any teaching duties, but it will be possible for the post holders to teach a course from time to time if they wish so.
To apply for one of these positions, please send your application documents, which should consist of (1) a letter of motivation indicating in particular which post(s) you are interested in (max. 2 pages), (2) an academic CV, and (3) a writing sample (if applicable), to the SRA’s speaker Florian Schaffenrath (florian.schaffenrath@uibk.ac.at). Schaffenrath is also available for questions of any kind. Alternatively, the individual sub-project PIs can also answer questions about the work for their specific thematic fields:
William M. Barton: william.barton@uibk.ac.at
Martin Korenjak: martin.korenjak@uibk.ac.at
Johanna Luggin: johanna.luggin@uibk.ac.at
Federica Rossetti: Federica.Rossetti@uibk.ac.at
Patryk Ryczkowski: Patryk.Ryczkowski@uibk.ac.at
Stefan Tilg: stefan.tilg@altphil.uni-freiburg.de
The closing date for applications is 1 October 2025 and interviews will be held online during the week commencing 6 October.
info-sheet (.pdf)