The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) invites applications for eight residential fellowships for the academic period September 2026 to April 2027. This call is open to postdoctoral and advanced scholars in the humanities and social sciences from all countries, including Tunisia. The application deadline is 2 March 2026 at 12:30 CEST. The fellowship programme is structured around MECAM’s overarching research theme, “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity”, which explores how societies confront inequality, transformation, and competing visions of the future across the Maghreb, Europe, and beyond. Research Framework and Thematic Focus Applicants must align their proposed research with the main theme and at least one of MECAM’s five Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs): Aesthetics and Cultural Practice Inequality and Mobility Memory and Justice Resources and Sustainability Identities and Beliefs The programme promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and encourages scholars to revisit and refine their research from new regional, conceptual, and comparative perspectives. Eligibility Criteria Applications are welcomed from scholars in the humanities and social sciences who meet the following conditions: Postdoctoral or advanced research status (doctoral candidates are not eligible) Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary exchange and collaborative research Willingness to engage with MECAM’s research agenda and academic community Openness to transregional dialogue involving the Maghreb, Middle East, Europe, and other regions Additional eligibility considerations include: Researchers of all ages, genders, and nationalities may apply Independent scholars and researchers without institutional affiliation are eligible Fellowship Structure and Residency MECAM will select six postdoctoral researchers and two advanced scholars based on the academic quality and originality of submitted proposals. Fellows are required to reside in Tunis for up to eight months, from 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027. During the residency, fellows are expected to: Work primarily from MECAM offices in Tunis Develop an individual research project of their choosing Participate actively in seminars, colloquia, and academic discussions Contribute to MECAM’s intellectual and collaborative environment The fellowship is a residency-based programme. Research projects must be sufficiently advanced and should not depend on extensive new fieldwork during the fellowship period. Limited field or archival research in Tunis or neighbouring Maghreb countries may be possible in exceptional cases. Academic Engagement and Responsibilities MECAM fellows are full participants in the Centre’s academic life and are expected to contribute to both individual and collective activities, including: Weekly in-person colloquia and seminars Presentation of their research to fellow scholars Contribution of one MECAM Paper for publication Co-organisation of two in-person workshops during the annual event week, “MECAM Spectrum” Participation in the annual Study Day in December and the Event Week in April These activities foster peer-to-peer exchange and provide fellows with opportunities to engage with external experts, partner institutions, students, and the wider public. Fellowship Benefits and Support MECAM fellowships are awarded under a “no gain, no loss” principle, ensuring financial neutrality for fellows during their residency. The offer includes: Compensation for travel and relocation costs A monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship Shared office workspace at MECAM premises Logistical support with accommodation and local arrangements Publication support through MECAM and partner institutions Access to a secure digital collaboration platform (TrafoHub) Fellows may present their research outputs in various formats, including academic articles, essays, policy papers, reports, or book manuscripts. Networking and International Exchange Fellows become members of the growing MECAM network, which connects successive cohorts of fellows and scholars from partner institutions. The programme emphasises: Interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange Transregional academic collaboration Opportunities for joint publications and future research initiatives MECAM directors and the coordination office in Tunis provide ongoing academic and administrative support throughout the fellowship period. Application Process Applications must be submitted online via the secure platform of Forum Transregionale Studien (Berlin). Submissions by email will not be accepted. Applications may be written in English or French. Required documents include: Curriculum vitae with publications (2–3 pages) Research proposal abstract (maximum 1,000 words) One recent writing sample (article, book chapter, or thesis chapter) Applicants will also be asked to provide: A 1–2 page statement explaining the project’s relevance to the Maghreb, its alignment with MECAM’s theme and IRFs, and the applicant’s intended engagement during the fellowship Names and contact details of two referees (no letters required) Institutional Framework MECAM is an international research centre located at the Université de Tunis and coordinated jointly with Philipps-Universität Marburg. It is supported by a consortium of Tunisian and German institutions, including the University of Leipzig, GIGA Hamburg, Forum Transregionale Studien Berlin, and the Université de Sfax. The Centre is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, with infrastructure support from the Université de Tunis. Key Dates Application deadline: 2 March 2026, 12:30 CEST Fellowship period: September 2026 – April 2027 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.