Fellowship Overview
The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) invites applications for the NIAS Theme Group Fellowship in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This prestigious funded research fellowship supports international scholars conducting collaborative and interdisciplinary research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme brings together small international teams of researchers who work collectively on a shared thematic project while simultaneously developing their individual research agendas.
The fellowship provides five months of dedicated research residency within the intellectually stimulating academic environment of the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS). During this period, fellows collaborate closely with theme group members and actively participate in seminars, workshops, and scholarly discussions with researchers from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Furthermore, the programme is designed for established researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and internationally engaged academics seeking to develop collaborative research in Europe. Fellows benefit from the institute’s multidisciplinary research community, which promotes intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the advancement of innovative scholarly work.
During the residency, fellows are expected to temporarily step away from their regular institutional responsibilities in order to dedicate their time fully to research. This structure allows participants to focus on producing high-quality academic outputs while engaging in sustained interdisciplinary collaboration within an international research environment.
Overall, the fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for experienced scholars to strengthen international academic partnerships, expand their research networks, and contribute to advancing research in the Humanities and Social Sciences through publications, lectures, and collaborative scholarly outputs.
Fellowship Details
- Fellowship name: NIAS Theme Group Fellowship
- Host Institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Research Field(s): Humanities and Social Sciences, interdisciplinary research
- Fellowship Type: Research Residency Fellowship
- Career Level: Scholars with at least three years post-PhD experience
- Duration: 5 months
- Expected Start Date: Academic Year 2027–2028
- Working Hours: Minimum four days per week on site
- Funding / Compensation: Stipend or Dutch University Grant with commuting reimbursement or subsidised accommodation
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD in humanities, social sciences, or related disciplines
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Cultural studies and global history
- Political science and international relations
- Sociology, philosophy, and anthropology
- Interdisciplinary humanities research projects
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Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD degree with at least three years of academic experience
- Research proposal related to the humanities or social sciences
- Strong command of English for academic collaboration
- Ability to participate fully in the five-month residency
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated interdisciplinary research experience
- Academic publications or an international collaboration record
- Interest in collaborative group research projects
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Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend or Dutch University Grant during residency
- Subsidised accommodation in Amsterdam
- Reimbursement for daily commuting costs
- Access to research libraries and academic facilities
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and collaborative discussions
- Opportunity to publish research outputs and develop international partnerships
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research within Humanities and Social Sciences
- Collaborate with theme group members on joint research topics
- Participate in weekly fellows’ seminars and communal discussions
- Present work-in-progress and contribute to scholarly exchange
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit the application through the NIAS online fellowship portal
- Ensure the theme group coordinator submits the collective proposal
Required Documents:
- Completed fellowship application form
- Individual research proposal
- Theme group proposal (maximum 1500 words)
- Academic CV
- Supporting research publications or documents
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 15 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 16 March 2026, 12:00 noon CET
- Eligibility Notification: Before 1 May 2026
- Review Notification: Before 15 May 2026
- Final Results Notification: By 15 December 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Academic Year 2027–2028
Where to Apply / Useful Links
- Institution Website: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Official Fellowship Notification: NIAS Theme Group Fellowship Call
- Apply Online: NIAS Fellowship Application Portal
Contact
📧 Email: selection@nias.knaw.nl
📞 Phone: +31 (0)20 224 67 05
This Theme Group Fellowship offers international scholars fully funded research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced academic opportunities in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Explore more funded fellowships, postdoctoral programmes, and academic opportunities for global researchers.
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