The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) has officially opened its 2026 fellowship calls, inviting scholars, journalists, artists, and writers from around the world to apply for one of Europe’s most prestigious interdisciplinary research fellowships.
At a time of growing global complexity, NIAS fellowships offer something increasingly rare: time, space, and intellectual freedom. Fellows are encouraged to move beyond disciplinary silos, challenge established assumptions, and pursue bold questions whose value lies not only in immediate outcomes, but in the conversations and perspectives they generate.
About NIAS
Founded in the 1970s, NIAS was the first institute for advanced study in continental Europe and the third worldwide, following Princeton and Stanford. From its inception, NIAS has championed international, interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together thinkers across borders, disciplines, and traditions to rethink how knowledge is created and shared.
Today, NIAS continues this legacy by hosting a vibrant residential community where ideas collide, curiosity thrives, and new intellectual pathways emerge.
Who Can Apply
NIAS welcomes applications from:
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Scholars in the humanities and social sciences
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Researchers working across disciplines, including science and technology
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Journalists, artists, and writers
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Safe Haven researchers whose work has been disrupted by war, conflict, or persecution
The fellowship community reflects NIAS’ commitment to intellectual diversity, global equity, and inclusive knowledge production.
NIAS Fellowship Opportunities
NIAS offers several fellowship tracks, including both individual and partner-supported opportunities:
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NIAS Individual & Group Fellowships – For scholars conducting research in the humanities and social sciences
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KB Fellowship – Exploring the future role and sustainability of public libraries as democratic institutions
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Distinguished NIAS–Lorentz Fellowship – For scholars bridging humanities, social sciences, and natural or technological sciences
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Safe Haven Fellowship – For scholars, artists, writers, and journalists unable to work safely in their home countries
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Golestan Fellowship – For researchers in the medical or biological sciences
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Willem F. Duisenberg Fellowship – For research in applied monetary economics, macroeconomics, or public finance
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Fonds BJP Fellowship – Supporting journalists working on major projects such as books, documentaries, podcasts, or multimedia productions
Why Apply for a NIAS Fellowship
NIAS fellowships provide:
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Dedicated time and space for deep, independent research
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A fully interdisciplinary and international intellectual community
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Freedom to explore ideas without immediate pressure for outputs
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Opportunities to engage in high-level scholarly dialogue
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A supportive environment for displaced and at-risk researchers
Application Process and Deadline
To ensure a fair and rigorous selection process:
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A maximum of 216 eligible applications will be assessed
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No more than 72 applications will be accepted per category (Netherlands, Global South, Global North)
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Application deadline: 16 March 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
How to Apply
Prospective fellows can find full details and application guidelines on the NIAS website.
For questions related to the application process, contact: selection@nias.knaw.nl
For more opportunities, click here.
