Deadline: December 19, 2025
The UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 is offered by the UNESCO Chair in Interdisciplinary Anticipation and Global-Local Transformation, hosted by the Center for Advanced Studies of Eurac Research in Bolzano, Italy. This fellowship is primarily digital/remote — though it may involve one or two short visits to Bolzano — making it accessible even to those outside Italy. The fellowship focuses on researching future social, political, and economic challenges, using approaches rooted in “futures studies,” “futures literacy,” and global-local transformation aligned with UNESCO’s mission and priorities.
What Fellows Do & What’s Expected
Selected Fellows will engage in a variety of activities designed to contribute to the Chair’s research and outreach mission:
- Participate in meetings and events organized by the Chair and the Center.
- Engage in initiatives relevant to their area of expertise; the program offers flexibility so Fellows can bring their unique background to their work.
- Deliver a public lecture or an internal seminar on a research topic they propose.
- Produce a short research paper on an agreed topic before the fellowship ends.
- Contribute to communication efforts — potentially including co-authoring blog posts or academic publications linked to the Chair’s work.
This blend of research, writing, networking, and public presentation means the fellowship is designed not just for academic inquiry but also for contributing to thought leadership around global-local futures and transformation.
Who Is Eligible / What They’re Looking For
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a European Union (EU) country.
- Hold a university degree — ideally with an interdisciplinary focus.
- Demonstrate strong written and spoken English.
- Have the ability to work independently, good organizational skills, and a genuine interest in futures research, global-local transformation, and themes aligned with UNESCO’s priorities.
- The program encourages applications from women and individuals from historically underrepresented groups in academic research.
Because of the EU citizenship requirement, candidates from outside the EU (for example, Africa or other regions) are unfortunately not eligible under the current terms.
Important Dates & Application Process
- Application Deadline: 19 December 2025
- Required Application Materials:
- CV (maximum 4 pages)
- Motivation letter explaining background and interest in the fellowship
- Proposed title and ~200-word abstract for the candidate’s planned public lecture / seminar
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the end of January. Given the remote nature of the fellowship, it is compatible with existing work or studies, allowing flexibility for successful applicants to balance multiple obligations.
What to Bear in Mind — Limitations & Suitability
- Citizenship Requirement: Only EU citizens are eligible — this is a major constraint for potential applicants residing outside the EU.
- Language & Skills: Strong English proficiency and ability to work independently are mandatory.
- Scope of Research: The fellowship is tailored toward futures studies, global-local transformation, social sciences, or policy research — less suitable for applicants looking for purely technical or specialized scientific research unless framed in an interdisciplinary manner.
Given these conditions, the fellowship is best suited to researchers or academics based in the EU, with interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong interest in future studies / global transformation, who are comfortable working remotely and independently.
If you meet the criteria and are ready to apply:
(contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review)
