Junior Research Fellows at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute
Description
Junior Research Fellows at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute participate in a structured program designed to develop advanced research skills through close reading, guided independent study, and peer collaboration. Participants include upper-level undergraduates, recent college graduates, and early-stage graduate students from around the world. The program combines seminars, small reading groups, lectures, workshops, and independent research. Fellows also have access to the Kierkegaard Library’s unique collections and are housed on the beautiful St. Olaf campus.
Fellows work closely with Kierkegaard scholars, gaining tools for interpreting primary texts and navigating secondary literature, along with individual mentoring. They collaborate in interest-based peer groups featuring daily close reading and feedback on research projects (e.g., proposals, bibliographies, presentations).
Expectations
The program requires motivation for independent study, prior exposure to Kierkegaard, and a strong interest in further research. Participants are expected to attend scheduled activities, maintain a regular presence in the Kierkegaard Library, and complete key research components (e.g., proposal, annotated bibliography, presentation).
Required events include internal seminars (presentations by researchers in residence) and occasional lectures or workshops by invited scholars. Academic activities typically run 1–4 hours per day, five days a week, with ample time for independent research and reflection. Optional social activities are also offered.
Learning Outcomes
Fellows finish the program with a clearer sense of direction for their research, greater confidence in independent study, and practical experience in interpreting texts, synthesizing ideas, and presenting work to an academic audience.
Funding
The Kierkegaard Library covers on-campus housing. Participants are responsible for meals, travel, and other personal expenses.
Logistics
For details on housing, transportation, and visa requirements, see the Kierkegaard Summer Institute main page.
Dates
The 2026 Junior Research Fellows program at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute runs from July 1 – July 30.
Applications materials are due by April 1, 2026.
“If I had to use a single word to describe the KSI Junior Research Fellows program it would be edifying! The community is fantastic, kind, welcoming, and full of fun people who are all passionate about different research. This program helped me find the direction I wanted to go in my own personal research and has helped me build lifelong academic relationships as well as friendships! 10/10 would recommend!”
Angus Mancini-Miller, Saint Mary’s University Canada
“This program gave me more than I expected. I came hoping to gain a lot of new knowledge related to S. Kierkegaard and philosophy in general, and that of course happened. However, I left the summer Junior Research Fellows program with a profound appreciation for Kierkegaard’s The Sickness Unto Death (thanks to our “slow reading” sections) and with lasting friendships formed through our shared intellectual journey.”
Ľubica Pinková, University of Trnava, Slovakia
“I joined the program to further my academic research, attend guest lectures, and engage with like-minded individuals. Spending my summer on campus provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with researchers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. While academic research can sometimes be isolating, KSI cultivates a vibrant academic community that allows work to gain deeper significance. Whether through casual hallway discussions or meetings at local Northfield coffee shops, collaboration is continually encouraged. Also, I had a ton of fun which is always a plus.”
Kaitlyn Kinsch, St Olaf College