Amsterdam, The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) has announced the offering of Individual Fellowships for scholars interested in pursuing independent research in the humanities and social sciences. The fellowship, based in Amsterdam, aims to foster a diverse, interdisciplinary collaborative learning community, providing new perspectives and intellectual freedom.

According to Pak NGOs, the NIAS Individual Fellowships are open to scholars both from the Netherlands and abroad, with an emphasis on enhancing academic diversity and interdisciplinarity. However, NIAS has stipulated that applicants affiliated with Russian or Belarusian universities or research institutes are not eligible for these fellowships. Russian or Belarusian nationals affiliated with research institutions outside of Russia and Belarus are, however, welcome to apply.

Eligible applicants should possess at least three years of academic experience post-PhD and propose a project relevant to the humanities or social sciences. The fellowship is also accessible to scholars without a fixed position at a university or research institute. NIAS aims to assemble a balanced group of fellows regarding academic cultures, gender, career phase, and disciplines.

Fellows, particularly those without an affiliation or from outside the Netherlands, will receive a monthly stipend of €2,500. It’s important to note that a NIAS fellowship does not equate to an employment relationship; fellows remain employees of their respective universities or research institutes or continue as self-employed researchers. Consequently, NIAS does not assume responsibility for social insurance contributions or pension or unemployment insurance.

During the fellowship, scholars are required to be physically present at NIAS for at least four days per week. They must also be largely relieved from their teaching, supervision, and administrative duties at their home institutions. Additionally, fellows are expected to attend all weekly seminars and conduct a minimum of two peer reviews of fellowship applications for NIAS during their fellowship year.

This initiative by NIAS provides a unique opportunity for scholars to immerse themselves in a stimulating academic environment, enabling them to push the boundaries of their research without the usual constraints of their regular academic duties.