The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS-KNAW) has opened applications for its Theme Group Fellowships for the 2027–2028 academic year. This prestigious residency programme invites international teams of two to four researchers to spend five consecutive months in Amsterdam collaborating on a shared research theme within the humanities and social sciences.

About the Fellowship

A NIAS Theme Group is designed to encourage deep intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. While each fellow develops an individual research project, the group works collectively on a broader, self-defined theme. The structure blends independent scholarship with sustained dialogue, creating space for innovation and cross-border academic cooperation.

The fellowship is a full residency. Selected fellows are expected to step away from regular professional obligations and dedicate themselves to research within NIAS’s multidisciplinary environment. Fellows participate in weekly seminars, communal lunches, and academic discussions that strengthen both scholarly and informal exchange.

Fellowship Duration

• Five months residency at NIAS, Amsterdam

• Academic Year: 2027–2028

• Presence required at least four days per week

Note: Due to EU sanctions, applicants affiliated with Russian or Belarusian universities or research institutes are currently ineligible.

Application Timeline

• Final decisions communicated by 15 December 2026

Selection Process

Applications undergo a multi-stage review including eligibility screening, assessment of interdisciplinary engagement and commitment, external peer review, evaluation by the NIAS Academic Advisory Board, and final selection by the NIAS Director.

The NIAS Theme Group Fellowship offers scholars a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in collaborative research while engaging with an international community of fellows in Amsterdam. It is particularly suited for researchers seeking uninterrupted time, interdisciplinary exchange, and a vibrant intellectual setting to advance innovative work in the humanities and social sciences.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 16 March 2026 (12:00 noon CET).