Michael Raposa, professor of religion, culture and society, recently returned from an intensive sabbatical in Germany, where he was invited to participate as a New Horizons Visiting Fellow at the University of Tübingen’s College of Fellows. From January through June 2025, Raposa was one of just two visiting senior fellows, immersing himself in research, international collaboration and sustained scholarly exchange centered on his investigations into American philosophical pragmatism and religious thought.
Founded in 2022 and modeled on Princeton University’s Institute for Advanced Study, the College of Fellows brings together leading scholars across disciplines. Its New Horizons program invites senior scholars for residencies. There are additional programs at the College for early career scholars and post-docs.
New Horizons Fellows collaborate with researchers based at the University of Tübingen and other international guest researchers in thematic Focus Groups at the College of Fellows (regular meetings, workshops, etc.). The topics of the Focus Groups are aligned with the New Horizons Fellows’ research perspectives. Fellows are invited to the College on the joint proposal of at least five academics from the University of Tübingen. Other visiting scholars and young researchers may be invited to participate in Focus Groups. Alternatively, fellows may join existing Focus Groups. The nominating researchers commit themselves to participate in the focus group for the duration of the fellowship. During his residency, Raposa worked with a focus group of 12 Tübingen faculty members and graduate students. He delivered five presentations, each preceded by a reading group that allowed participants to engage with primary source materials in advance. Discussions were anchored in the writings of Charles S. Peirce and other figures in the American pragmatist tradition.
Spotlight Recipient
Michael Raposa
E. W. Fairchild Chair in American Studies