The University of Zurich Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 Fellowship Program, offering international scholars the opportunity to spend up to four months conducting independent research in Switzerland.
For the spring semester of 2027, CEES plans to award:
5–6 residential fellowships
to highly talented and innovative:
Young researchers
and
Mid-career scholars
working in the:
Social sciences
or
Humanities.
Research should focus on historical or contemporary topics connected to:
Eastern Europe.
Russia.
The Caucasus.
Central Asia.
The fellowship provides financial support for:
Living expenses
Travel
and
Administrative costs
during a residential research stay of up to four months.
Successful Fellows also receive access to University of Zurich libraries, workspace and other necessary CEES facilities.
The fellowship is expected to begin in:
Mid-February 2027.
Applications close on:
October 12, 2026.
About the University of Zurich CEES Fellowship
The fellowship is administered by the:
Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES)
at the:
University of Zurich.
The programme provides researchers with an opportunity to pursue independent academic work while becoming part of the interdisciplinary research community associated with CEES.
Unlike a remote research fellowship, this is specifically structured as a:
Residential fellowship.
Successful candidates are expected to conduct their research while physically based at the University of Zurich during the fellowship period.
Number of Fellowships Available
For the Spring 2027 semester, CEES is offering approximately:
5–6 residential fellowships.
This means the programme is selective.
Candidates should therefore submit carefully developed applications demonstrating both the quality of their previous academic work and the relevance of their proposed research to the CEES programme.
Fellowship Duration
The CEES Fellowship is normally structured as a:
Four-month fellowship
covering one academic semester.
For Spring 2027, the research period can last:
Up to four months
beginning in:
Mid-February 2027.
The exact length of an individual fellowship may therefore depend on the approved research programme and arrangements with CEES.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for:
Highly talented and innovative young or mid-career scholars.
Candidates should come from:
Social sciences
or:
Humanities
backgrounds.
Applicants must also have an appropriate research focus connected to the geographical and thematic areas covered by CEES.
Important Home-University Requirement
There is a particularly important eligibility condition applicants should notice.
CEES states that it can only consider candidates who are:
Enrolled
or:
Employed
at their:
Home university.
Researchers who have no current enrollment or employment relationship with a home university should therefore carefully check their eligibility before applying.
Research Areas
CEES welcomes research proposals addressing historical or contemporary topics connected with:
Eastern Europe
Russia
The Caucasus
or
Central Asia.
The fellowship is therefore relevant to scholars from multiple academic disciplines, provided their proposed research fits within this regional framework.
Priority Topics for Spring 2027
Although CEES welcomes proposals covering a broad range of relevant subjects, it has identified several areas of particular interest for the Spring 2027 cohort.
The Center is especially interested in applications dealing with:
Geopolitical trends
Economic connectivity
Transnational social issues
and/or:
Transnational cultural issues
related to:
The South Caucasus region.
Candidates working in these areas may therefore find particularly strong alignment with the Spring 2027 call.
However, these are priority interests rather than an indication that other eligible research themes are excluded.
Independent Research
The CEES Fellow is expected to spend the fellowship pursuing:
Independent research.
Applicants should therefore arrive with a clearly defined project that can make meaningful progress during a relatively short residential research period.
The research proposal will be an important component of demonstrating that the project is realistic and academically significant.
Participation in CEES Activities
The fellowship is not designed simply to provide funding for researchers to work independently without interacting with the host institution.
Fellows are expected to:
Participate actively in the scholarly activities of CEES.
This gives researchers opportunities to engage with academics and specialists from different disciplinary backgrounds.
Access to University Libraries
Successful Fellows receive access to:
Relevant libraries
at the University of Zurich.
This can be particularly valuable for projects requiring academic literature, specialist collections and other research resources.
Interdisciplinary Research Community
Fellows will have access to the:
Interdisciplinary community of experts
associated with CEES.
Researchers can therefore use the fellowship period not only to advance their own projects but also to develop new academic connections and exchange ideas with scholars working on related issues.
Workspace Provided
CEES provides Fellows with:
Workspace
and:
Other necessary facilities
during the fellowship.
This gives successful candidates an institutional research base throughout their stay in Zurich.
Presentation Requirement
Fellows are expected to contribute academically to the CEES community.
During the fellowship, each researcher is expected to hold a:
Lecture
Seminar
or:
Workshop
related to their research topic.
This allows Fellows to present their work, receive feedback and exchange ideas with the wider academic community.
Publication Requirement
CEES also expects Fellows to:
Publish their findings
through one of the:
CEES publication outlets.
Applicants should therefore consider how the proposed research can generate a publishable output.
The programme combines research development with knowledge dissemination.
Fellowship Funding
The University of Zurich states that funding includes a:
Stipend for living expenses
during the research stay.
Funding also includes:
Travel costs
and:
Administrative costs.
These benefits apply during the approved fellowship period of up to four months.
Is There a Fixed Monthly Stipend?
The official Spring 2027 call does not specify a fixed monthly stipend amount in the information provided.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial websites that quote a specific CHF amount unless that figure can be confirmed through CEES.
What the official announcement establishes is that funding includes:
Living expenses
Travel
and
Administrative costs
for the fellowship period.
Does the Fellowship Cover Travel?
Yes.
The official call explicitly states that funding includes:
Travel costs.
Applicants should nevertheless check with CEES regarding eligible travel expenses, reimbursement procedures and any applicable limits.
Does CEES Provide Accommodation?
The fellowship information does not state that successful candidates receive:
Free accommodation.
Instead, CEES says that it will:
Help the Fellow find housing in the Zurich area.
This distinction is important.
Housing assistance should not be interpreted as confirmation that rent or accommodation is provided free of charge.
The stipend for living expenses may be intended to contribute toward costs during the Fellow’s stay, but applicants should verify the financial arrangements directly with CEES.
Is This a Fully Funded Fellowship?
The programme provides funding for three important categories:
Living expenses
Travel
and:
Administrative costs.
It also provides:
Workspace.
Library access.
Necessary research facilities.
Housing-search assistance.
This represents a substantial funded research package.
However, because the official call does not specify the stipend amount or state that every possible cost is covered, the safest description is:
A funded residential research fellowship covering living, travel and administrative costs.
Applicants should avoid assuming that every expense associated with living in Switzerland will automatically be reimbursed.
Is the Fellowship Remote?
No.
The CEES programme is explicitly described as a:
Residential fellowship.
The Fellow is expected to conduct independent research:
In residency
at the University of Zurich.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to relocate temporarily to Zurich for the approved fellowship period.
Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a:
Research proposal of 3–5 pages.
The proposal should clearly explain:
The research problem.
Research questions.
Background.
Methodology.
Research objectives.
Relevance to CEES.
Expected outcomes.
Potential contribution to existing scholarship.
Candidates should also demonstrate that the project can make meaningful progress during a fellowship lasting no more than four months.
Letter of Motivation
A:
Letter of motivation
is required.
The letter provides candidates with an opportunity to explain why they are interested in the CEES Fellowship and why the University of Zurich is a suitable environment for their proposed research.
A strong motivation letter can connect:
Previous academic work.
Current research interests.
The proposed project.
CEES expertise.
Expected benefits of the residential fellowship.
Future research objectives.
Curriculum Vitae
Candidates must submit a:
Curriculum Vitae.
The CV must include a:
List of publications.
Researchers should therefore make their academic and research achievements easy for reviewers to assess.
Relevant sections may include:
Education.
Academic appointments.
Research experience.
Publications.
Conference presentations.
Research grants.
Awards.
Teaching.
Languages.
Relevant professional experience.
Writing Sample
Applicants must provide a:
Short writing sample
in English.
The writing sample can be approximately:
Article
or:
Book chapter
length.
Candidates should select a piece that demonstrates their strongest academic research and writing capabilities.
Workshop Proposal
Applicants also need to submit a:
Short proposal for a workshop
that could be held at CEES.
This requirement reflects the programme’s emphasis on intellectual exchange.
The workshop proposal should ideally connect with the applicant’s research while also being relevant to the wider CEES scholarly community.
Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide:
Two letters of recommendation
or:
Names of two referees.
Candidates should select academic referees who understand their research and can comment meaningfully on their:
Research ability.
Academic achievements.
Research independence.
Proposed project.
Potential contribution to CEES.
Application Language
All application materials must be prepared in:
English.
This includes the documents listed in the call.
Candidates should carefully proofread their application before submission.
One PDF Requirement
The application materials must be combined into:
A single PDF document.
Applicants should therefore organize their materials logically and ensure that all pages are readable before submitting the application.
A sensible order would be:
Letter of motivation.
Research proposal.
CV and publications.
Writing sample.
Workshop proposal.
Reference information.
Applicants should follow any more specific ordering instructions provided by CEES if available.
How to Apply
Complete applications must be sent directly to:
CEES at the University of Zurich
using the email address specified in the official fellowship announcement.
Applicants should use a professional subject line clearly identifying the Spring 2027 Fellowship application and their name.
All required documents should be combined into the single PDF requested by CEES.
Application Deadline
The deadline is:
October 12, 2026.
Candidates should submit well before the deadline where possible.
Because several documents are required—including recommendation letters or referee information, a research proposal and writing sample—applicants should begin preparing early.
Application Checklist
Before submitting, candidates should ensure their application contains:
Letter of motivation
Research proposal — 3–5 pages
Curriculum Vitae including publication list
Short English writing sample
Short workshop proposal
Two recommendation letters or names of two referees
All materials should be:
Written in English
and submitted as:
One PDF document.
Important Details at a Glance
Institution: University of Zurich
Host: Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES)
Programme: CEES Fellowship Program
Cohort: Spring 2027
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Type: Residential Research Fellowship
Number of Fellowships: 5–6
Duration: Up to four months
Starting Period: Mid-February 2027
Career Level: Young and mid-career scholars
Fields: Social Sciences and Humanities
Regional Focus: Eastern Europe, Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia
Spring 2027 Priority: South Caucasus-related geopolitical, economic, social and cultural issues
Living Expenses: Funded
Travel Costs: Funded
Administrative Costs: Funded
Workspace: Provided
Library Access: Provided
Housing: CEES assists with finding housing
Free Accommodation: Not explicitly stated
Fixed Stipend Amount: Not specified in the official call
Home University: Applicant must be enrolled or employed there
Application Language: English
Research Proposal: 3–5 pages
Writing Sample: Required
Workshop Proposal: Required
References: Two letters or two referee names
Application Format: Single PDF
Deadline: October 12, 2026
Who Should Consider Applying?
The CEES Fellowship may be particularly suitable for researchers working in:
Political science.
International relations.
History.
Sociology.
Anthropology.
Economics.
Cultural studies.
Area studies.
Eastern European studies.
Russian studies.
Central Asian studies.
Caucasus studies.
Migration.
Geopolitics.
Transnational studies.
Social change.
Cultural relations.
Economic connectivity.
Candidates from other social-science and humanities disciplines may also be eligible when their research clearly relates to the programme’s geographical focus.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A competitive application should demonstrate a clear connection between:
The applicant’s previous research.
The proposed project.
The CEES research environment.
The regional focus of the programme.
Candidates should avoid submitting a generic proposal that could be carried out equally well at any university.
Instead, explain specifically why a residential period at the:
University of Zurich
and engagement with:
CEES
would advance the proposed research.
Show That the Project Is Feasible
Four months is relatively short for a substantial research project.
Applicants should therefore present realistic objectives.
Rather than proposing an entire multi-year research programme, candidates can identify a defined component capable of producing meaningful results during the fellowship.
The work plan should demonstrate that the Fellow can use the residential period productively.
Connect With the Spring 2027 Priorities
Researchers working on the South Caucasus should pay particular attention to the stated Spring 2027 interests.
Relevant themes include:
Geopolitical developments.
Economic connectivity.
Cross-border relationships.
Migration.
Transnational social networks.
Cultural exchange.
Regional economic integration.
Identity.
Conflict and cooperation.
Applicants should still develop their own original research questions rather than simply repeating the language of the call.
Demonstrate Academic Engagement
The fellowship expects Fellows to participate actively in CEES activities.
Candidates can strengthen their applications by showing previous experience with:
Academic seminars.
Workshops.
Conference presentations.
Interdisciplinary research.
Research networks.
Publications.
Collaborative projects.
The workshop proposal is another opportunity to demonstrate the ability to contribute to the CEES community.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
The University of Zurich CEES Fellowship 2027 combines independent research with an immersive academic environment in Switzerland.
Successful researchers receive support for:
Living expenses.
Travel.
Administrative costs.
They also receive access to:
Workspace.
University libraries.
Research facilities.
An interdisciplinary network of scholars.
The fellowship allows young and mid-career researchers to dedicate up to four months to research while developing academic connections with scholars specializing in Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia.
For researchers whose work addresses the South Caucasus, the Spring 2027 call may be especially relevant because CEES has specifically identified geopolitical, economic, social and cultural issues in this region as areas of particular interest.
Final Considerations
The University of Zurich CEES Fellowship 2027 offers 5–6 residential fellowships for young and mid-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities.
Successful Fellows can spend up to:
Four months
at the University of Zurich beginning in:
Mid-February 2027.
Research should address historical or contemporary questions connected to:
Eastern Europe.
Russia.
The Caucasus.
Central Asia.
For Spring 2027, CEES is particularly interested in research relating to the:
South Caucasus
and themes involving:
Geopolitics.
Economic connectivity.
Transnational social issues.
Transnational cultural issues.
Funding includes:
A stipend for living expenses
Travel costs
and:
Administrative costs.
Fellows also receive workspace, library access and access to other necessary CEES facilities.
Applicants should remember that this is a residential fellowship rather than a remote programme.
Another major eligibility condition is that applicants must currently be:
Enrolled or employed at their home university.
Complete applications must be prepared in English and submitted as one PDF containing the required motivation letter, 3–5 page research proposal, CV with publication list, writing sample, workshop proposal and reference information.
Applications close:
October 12, 2026.
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