Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) Fellowship Program 2027 (Funded)

Overview

For the spring semester 2027, the Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich offers 5 to 6 residential fellowships to talented and innovative young or mid-career scholars in the social sciences or humanities. Their research should focus on historical or contemporary topics related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia.

The fellowship is typically a four-month, one-semester residency at the University of Zurich. Fellows pursue independent research while taking an active part in the scholarly activities of the CEES. They have access to the relevant libraries and the interdisciplinary community of experts around the Center, give a workshop presentation on their research topic, and are expected to publish their findings in one of the CEES publication outlets.

What you get

Funding includes a stipend for living expenses for up to four months, plus travel and administrative costs in Switzerland. Fellows also have a workspace and other necessary facilities at the CEES, and the Center helps them find housing in the Zurich area. Only applicants who are enrolled or employed at their home university can be considered.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to individuals interested in historical or contemporary topics in Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia in any social science or humanities discipline. Priority goes to early-career scholars and people in higher education institutions working on issues related to the CEES research priorities, which are defined in calls launched twice a year. Applicants from around the world are welcome, but preference goes to residents of Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

How to apply

A complete application is one English-language PDF with a letter of motivation, a research proposal of 3 to 5 pages, a CV including a publication list, a short writing sample of article or book chapter length, a short proposal for a presentation at CEES, and two letters of recommendation or the names of two referees.

Key dates

The application deadline was October 12, 2026.