Apply Now: Design and Technology Fellowship Program
Section
The Fellowships for the Study of Professional Ethics is inviting applications for its Design and Technology Fellowship Program to examine the motivations and conduct of technologists and designers in enabling and executing Nazi policies.
The FASPE Design and Technology Fellowship challenges participants to reflect on the responsibilities of architects, engineers, designers, and technologists while examining historical and contemporary ethical issues.
FASPE Design and Technology Fellows will examine topics such as the complicity of German and other technologists in the design and development of the policies of National Socialism, whether this profession--Design and Technology--and its professionals can be viewed as morally neutral, i.e., do they have a duty beyond competence and problem solving, the ethical challenge of ambition in professional development, ethics in government, non-profit, and for-profit computing, legal ethics in the context of technological innovations, and tactics to address ethical issues within tech companies, architecture firms, engineering environments, and other institutions.
Each year, FASPE awards fellowships to 13 to 16 graduate students and early-career professionals from fields such as engineering, architecture, computer science, design, and related areas. The two-week program takes place in Germany and Poland, combining academic rigor with visits to historical sites of Nazi history. This unique approach offers fellows the power of place alongside daily seminars led by specialized faculty and opportunities for meaningful dialogue.
Design and Technology Fellows participate in an interdisciplinary setting, traveling and engaging with Business and Law Fellows. This structure enriches discussions across fields, encouraging fellows to broaden their perspectives through shared activities, meals, and seminars. The fellowship is fully funded to ensure financial ability does not limit participation.
Eligibility is open to graduate students and early-career professionals actively pursuing careers in architecture, design, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, urban planning, and related disciplines. Applicants may be current graduate students, recent graduates working in a related field, or professionals with less than ten years of experience. FASPE seeks individuals at a formative stage of their careers who demonstrate leadership potential, self-reflection, openness, and the intellectual maturity to engage responsibly in sensitive discussions.
The application process includes submitting an online form, resume or CV, transcripts, short essay responses, and two letters of recommendation. Recommenders are encouraged to highlight an applicant’s academic strengths, communication abilities, leadership potential, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to group dialogue. All letters must be submitted by January 9, 2026, directly through the Submittable platform.
FASPE is committed to ensuring that financial ability does not affect participation by covering all program costs and related travel. The fellowship provides roundtrip economy-class airfare from the US to Europe, transportation for group travel and activities in Germany and Poland, admission fees, program materials, hotel accommodations, and group meals. In addition, fellows receive pocket money to cover non-group meals, and travel from other points of origin to Berlin, along with the return flight, is fully supported. Application closes on 4 January 2026.
