KB Fellowship at NIAS – Call for Applications (2026–2027)

The KB Fellowship at NIAS, established in 2025 through a collaboration between the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) and the KB National Library of the Netherlands, offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers and creative practitioners to conduct independent, innovative research at the intersection of library studies, cultural heritage, and public knowledge institutions. This fellowship is designed for projects that explore the future-oriented functionality of libraries and their role as pillars of liberal democracy, or that advance the sustainability of library services in society.

Application Deadline: 16 March 2026, 12:00 CET
Fellowship Duration: 5 months (September 2026 – January 2027)
Location: NIAS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

About the Fellowship

The KB Fellowship provides:

• Focused Research Time: 5 months of full-time residency to pursue your individual project, free from other professional obligations.

• Multidisciplinary Environment: Engage with a diverse international cohort of fellows in the humanities and social sciences, fostering collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and peer feedback.

• Access to KB Resources: Fellows are encouraged to actively make use of the KB collections, archives, and expertise, gaining insights and materials relevant to their projects.

• Support and Facilities: Includes office space at NIAS, library services, participation in academic and community programs, and practical assistance for relocation, banking, insurance, child care, schooling, and psychological support.

• Financial Support: Fellows receive a personal stipend, or for Dutch-affiliated scholars, a Dutch University Grant. Subsidized housing or reimbursed local public transportation is available where eligible.

Fellows are also encouraged to publish any resulting research under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 license, supporting open access and broad dissemination.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to scholars and creative practitioners who meet the following criteria:

• Scholars: Minimum of 3 years of research experience after obtaining a PhD.

• Creative Practitioners/Artists: Minimum of 3 years of independent artistic practice post-graduation or equivalent.

• Institutional Affiliation: Applicants may be affiliated with an academic or artistic institution, or independent.

• Language Requirements: Working language is English, and applicants must demonstrate a strong command to participate effectively in the fellows’ community.

Note: The fellowship is a full-time commitment. Fellows are expected to be present at NIAS four workdays per week to ensure full participation in the community.

Research Focus

Applicants may propose projects that:

• Address societal, practical, or international challenges relevant to libraries and cultural heritage institutions.

• Explore (digital) collections, public library services, cultural policy, or community engagement.

• Advance the understanding of the library as a public institution and democratic pillar.

• Contribute new dimensions or perspectives to the KB research agenda, including comparative and international approaches.

Benefits of the KB Fellowship

Fellows enjoy a comprehensive package designed to support their research and personal well-being:

• Stipend or Grant: Competitive financial support according to NIAS and KB standards.

• Accommodation & Transportation: Subsidized housing or reimbursed local travel costs where applicable.

• Research Infrastructure: Private office at NIAS, access to library collections, and research facilities.

• Community Engagement: Inclusion in academic and outreach programs, multidisciplinary seminars, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Professional Development: Access to mentorship, workshops, and a supportive international scholarly network.

• Open Access: Encouragement to publish research under CC-BY 4.0 for wide visibility.

Application Process

Required Documents

Applications must be submitted online and include:

1. Project Proposal: Maximum 1,500 words (excluding bibliography) detailing the research question, methodology, and relevance to the KB and broader society.

2. Academic/Artistic CV: Maximum 4 pages, including international collaborations and key publications.

3. Motivation Statement: Maximum 300 words addressing:

   • How the project relates to your current academic or artistic trajectory

   • Why this fellowship is timely for your work

Timeline

• Call Opens: 15 January 2026

• Application Deadline: 16 March 2026, 12:00 CET

• Selection Notification: Candidates will be informed after a multi-stage review process (eligibility check, KB ranking committee evaluation, NIAS Academic Advisory Board review).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Originality and Quality: Scholarly or artistic merit of the proposal.

2. Track Record: Academic/artistic performance and achievements.

3. Community Contribution: Expected participation in the NIAS fellows’ group.

4. Relevance to KB: Significance for library policies, practices, and the role of libraries in liberal democracy.

The final decision rests with the NIAS Director, ensuring a balanced cohort in terms of discipline, geographic affiliation, career stage, and gender.

About the KB National Library

Founded in 1798, the KB – National Library of the Netherlands is a leading knowledge institution dedicated to preserving, curating, and providing access to the Netherlands’ cultural and scholarly heritage. KB serves as:

• A resource for academic and non-academic research

• A hub for public information and cultural engagement

• A repository for national and digital collections

• A collaborator with technology and library development initiatives

Contact

Robert Raub, Partnership Officer
partners@nias.knaw.nl

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