Center for Eastern European Studies CEES Fellowship Program 2027

Applications are open for the Center for Eastern European Studies CEES Fellowship Program 2027 at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. The programme offers five to six residential fellowships for talented and innovative young or mid career scholars working in the social sciences or humanities.

The fellowship is designed for researchers whose work focuses on historical or contemporary issues related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia. For the Spring 2027 cohort, the Center for Eastern European Studies is particularly interested in research examining geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational social or cultural issues connected to the South Caucasus.

The fellowship will take place at the University of Zurich for up to four months, beginning in mid February 2027. Fellows will pursue their independent research while participating actively in the academic activities of the Center for Eastern European Studies. They will have access to relevant libraries, research facilities, and an interdisciplinary community of scholars.

About the Fellowship

The Center for Eastern European Studies is an interdisciplinary centre at the University of Zurich dedicated to research and teaching on Eastern Europe, Russia, and the wider post Soviet space. The fellowship programme supports scholars pursuing individual research projects while encouraging academic exchange and interdisciplinary discussion.

The Spring 2027 fellowship will last up to four months and will be based in Zurich. Fellows are expected to work on their research projects in residence and participate in the scholarly activities of CEES.

Applicants from around the world are welcome. However, the programme gives preference to scholars who are residents of countries within the CEES geographical area, including Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Early career researchers and scholars working at higher education institutions on topics connected to CEES research priorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

• Stipend for living expenses during the fellowship period

• Funding for travel and relevant administrative costs

• Health insurance support

• Visa support

• Workspace at the Center for Eastern European Studies

• Access to relevant University of Zurich libraries

• Access to an interdisciplinary academic community

• Assistance with finding accommodation in the Zurich area

• Opportunity to present research through a lecture, seminar, or workshop

• Opportunity to develop research findings for publication through CEES outlets

• Academic exchange with scholars working on Eastern Europe and Eurasia

Programme Areas

The fellowship welcomes research in the social sciences and humanities concerning:

• Russia

• Eastern Europe

• The Caucasus

• Central Asia

• Historical studies

• Contemporary regional issues

For the Spring 2027 call, particular interest is given to:

• Geopolitical trends

• Economic connectivity

• Transnational social issues

• Transnational cultural issues

• Issues concerning the South Caucasus

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be interested in historical or contemporary topics concerning Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

• Research must fall within a discipline in the social sciences or humanities.

• Applicants may come from any country.

• Applicants who are early in their academic careers are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Scholars working at higher education institutions on topics related to CEES research priorities are encouraged to apply.

• Preference may be given to applicants who are residents of Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

• Applicants must be enrolled or employed at their home university.

• Applicants must be able to undertake the fellowship in residence at the University of Zurich.

• Applicants should be prepared to participate actively in CEES scholarly activities.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Letter of motivation

• Research proposal of three to five pages

• Curriculum vitae including a publication list

• Short writing sample such as an academic article or book chapter

• Short proposal for a workshop to be held at CEES

• Two letters of recommendation or the names of two referees

• All application materials must be written in English

• All materials should be combined into a single PDF document

How to Apply

1. Review the official CEES Fellowship Program 2027 call and confirm that your research fits the eligible geographical and disciplinary areas.
2. Prepare a letter of motivation explaining your academic background, research interests, and reasons for applying.
3. Prepare a three to five page research proposal describing your project in sufficient detail.
4. Prepare your curriculum vitae, including your publication record.
5. Select a suitable English language writing sample, such as an academic article or book chapter.
6. Prepare a short proposal for the lecture, seminar, or workshop you would offer during your fellowship.
7. Provide two recommendation letters or the names of two suitable referees.
8. Combine all application materials into one PDF document.
9. Submit the complete application to the Center for Eastern European Studies at cees@isos.uzh.ch.