Deadline: March 31, 2026
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for scholars, journalists, writers, and artists whose professional work is threatened by war, conflict, or political pressure. Hosted by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), this fellowship provides a temporary academic home in the Netherlands, allowing fellows to continue their research, writing, or creative work in a secure and supportive environment.
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026–2027 fosters intellectual freedom and academic resilience, promoting creativity and scholarly exchange among professionals from around the world who face risk or restriction in their home countries.
About the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship is designed to protect and empower professionals whose freedom to think, write, or create is under threat. Through this initiative, fellows are invited to join the NIAS community in Amsterdam for five months, where they can engage with an interdisciplinary academic network while advancing their individual projects.
NIAS provides not only a safe physical space but also an intellectually stimulating environment, giving fellows access to world-class research facilities, seminars, and collaboration opportunities.
Fellowship Details
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: Five months (either September 2026 – January 2027 or February – June 2027)
Host Institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
This fellowship is open to individuals from diverse academic and creative backgrounds, promoting international collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation.
Benefits
Successful fellows will receive a comprehensive support package to enable a productive and comfortable stay in Amsterdam. The fellowship includes:
- A monthly stipend of €3,500 to support living expenses.
- Office space and full access to research facilities.
- Integration into the vibrant NIAS academic community.
- Commuting travel costs or subsidised accommodation in Amsterdam.
- Reimbursement of outward and return travel costs to and from the Netherlands.
These benefits ensure that fellows can fully focus on their research or creative projects without financial or logistical constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship is intended for individuals whose work or safety is at risk due to political or social conditions. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be an established scholar or researcher holding a PhD and at least three years of postdoctoral experience.
OR - Be a journalist, writer, or artist with a recognised record of professional achievement in their field.
Additional requirements include:
- Proficiency in English, which is the working language of NIAS.
- Applicants affiliated with institutions boycotted by the Dutch state are not eligible for consideration.
This programme provides a crucial lifeline for professionals who face barriers to free expression and academic work.
Fellowship Objectives
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship aims to:
- Protect academic and artistic freedom by providing a temporary refuge for at-risk professionals.
- Preserve intellectual continuity by enabling fellows to continue their research, writing, or creative practice.
- Foster international collaboration within an interdisciplinary and inclusive environment.
- Encourage the exchange of ideas that transcend borders, disciplines, and political limitations.
During their stay, fellows become part of NIAS’s vibrant community, engaging in seminars, workshops, and collaborative dialogues with other researchers and creative professionals.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the official NIAS online portal. Applications must include all necessary documentation as incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Programme Period: 2026–2027 Academic Year
Prospective candidates are advised to prepare a comprehensive application that clearly outlines their project proposal, professional background, and motivation for applying.
Why Apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026–2027?
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026–2027 offers a unique chance to rebuild academic and creative momentum in a secure environment. Beyond safety and stability, it provides access to a global network of thinkers, an opportunity to share ideas, and the freedom to pursue knowledge and creativity without restriction. This fellowship stands as a symbol of resilience, intellectual courage, and the unyielding value of free expression.
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
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