Deadline: March 16, 2026
The KB Fellowship at NIAS 2026 is a prestigious international research fellowship jointly offered by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) and the KB National Library of the Netherlands. The fellowship supports experienced researchers and creative practitioners to undertake independent, forward-looking research that explores the evolving role of libraries and knowledge institutions in society.
The KB Fellowship at NIAS 2026 provides fellows with dedicated time, funding, and access to world-class research facilities within a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community in Amsterdam.
About the KB Fellowship at NIAS 2026
The fellowship is designed to encourage innovative and critical thinking on the future of libraries as public institutions. Fellows are expected to engage deeply with societal, cultural, and technological questions that affect libraries, democracy, and access to knowledge.
Research themes may include (but are not limited to):
- The future-oriented roles and functions of public libraries
- Libraries as pillars of liberal democracy
- Sustainability and resilience of libraries as public institutions
- Societal, cultural, or practical challenges linked to library research and knowledge systems
Fellowship Location and Duration
- Host Institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Duration: 5 months
- Fellowship Period: September 2026 – January 2027
- Working Language: English
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to both academic researchers and creative practitioners from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria
Researchers
- Must hold a PhD by the application deadline
- Must have at least three years of research experience after completing the PhD
Creative Practitioners / Artists
- Must have at least three years of independent professional practice after formal graduation or equivalent experience
Applicants may be affiliated with an institution or apply as independent scholars or practitioners.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive comprehensive academic and professional support, including:
- A personal stipend (or a Dutch University Grant for fellows affiliated with Dutch institutions)
- Office space and full access to NIAS research facilities
- Subsidised accommodation (where eligible)
- Membership in an international, interdisciplinary research community
- Opportunities for collaboration, seminars, and intellectual exchange
Fellows are encouraged to make their research outputs openly accessible and publish under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 licence, supporting public access to knowledge.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a complete online application, which typically includes:
- A detailed project proposal (approximately 1,500 words)
- An academic or artistic curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation statement outlining the relevance of the project to the fellowship theme and the applicant’s professional development
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 16 March 2026
- Time: 12:00 noon (Central European Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for the KB Fellowship at NIAS 2026
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to focus exclusively on high-impact research within one of Europe’s leading institutes for advanced study. Fellows benefit from intellectual freedom, institutional support, and the chance to contribute to global conversations on libraries, democracy, and knowledge systems.
Support for Applicants
Need help with your application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your chances of success.
