Who can apply? 

UvA researchers or researchers from another university at any career stage can apply for a research fellowship.  

We explicitly welcome joint applications from small teams of researchers and are mindful of the importance of (gender) diversity within IAS. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. 

Requirements:

• PhD degree;
• applicants currently employed by other institutions than UvA need a committed co-applicant within the UvA who wants to structurally collaborate with the fellow.  Co-applicants are UvA employees at (Assitant/Associate) Professor level;
• an employment contract at an university or research institute for the entire duration of the research fellowship;
• curiosity and a collaborative mindset.  

What we offer 

Research fellowships typically have a duration of 2-5 months, depending on availability as well as possible visa limitations, with the possibility of extension.  

For research fellows employed by UvA, time at IAS is organised as an in-kind arrangement with their department. This can take the form of spending sabbatical time at IAS or other arrangements (e.g. using a research grant). 

Research fellows employed by other institutions (non-UvA fellows) enjoy guest status; they are not employed by the IAS.  

For non-UvA fellows who relocate to Amsterdam for the duration of the research fellowship, IAS provides a needs-based compensation for your expenses (travel, accommodation, etc). They are responsible for paying tax to the Tax and Customs Administration of the Netherlands (Belastingdienst) or to the tax authorities of the country in which they are liable to pay taxes. 

All research fellows will get access to: 

• a regular working space at IAS;  
• a vibrant community with many opportunities to develop novel research projects and methodologies, and to establish partnerships and networks;
• participation in community lunches and events 
• organisational support to (co)organize and publicize activities at IAS (such as workshops, think tanks, seminars);
• small amount of seed funding to support their project (e.g. for student assistance, inviting international guests, publication support).

What we expect 

The IAS consists of a curiosity-driven research community.  

All research fellows are expected to:

• be present at IAS at least 3 days a week;
• collaborate with their co-applicant;
• actively engage with the wider IAS community; 
• participate in IAS social and scientific activities; 
• contribute to IAS’ programming (e.g. through a kick-off lecture);
• acknowledge IAS in any publications resulting from the research fellowship; 
• write a short blogpost within four weeks after the end of the research fellowship.

Selection criteria 

• fit within IAS’ mission and research themes; 
• academic trackrecord, taking into account the career stage of the applicant;
• perspective on/experience with interdisciplinary research collaboration.

The number of available research fellowships is limited. In the selection process we will therefore also consider how an applicant’s profile and proposal fits with the other research activities and the overall composition of the research fellowship cohort. 

Process and Timelines 

Research fellowship applications are assessed by the IAS Board of Associates, who advises the IAS Director. While we welcome applications at any moment throughout the year, ideal starting dates for research fellowships at IAS are February and September. Please note, that IAS is not able to host international fellows during the summer break. Kindly consider this in your planning and timeline. Our Board of Associates meets three times a year to assess applications: January, May and October.  

To apply, please send an email to ias@uva.nl and include: 

1. the application form; 
2. CV; 
3. a letter of support from your employer/supervisor.

In the context of the IAS theme governance of complexity, we are launching a special fellowship modality: the Policy Fellowship.

Climate change, inequality, health, polarization, changing international orders: the challenges we face are numerous. Policymakers are not only confronted with complex issues, in a multi-actor, multi-level and multi-issue world but the governance of these problems has itself become a complex issue. To understand and to promote the interaction between science, research, and policymaking, governments, industries, non-governmental organisations and academia need to collaborate and design new modes of governance, regulation and decision-making that stimulate imagination and cooperation.

Who can apply?

Policy Fellows are:

• professionals and practitioners who work in the public sector, industry or non-profit environment and are involved in (applied) research;
• engaged/interested in research activities within IAS’ mission and actively connecting with, contributing to and benefiting from IAS’ research community;
• seconded to IAS by their employer for the duration of the policy fellowship, typically for at least 6 months (for the sending organization employing the Policy Fellow, no additional costs are incurred).

What we offer?

• a vibrant community with many opportunities to develop novel research projects and methodologies, and to establish partnerships and networks;
• a regular (open) workspace at IAS;
• participation in community lunches and events;
• organisational support to (co)organize and publicize activities at IAS (such as workshops, think tanks, seminars);
• small amount of seed funding to support their project (e.g. for student assistance, inviting international guests, publication support).

What we expect

The IAS consists of a curiosity-driven research community.

In this atmosphere, Policy Fellows will:

• work on research methodologies, explore new research topics and/or establish new networks and partnerships;
• be curious to learn more from current cutting-edge research projects, to share their own expertise with our community, and to be willing to explore new forms of collaboration between academia, governments, businesses, and societal organisations
• be present at IAS on a regular basis and participate in IAS social and scientific activities
• contribute to IAS’ programming (e.g. through a kick-off lecture/workshop)
• acknowledge IAS in any publications resulting from the policy fellowship;
• write a short blogpost within four weeks after the end of the policy fellowship.

Selection criteria

• Co-application with external stakeholder that employs the fellow (e.g. Ministry, Municipality, Industry, Non-profit, Museum)
• Affinity/experience with research (PhD is not a requirement)
• Availability to spend time at IAS (at a minimum 1 day a week)
• Ability to bridge research and practice with likely impact beyond the policy fellowship
• Clear embedding in ongoing/to be developed IAS research activities, matching with IAS community members possible

Process and Timelines 

Policy fellowship applications are assessed by the IAS Board of Associates, who advises the IAS Director. While we welcome applications at any moment throughout the year, ideal starting dates for policy fellowships at IAS are February and September. Please note, that IAS is not able to host international fellows during the summer break. Kindly consider this in your planning and timeline. Our Board of Associates meets three times a year to assess applications: January, May and October. 

To apply, please send an email to ias@uva.nl and include: 

1. the application form; 
2. CV; 
3. a letter of support from your employer/supervisor.