FAQ in English
What is the “KWG”?
The “Kulturwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft e.V.” (KWG) is the German-speaking scientific association for Cultural Studies. Founded in 2015 as an academic non-profit organization, the KWG aims to enhance and support inter– and transdisciplinary communication and collaboration through its annual conferences as well as its thematic sections and research networks. An advisory board with distinguished colleagues from the field of Cultural Studies assists the KWG in achieving its goals.
What resources does the KWG provide?
Besides the open access “Kulturwissenschaftliche Zeitschrift” (since 2016) and the publication series “Studien der Kulturwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft” (since 2020), the KWG provides a platform for networking among its currently about 350 members from 12 countries all over the world: On its website and through a regular newsletter, the KWG informs its members about current activities, research projects, job postings, and publications.
Members of the KWG can organize themselves in various sections and networks, and they come together at the annual conferences: While the (currently 11) sections have been permanently established and represent the various areas and interests of Cultural Studies, research networks are temporary and are related to a specific topic only. Proposals for new and additional networks and ad hoc groups can be submitted by members of the KWG to its Executive Board at any time.
In 2022, the KWG also launched an electronic membership directory on its new website, which strengthens the networking opportunities for researchers in the field of Cultural Studies. It is open for free registration and use, and enhances the opportunities for Cultural Studies researchers and practitioners to expand and strengthen their collaborative networks.
We are especially interested in supporting young researchers: Since 2018, we have awarded the KWG’s Dissertation Prize on a biannual basis and have supported the publication of the theses with transcript publishing house. The KWG also supports its Student Section in organizing student conferences and becoming visible at the annual conferences.
How can I become a member?
As a scientific association, the KWG aims to intensify collaborations within Cultural Studies in terms of institutions, research, and communication. With a membership, you can both support the KWG and its resources — such as the open access “Kulturwissenschaftliche Zeitschrift”, the publication series “Studien der Kulturwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft”, the annual conferences, the Dissertation Prize, our Scholars-at-Risk Program, the Student Section etc. — and engage in networking within the KWG’s scientific community.
If you are interested in becoming a member, you are welcome to contact our executive board. Members of the KWG can be persons of full age as well as legal entities (institutions), if they are active in the field of Cultural Studies or disciplines oriented towards Cultural Studies. Reduced membership fees are available for students, PhD students and for people working in the cultural sector.
We thank you for your interest in our work and hope to welcome you as a member soon!