CEES Fellowship Program supports residential research stays for highly talented young or mid-career scholars. The CEES Fellowship invites applicants working on historical or contemporary topics related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia, with a particular interest in geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational issues related to the South Caucasus for Spring 2027.
The program is offered by the Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich. Fellows spend up to four months in residence (one semester), pursue independent research, participate in CEES scholarly activities, present a workshop, and are expected to publish findings in CEES publication outlets.
CEES Fellowship Program Benefits
- A stipend for living expenses during the period of stay of up to four months
- Travel and administrative costs in Switzerland
- Access to relevant libraries and the interdisciplinary community of experts associated with the CEES
- Use of a workspace and other necessary facilities at the CEES
- Assistance from CEES in finding housing in the Zurich area
CEES Fellowship Program Eligibility Criteria
- Highly talented and innovative young or mid-career scholars in the social sciences or humanities
- Research focus on historical or contemporary topics related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia
- For Spring 2027, particular interest in geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and/or transnational social or cultural issues related to the South Caucasus region
- Applicants must be enrolled or employed at their home university
How to Apply for CEES Fellowship Program?
- Prepare a letter of motivation
- Prepare a research proposal (3–5 pages)
- Include a curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
- Provide a short writing sample (article or book chapter length)
- Provide a short proposal for a presentation to be held at CEES
- Include two letters of recommendation and/or names of two referees
- Combine all materials into a single PDF document and send to: [email protected] by October 12, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the CEES Fellowship Program. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the spring 2027 residential fellowship at the University of Zurich.
What is the CEES Fellowship Program duration for Spring 2027?
The CEES Fellowship Program for Spring 2027 is a residential fellowship set up as a period of up to four months (one semester), starting in mid-February 2027, during which fellows pursue independent research in residence at the University of Zurich and participate in CEES activities.
Who is eligible to apply for the CEES Fellowship Program?
Eligible applicants are highly talented and innovative young or mid-career scholars from the social sciences or humanities with research focused on Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia. Applicants must be enrolled or employed at their home university to be considered.
What research topics are prioritized for Spring 2027?
While CEES welcomes proposals on all topics related to Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia, Spring 2027 prioritizes scholars interested in geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational social and cultural issues related to the South Caucasus region.
What funding and support does the fellowship provide?
Funding includes a stipend for living expenses for up to four months, coverage for travel and administrative costs in Switzerland, access to libraries and CEES experts, a workspace and necessary facilities, and assistance finding housing in the Zurich area.
What materials are required for the application?
A complete application must include a letter of motivation; a 3–5 page research proposal; a CV with publications list; a short writing sample (article or book chapter length); a short proposal for a CEES presentation; and two letters of recommendation or names of two referees, combined into a single PDF.
How and where should I submit my application?
All materials should be written in English and combined into a single PDF document. Submit the PDF by email to [email protected]. The deadline for submission is October 12, 2026.
Are fellows expected to participate in CEES events?
Yes. Fellows are expected to pursue independent research in residency, participate actively in CEES scholarly activities, hold a workshop presentation on their research topic, and publish findings in one of the CEES publication outlets.
Can independent researchers or unaffiliated scholars apply?
No. The CEES can only consider applicants who are enrolled or employed at their home university, so independent unaffiliated applicants are not eligible based on the provided information.
Which languages should application materials be in?
All application materials should be written in English, as specified in the application instructions for the CEES Fellowship program for Spring 2027.
Where can I find more information about the fellowship program?
Further information about the CEES Fellowship Program, its structure, and support is available on the CEES website: https://www.cees.uzh.ch/de/Fellowship-Program.html. The program is funded by the Department of History and supported by the University of Zurich.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
