The CEES Fellowship Program 2027 in Switzerland offers an excellent opportunity for talented young and mid-career scholars to spend up to four months conducting independent research at the University of Zurich. The residential fellowship is designed for researchers working in the social sciences or humanities on historical or contemporary issues related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

For Spring 2027, the fellowship places particular emphasis on geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational social and cultural issues related to the South Caucasus. Selected fellows will become part of the scholarly community at the Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES), participate in academic activities, present their research, and work toward publishing their findings through CEES outlets.

CEES Fellowship Program 2027 Overview

The CEES Fellowship is offered by the Center for Eastern European Studies at the University of Zurich. The Spring 2027 fellowship is a residential research opportunity lasting up to four months, or one semester, beginning in mid-February 2027.

During their stay, fellows will pursue independent research while engaging with CEES scholars and activities. They are also expected to present a workshop based on their research and publish their findings through CEES publication outlets.

This makes the programme particularly suitable for researchers who want dedicated time for academic work while benefiting from an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

CEES Fellowship Program Benefits

The CEES Fellowship Program in Switzerland provides financial and academic support to selected fellows. The benefits listed in the fellowship information include:

• A stipend for living expenses for up to four months
• Travel and administrative costs in Switzerland
• Access to relevant libraries
• Access to the interdisciplinary CEES expert community
• A workspace and other necessary facilities
• Assistance from CEES in finding accommodation in the Zurich area

The fellowship therefore combines financial assistance with access to research resources and an academic environment at the University of Zurich.

CEES Fellowship Program Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements before preparing their applications.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for highly talented and innovative young or mid-career scholars working in the social sciences or humanities. Their research must focus on historical or contemporary topics connected to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

For Spring 2027, preference is particularly relevant to research examining:

• Geopolitical trends
• Economic connectivity
• Transnational social issues
• Transnational cultural issues
• Issues related to the South Caucasus region

Applicants must also be enrolled or employed at their home university. Independent researchers who are not affiliated with a university are therefore not eligible based on the provided requirements.

How to Apply for the CEES Fellowship Program 2027

Applicants should prepare all required documents carefully before submission.

Required Application Documents

A complete application should include:

• A letter of motivation.
• A 3–5 page research proposal.
• A curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
• A short writing sample, such as an article or book chapter.
• A short proposal for a presentation to be held at CEES.
• Two letters of recommendation or the names of two referees.
• All application materials combined into one PDF document.

The application materials should be written in English. The completed PDF should be submitted by email to cees@isos.uzh.ch no later than October 12, 2026.

Official application: CEES Fellowship Program 2027 application call

What Will CEES Fellows Do?

Selected fellows are expected to make active use of their residential period. Alongside independent research, fellows participate in CEES scholarly activities and contribute to the academic community.

They are expected to hold a workshop presentation related to their research and publish their findings through one of the CEES publication outlets. This makes the fellowship more than a funding opportunity. It provides researchers with an environment for developing, discussing, and sharing scholarly work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CEES Fellowship?

The Spring 2027 fellowship lasts up to four months, equivalent to one semester, and starts in mid-February 2027.

What research areas are prioritized?

The programme gives particular attention to geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational social or cultural issues concerning the South Caucasus.

What does the fellowship provide?

Benefits include a living-expense stipend, travel and administrative costs in Switzerland, library access, workspace, access to CEES experts, and assistance with finding housing in Zurich.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 12, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application as a single PDF by email.

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