Apply for the 2026 UNESCO Chair Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Anticipation and Global–Local Transformation

The UNESCO Chair in Interdisciplinary Anticipation and Global–Local Transformation, hosted by the Center for Advanced Studies at Eurac Research in Bolzano, has opened applications for its 2026 Fellowship.

This annual program offers an exceptional chance for an emerging researcher to work closely with an international, interdisciplinary team exploring how societies can better anticipate and prepare for future social, political, and economic shifts.

About the Fellowship

The Fellow will collaborate with experts at the UNESCO Chair and the Center for Advanced Studies, contributing to work aligned with UNESCO’s global priorities and the 2022–2029 strategic cycle. The programme welcomes applicants whose academic background or professional experience intersects with themes such as futures literacy, long-term societal transformation, and forward-looking policy approaches.

The Fellowship is:

• Paid and designed to complement other work or ongoing academic commitments

• Conducted remotely, with the possibility of one or two short visits to the Center in Bolzano, Italy

• Open exclusively to citizens of EU member states who are not registered for VAT

• Supportive of diversity, with strong encouragement for applications from women and individuals underrepresented in research spaces

What the Fellow Will Do

Selected applicants will take part in a range of activities throughout the fellowship year, such as:

• Joining specific meetings and discussions linked to ongoing Chair and Center initiatives

• Contributing to Chair-led activities based on the Fellow’s knowledge and interests

• Delivering a public talk or in-house seminar on their research focus

• Preparing a short research paper on a topic identified in agreement with the Chair’s team

• Supporting communications and outreach efforts

• Exploring opportunities to publish their work through the Chair’s platforms, including joint publications, the Imagining Futures blog, or the journal New Global Studies

The Fellow will also be invited to engage with the broader research community at Eurac Research, participate in events, and gain insight into current interdisciplinary projects.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is Friday, December 19th, 2025 .