The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded research opportunity for scholars and cultural professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean. Jointly offered by the Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study, this program provides a six-month residency in Germany focused on interdisciplinary research.
Hosted across Hamburg and Kassel, the fellowship supports high-level academic work addressing critical global and regional challenges. The program is funded by German research initiatives (Merian Centres) and offers a comprehensive package including stipend, accommodation, travel, insurance, and research costs.
CALAS-HIAS Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly stipend (estimated €2,500 – €3,500)
- Accommodation in Germany
- Health insurance
- Visa support
- Return airfare
- Research workspace and library access
CALAS-HIAS Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a PhD (postdoctoral level or above)
- Demonstrate international academic visibility
- Have relevant publications in the field
- Be proficient in English and Spanish
- Submit a strong interdisciplinary research proposal
Required Documents
- Cover letter (aligned with fellowship themes)
- Academic CV (max 2 pages, up to 15 publications)
- Research proposal (max 2,000 words)
- Course proposal (for teaching at Kassel)
- PhD certificate
Note: All documents must be submitted in PDF format (English).
Selection Criteria
Selection is highly competitive and based on:
- Academic excellence and research track record
- Interdisciplinary strength of the proposal
- Alignment with fellowship themes
- Feasibility of research plan
- Quality of teaching/course proposal
Available Subjects
The 2026–27 fellowship prioritizes interdisciplinary research on:
- Authoritarianism and democratic backsliding
- Feminism and anti-feminist rhetoric
- Extractivism and political economy
- Cultural and artistic regression
Note: Proposals connecting at least two themes are strongly preferred.
How to Apply for CALAS-HIAS Fellowship?
- Complete the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
- Prepare all required documents in English, including your motivation letter explaining how your project fits the fellowship theme and your research goals.
- Attach a two-page CV highlighting your academic background, relevant publications, and teaching experience.
- Submit a detailed research proposal with a clear timeline, work plan, and references, showing originality and interdisciplinary potential.
- Provide the name of a potential academic cooperation partner from a HIAS member institution in Hamburg. Include a short proposal for an interdisciplinary course you plan to teach at Bielefeld University.
- Upload copies of your most recent academic degree certificates.
- Review your application carefully to ensure all documents are complete and meet the requirements before submission.
- Submit your application before the deadline, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship is a 6-month research programme in Germany for postdoctoral scholars focusing on Latinx studies. It offers funding, research support, and teaching opportunities, with selection based on academic excellence, interdisciplinary work, and engagement.
What is the CALAS-HIAS Fellowship 2026?
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship is a research programme in Germany for scholars, scientists, and artists focusing on Latinx cultures in the United States. It supports interdisciplinary projects exploring past, present, and future aspects of Latinx identities, offering a structured research environment across Hamburg and Bielefeld.
Who can apply for the CALAS-HIAS Fellowship?
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship is open to researchers from all Latin American countries at the postdoctoral level and beyond. Applicants must be internationally recognized, demonstrate originality, and show willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and public academic activities.
What is the duration of the CALAS-HIAS Fellowship?
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship lasts 6 months, from February to July 2027.
What are the research themes for the 2026-27 fellowship?
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship prioritizes interdisciplinary research on authoritarianism and democratic backsliding, feminism and anti-feminist rhetoric, extractivism and political economy, and cultural and artistic regression.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include a cover letter, academic CV (max 2 pages), research proposal (max 2,000 words), course proposal for teaching at Kassel, and PhD certificate. All documents must be in PDF format in English.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 17 May 2026, with results announced in mid-July 2026 and the fellowship starting on 1 February 2027.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must hold a PhD (postdoctoral level or above), demonstrate international academic visibility, have relevant publications, be proficient in English and Spanish, and submit a strong interdisciplinary research proposal.
What benefits does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend (estimated €2,500-€3,500), accommodation in Germany, health insurance, visa support, return airfare, and research workspace and library access.
Can exceptional artists without a PhD apply?
Yes, exceptional artists and cultural professionals without a PhD may also apply for the CALAS-HIAS Fellowship.
What is the program structure?
The CALAS-HIAS Fellowship is divided into two phases: 4 months at Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (February-May 2027) and 2 months at University of Kassel (June-July 2027).
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
