Opening space for bold ideas: NIAS fellowship calls now open

In a time of complex global challenges, these fellowships are more important than ever: they create space to move beyond comfort zones, question assumptions, and pursue ideas unbound by immediate utility. At NIAS, the value of research is not measured primarily by immediate outcomes but by the questions it provokes, the perspectives it reveals, and the conversations it sparks.

The fellows include Safe Haven researchers: scholars whose work has been disrupted by war, conflict or persecution. Their presence signals a form of intellectual life that is grounded in the world, alert to its pressures, and free in its thinking.

The calls are an invitation to inhabit a space where curiosity reigns, creativity flourishes, and the boundaries of knowledge expand – one bold question at a time.

Founded in the 1970s, NIAS was the first institute for advanced study in continental Europe and the third globally, following Princeton and Stanford. At a time when academia was siloed and national in scope, NIAS brought together scholars from different disciplines and countries to rethink boundaries – a mission it continues to uphold.

The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) offers a wealth of fellowships. Besides the NIAS individual and group fellowships for scholars who wish to carry out research in the humanities and the social sciences, we offer several fellowships in cooperation with our partners:

• The new KB Fellowship allows researchers to explore topics related to the future role of public libraries and how they can remain sustainable as democratic institutions.
• Distinguished NIAS Lorentz Fellowship: for scholars bridging the humanities, social sciences and natural or technological sciences.
• Safe Haven Fellowship: for scholars, artists, writers and journalists unable to work in their home countries due to conflict or war.
• The Golestan Fellowship is aimed at researchers from the medical or biological sciences.
• Willem F. Duisenberg Fellowship: for researchers in the field of applied monetary economics, macro-economics or public finance.
• The Fonds BJP Fellowship allows journalists to devote themselves to a substantial journalistic project—such as a non-fiction book, series of articles, podcast, documentary, or multimedia production.

To maintain sound selection procedures, a maximum of 216 eligible applications will be assessed for the NIAS Individual Fellowship call. In line with NIAS’ commitment to achieving an equal number of fellows from the Netherlands, the Global South, and the Global North, no more than 72 eligible applications will be admitted in each of the categories. The call opens on 15 January 2026 and closes on 16 March 2026 at 12:00 noon CET. Applicants are strongly urged to submit early to secure consideration.

Whether or not this opportunity is right for you, we warmly encourage you to share it with your network – good opportunities grow stronger when they circulate. Any questions about applying for a fellowship can be addressed to selection@nias.knaw.nl.