Request for Applications: CEES Fellowship Program

Deadline: 12-Oct-26

The CEES Fellowship Program is inviting applications for 5–6 residential fellowships for young and mid-career scholars in the social sciences or humanities researching historical or contemporary topics related to Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, or Central Asia. The programme promotes academic exchange and deeper understanding of historical and contemporary developments across these regions through interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly engagement. Fellows receive financial support for living expenses, travel, and administrative costs during a residential research stay of up to four months at the University of Zurich.

About the CEES Fellowship Program

The CEES Fellowship Program provides scholars with an opportunity to conduct independent research while becoming part of an interdisciplinary academic community.

The programme aims to:

- Foster academic exchange. - Promote interdisciplinary collaboration. - Strengthen understanding of Eastern European and post-Soviet Eurasian developments. - Support research on historical and contemporary regional issues. - Encourage scholarly engagement and knowledge sharing. Fellowship Opportunities for Spring Semester 2027 For the spring semester 2027, the programme particularly welcomes applications from scholars researching topics connected to the South Caucasus.

Priority areas include:

- Geopolitical trends. - Economic connectivity. - Transnational social issues. - Transnational cultural issues. However, proposals addressing other relevant topics related to Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia will also be considered. How Many Fellowships Are Available? The programme seeks to support approximately 5–6 residential fellows. The fellowships are intended for young or mid-career scholars working in: - Social sciences. - Humanities. Applicants may focus on either historical or contemporary topics connected to the eligible regions. Fellowship Duration Fellows will conduct their research in residence at the University of Zurich for up to four months. During the residential period, fellows are expected to dedicate themselves to their independent research while actively participating in CEES academic activities. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship provides funding for expenses associated with the residential research period.

Financial support includes:

- Living expenses. - Travel. - Administrative costs. The programme also provides assistance with housing in Zurich. Research and Academic Activities Fellows are expected to conduct independent research during their stay at the University of Zurich. In addition to their individual research, fellows are expected to participate in the academic life of CEES.

Their responsibilities include:

- Conducting independent research in residence. - Participating in CEES academic activities. - Presenting their research through a lecture, seminar, or workshop. - Publishing their findings through CEES publication outlets. These activities are intended to encourage academic exchange and allow fellows to share their research with the wider scholarly community. Resources Available to Fellows Fellows will have access to academic and research resources during their stay.

These include:

- Library resources. - A workspace. - The interdisciplinary CEES community. - Assistance with housing in Zurich. These resources are intended to support both independent research and engagement with scholars working across different disciplines. Who Can Apply? The CEES Fellowship Program is intended for young and mid-career scholars in the social sciences or humanities. Applicants must be enrolled or employed at their home university. Their proposed research should address historical or contemporary topics related to: - Eastern Europe. - Russia. - The Caucasus. - Central Asia. - Post-Soviet Eurasia. For spring 2027, particular interest is given to research concerning the South Caucasus, especially geopolitical, economic, social, and cultural issues. Application Requirements Applicants must submit several materials demonstrating their academic background, research project, and potential contribution to the CEES community.

Required application materials include:

- A letter of motivation. - A 3–5 page research proposal. - Curriculum vitae including publications. - A writing sample. - A short proposal for a workshop or presentation at CEES. - Two letters of recommendation or the names of referees. All application materials must be submitted in English. Research Proposal The research proposal should be 3–5 pages and should present the proposed research project clearly. Applicants should use the proposal to demonstrate the relevance of their research to the programme and explain how the residential fellowship would support their scholarly work. Workshop or Presentation Proposal Applicants must also provide a short proposal for a workshop or presentation at CEES. This reflects the programme’s emphasis on academic exchange and active participation in the CEES community. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide either:

- Two letters of recommendation; or - The names of referees. These recommendations are part of the required application materials and are intended to support the assessment of the applicant’s academic profile. Application Format and Deadline All application materials must be submitted:

- Language: English.

- Format: Single PDF document.

- Application deadline: October 12, 2026.

Applicants should ensure that all required materials are included in the single PDF before submission. Why the CEES Fellowship Matters The CEES Fellowship provides scholars with an opportunity to combine independent research with interdisciplinary academic engagement. By bringing researchers together at the University of Zurich, the programme encourages discussion and collaboration around important historical and contemporary developments in Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia. The spring 2027 focus on the South Cau