Applications open for Premio Mendrisio – 4th Edition Archivio del Moderno (Italy)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The fourth edition of the Premio Mendrisio – Archivio del Moderno offers two six-month research fellowships to young Italian scholars working in the history of modern and contemporary architecture. Each selected fellow will receive a €2,000 monthly allowance, accommodation, travel from Italy to Mendrisio, insurance and other residency-related support for the February–July 2027 fellowship period.

About the Premio Mendrisio – Archivio del Moderno

The Premio Mendrisio – Archivio del Moderno is a study and research programme designed to support emerging Italian scholars in architectural history and modern and contemporary architecture. The programme provides fellows with an opportunity to develop their research methods, work with architectural archives and participate in established research activities at the Archivio del Moderno in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The fourth edition will select two fellows for a six-month residency running from February to July 2027. Research Focus

The fellowship focuses on:

- Modern architecture. - Contemporary architecture. - History of contemporary architecture. - Architectural archives and archival research. - Research methods in architectural history. - Study and organisation of architectural archival collections. - Independent research in architectural history. - Participation in ongoing research projects. Candidates with independent research projects in the CEAR-11/A disciplinary field of Architectural History will receive positive consideration. Fellowship Activities Selected fellows may choose between two principal research pathways: - Organising and researching archives held by the Archivio del Moderno. - Participating in ongoing research projects conducted by the Archivio del Moderno. During the residency, fellows will also participate in cultural and professional activities organised by the Italian Cultural Institute of Zurich and the Fondazione Archivio del Moderno. Each fellow will have an opportunity to present their research at the conclusion of the residency. Fellows will also receive support from an internationally experienced tutor based in Mendrisio. Fellowship Benefits Each of the two selected fellows will receive: - €2,000 per month for six months. - Accommodation in Mendrisio, including mandatory tax charges. - Round-trip air or rail travel between Italy and Mendrisio. - Health, accident and injury insurance coverage under the Swiss health insurance system. - Registration expenses with the authorities of the Canton of Ticino. - Participation in activities at the Archivio del Moderno. - Academic and professional support during the residency. - Access to relevant research and cultural activities. The monthly allowance is intended to cover living expenses during the six-month fellowship. Fellowship Duration

The two fellowships will run from:

February 2027 to July 2027 Each award therefore provides six months of research and study in Mendrisio. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, age, academic and research requirements.

Candidates must:

- Be Italian citizens. - Reside in Italy. - Have been born after December 31, 1991. - Be architects or art historians. - Hold a third-level university qualification, such as: - A specialisation degree; - A research doctorate; or - A second-level master’s degree. - Demonstrate research activity in modern and contemporary architecture or the history of contemporary architecture. - Have a good knowledge of English. Candidates whose research aligns with the CEAR-11/A Architectural History disciplinary field are particularly encouraged. Who Is Not Eligible? Employees of the organising institutions are not eligible to apply. This includes employees of institutions such as: - Fondazione Archivio del Moderno. - Università della Svizzera Italiana. Applicants should carefully check their employment status before submitting an application. Required Application Documents Applications must be submitted as one PDF file of no more than 5 MB.

The application should include:

- Signed curriculum vitae in Italian and English, limited to five pages. - Signed motivation letter in Italian and English. - At least two recommendation letters. - Documentation demonstrating study and research activities in modern and contemporary architectural history. - Optional extracts from publications. - Valid identification document. - Foreign-language certificates, where applicable. Recommendation letters may be provided by: - Professors. - Researchers. - Curators working in architectural history. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application around their academic background, research experience and relevance to the programme.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm Italian citizenship, residence in Italy, age, academic qualification and research experience requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Prepare a signed CV in both Italian and English. The CV must not exceed five pages.

Highlight:

- Academic qualifications. - Research projects. - Architectural history experience. - Publications. - Relevant professional activities. - Archival or contemporary architecture research.

Step 3: Write the Motivation Letter

Explain why the Premio Mendrisio fellowship is relevant to your academic and professional development. The letter should demonstrate a clear connection between your research interests and the objectives of the Archivio del Moderno.

Step 4: Obtain Recommendation Letters

Secure at least two recommendation letters from qualified professors, researchers or curators in architectural history.

Step 5: Document Research Experience

Provide evidence of your study and research activities in modern and contemporary architectural history. Relevant publications or other research outputs may also be included where appropriate.

Step 6: Combine the Documents

Combine the application materials into one PDF file. The final file must not exceed 5 MB.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the complete applica