The Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich has opened applications for its Spring 2027 Fellowship Program, offering 5–6 residential fellowship opportunities to highly talented and innovative young and mid-career scholars working in the social sciences or humanities. The fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers to spend up to four months in Zurich from mid-February 2027, pursuing independent research while becoming part of an interdisciplinary academic community focused on Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia. For the Spring 2027 cohort, CEES is particularly interested in applications from scholars researching geopolitical trends, economic connectivity, and transnational social or cultural issues related to the South Caucasus region. However, proposals addressing other historical or contemporary topics connected to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia are also welcome. The fellowship provides financial support for living expenses, travel and administrative costs in Switzerland, together with workspace, library access and other facilities at CEES. About the CEES Fellowship Program The CEES Fellowship Program is structured as a four-month residential fellowship at the University of Zurich, allowing selected scholars to dedicate time to their independent research in a stimulating academic environment. During their residency, fellows are expected to actively participate in the scholarly activities of the Center for Eastern European Studies and engage with researchers and experts associated with CEES. The program is designed not only to provide researchers with time and resources to advance their projects, but also to encourage intellectual exchange. Fellows will have access to relevant University of Zurich libraries and an interdisciplinary network of specialists working on Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia. Each fellow will also be expected to deliver a workshop presentation on their research topic during the fellowship. In addition, fellows are expected to publish their research findings through one of the CEES publication outlets. This combination of independent research, academic engagement, presentation and publication provides fellows with an opportunity to strengthen both their research projects and academic profile. CEES Fellowship Program: Research Areas for Spring 2027 CEES welcomes research proposals covering a broad range of historical and contemporary subjects related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. For the Spring 2027 fellowship cycle, however, the Center has identified several areas of particular interest. Applicants researching geopolitical trends in the South Caucasus are encouraged to apply. The region has become increasingly important in discussions surrounding international relations, regional security and shifting geopolitical dynamics. CEES is also interested in research examining economic connectivity, including questions related to regional economic relationships, networks and changing forms of connectivity. Another priority area involves transnational social and cultural issues related to the South Caucasus. This may provide opportunities for scholars investigating cross-border communities, migration, culture, identity, social networks and other transnational developments. Researchers whose projects fall outside these priority areas can still apply, provided their work has a clear connection to the broader geographical and thematic scope of the CEES Fellowship Program. CEES Fellowship Program: Fellowship Benefits and Support Selected fellows will receive a stipend to cover living expenses for the period of their stay of up to four months. Funding also covers travel and administrative costs in Switzerland, helping fellows manage the costs associated with undertaking their research residency. In addition to financial support, fellows will receive access to relevant libraries and have use of a workspace and other necessary facilities at CEES. The Center will also assist successful fellows with finding housing in the Zurich area, providing practical support as researchers prepare for their residential stay. The fellowship therefore combines financial assistance with access to academic infrastructure and an international research environment. CEES Fellowship Program: Who Can Apply? The CEES Fellowship is aimed at young and mid-career scholars working in the social sciences or humanities. Applicants should have a research focus connected to the fellowship’s geographical scope, including Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia. Both historical and contemporary research topics can be considered. An important eligibility condition is that applicants must be enrolled or employed at their home university. CEES can only consider applicants who meet this requirement. Candidates should demonstrate a strong research project, relevant academic experience and the ability to contribute to the scholarly activities of CEES during their residency. The opportunity may be particularly valuable for academics seeking dedicated research time, access to European academic resources and engagement with specialists studying Eastern Europe and post-Soviet Eurasia. CEES Fellowship Program: Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application consisting of several supporting documents. The application should include a letter of motivation explaining the candidate’s interest in the fellowship and research residency. Candidates must also provide a 3–5-page research proposal outlining their proposed research project. A detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, is required as part of the application. Applicants should additionally submit a short writing sample, which may be an article or book-chapter-length piece of academic writing. A short proposal for a presentation to be held at CEES must also be included. Applicants are further required to provide two letters of recommendation and/or the names of two referees. All application materials must be prepared in English and combined into a single PDF document. Application Deadline The deadline to apply for the CEES Fellowship Program Spring 2027 is 12 October 2026. Completed applications should be sent by email to cees@isos.uzh.ch in the required single-PDF format. Prospective applicants should carefully prepare their research proposal and supporting materials before submission. They are also encouraged to review the official CEES Fellowship Program information for the latest application instructions and requirements. The fellowship is funded by the Department of History and supported by the University of Zurich, providing selected scholars with an opportunity to conduct research within a leading European academic environment. 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