The Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship is a fully funded program hosted by the Department of Anthropology, Universitas Indonesia, supported by Gerda Henkel Stiftung. It invites mid-career scholars from Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) and Africa to challenge colonial legacies and reimagine humanities from a Global South perspective.
The fellowship is designed to counter structural inequities in global scholarship by championing South-to-South epistemological exchange. Fellows will be based at Universitas Indonesia for 6-12 months, engaging in research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination to mainstream decolonial thinking.
Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly stipend for fellows to cover living costs in Indonesia.
- Visa fees and research stay permit processing.
- Travel costs for international flights (reimbursed up to limit).
- Reimbursement for research-related materials and supplies.
- Grant support for the fellow’s first child under age 18.
- Grant support for each additional child under age 18.
- Family support including two return trips (family allowance).
Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Mid-career scholars based in academic institutions within Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) and African countries.
- Scholars with established connections to the Gerda Henkel Foundation network are particularly encouraged.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing decolonial approaches in the humanities.
- Applicants must be committed to fostering scholarly collaboration across the Global South.
Available Subjects
- Anthropology
- History
- Philosophy
- Cultural Studies
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Fellowship Activities
Selected fellows will actively contribute to academic life at Universitas Indonesia by:
- Conducting independent research
- Participating in collaborative research projects
- Delivering two colloquiums
- Producing at least one working paper
- Leading seminars or workshops
- Contributing to publications or public dissemination activities
This fellowship is designed for scholars who are interested not only in research funding but also in meaningful academic collaboration and intellectual exchange.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship addresses inequalities in global knowledge production by supporting scholars from regions that are often underrepresented in academic research.
It helps scholars:
- Expand their international research networks
- Develop regionally grounded research perspectives
- Strengthen academic publications
- Engage in decolonial scholarship leadership
- Promote non-Western knowledge frameworks
This makes the fellowship an important platform for scholars seeking to influence global academic discourse through perspectives rooted in the Global South.
How to Apply for Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship
- Submit an expression of interest outlining academic background and proposed research focus.
- Send application materials via email to [email protected] with subject line: ‘Application – Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship – Full Name’.
- Include a current academic CV detailing institutional affiliation, research experience, publications, and relevant academic activities.
- Include a research proposal (5 pages maximum) describing the research project, including objectives, conceptual approach, and expected outputs.
- Optionally include one recent writing sample (publication or manuscript) related to the research area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship?
It is a fully funded fellowship hosted by the Department of Anthropology, Universitas Indonesia, supported by Gerda Henkel Stiftung. It invites mid-career scholars from Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) and Africa to conduct decolonial humanities research for 6-12 months.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Mid-career scholars based in academic institutions in Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) and African countries are eligible. Preference is given to those with connections to the Gerda Henkel Foundation network.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline is 30 April 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7).
What benefits does the fellowship provide?
Benefits include a monthly stipend, visa fee coverage, international flight reimbursement, research material reimbursement, and family support grants for children under 18.
How long is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship spans 6 to 12 months, during which fellows are based at Universitas Indonesia.
What are the required application materials?
Applicants must submit a CV, a research proposal (max 5 pages), and optionally a writing sample. All documents should be emailed to [email protected].
What is the focus of the research?
Research should challenge colonial legacies and reimagine foundational concepts in the humanities from a Global South perspective, advancing decolonial thought.
How are fellows selected?
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee based on academic merit, relevance to the program’s agenda, and potential for collaboration with UI and partner institutions.
Can fellows bring their families?
Yes, the fellowship includes family support, such as two return trips and grants for children under 18.
What are the expected outcomes of the fellowship?
Expected outcomes include scholarly publications, teaching modules, public colloquia, and strengthened institutional links between Southeast Asia and Africa.
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