Berlin/Los Angeles, December 11, 2024 – The Thomas Mann House in Los Angeles serves as a transatlantic hub for dialogue, bringing together leading thinkers and changemakers to engage with the United States on key political, social, and cultural issues of today and the future.

For 2026, fellowships will be awarded under the theme "In Search of a Common Cause." The program explores how we can imagine a common cause in the face of disagreements and polarization—not only on specific issues but on the very fundamentals of what constitutes the common good. Can we build and sustain solidarity among seemingly opposing identities, groups, and geopolitical alliances? What roles do government, business, and civil society play in fostering cohesion? In a transatlantic context, what innovative approaches can help create cohesive, equitable, and fair communities in areas such as arts and culture, religion, education, technology, sports, or the environment? Finally, what could concepts of solidarity and common cause look like in the 21st century?

Fellowship Opportunities

The Thomas Mann Fellowship is open to thought leaders, intellectuals, scholars from all disciplines, innovators, creatives, and distinguished individuals who contribute to shaping societal debates and driving transformative processes:

• Junior Fellowships: For emerging figures with established public visibility.
• Senior Fellowships: For accomplished leaders with broad public recognition and international acclaim in their respective fields.

About the Thomas Mann House

As a residence of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Thomas Mann House is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Thomas Mann. During his exile in the United States, Mann grappled with critical issues such as the roots of fascism, democratic renewal, freedom, migration, and exile. In this spirit, the Thomas Mann House addresses today’s most pressing challenges through its interdisciplinary fellowship program.

Application Requirements and Process

• Applicants must currently reside in Germany or have lived there within the past ten years. German citizens living abroad are also eligible to apply.
• Applications can be submitted at www.vatmh.org/thomasmannfellowships.
• Application Deadline: February 13, 2025

Selection Process and Funding

A panel of experts evaluates applications and nominates Thomas Mann Fellows. Final selections are made based on availability and approval by the Board of Trustees of Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e.V. The fellowships are generously supported by the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftung, and the German Federal Foreign Office.