Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27 Offers Fully Funded Research Opportunity Applications are now being accepted for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27, a fully funded, 12-month program offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). This prestigious fellowship provides a unique platform for early- to mid-career researchers to conduct in-depth research on Asia's global role, fostering innovative thinking and international collaboration.

Fellowship Details and Structure The fellowship spans from October 2026 to October 2027 and is structured in three distinct phases. The initial six months are based at Leiden University in the Netherlands, followed by a three- to five-month period at a designated co-host institution across the globe. The final phase returns fellows to the IIAS in Leiden to consolidate their findings and contribute to the Institute's intellectual community.

Key Dates and Locations:

Host Country: Netherlands (with international placements) Location: Leiden University and various Co-Host Institutes Duration: 12 Months Deadline: September 15, 2025

Financial Support and Benefits The Asia in the World Fellowship is fully funded, covering a range of expenses to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research. The financial benefits include:

Round-trip airfare Free housing Monthly stipend Support for professional development activities

Research Focus and Thematic Clusters The IIAS seeks researchers whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of Asia’s multifaceted role in the world. Research proposals should align with one or more of the IIAS’s thematic clusters:

Asian Cities The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages) Global Asia

The Three Phases Explained The fellowship's structure facilitates diverse learning and networking opportunities:

Phase 1: IIAS, Leiden (Six Months) Fellows will participate in debates, collaborative projects, and publishing opportunities, engaging with the IIAS community and its European partners.

Phase 2: Co-Hosting Institutes (Three to Five Months) This phase offers immersive research experiences at one of the following co-hosting institutions:

Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) (Surabaya, Indonesia) Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA) (Lisbon, Coimbra, & Braga, Portugal) Centro de Estudos Afro-Orientais (CEAO) Federal University of Bahia (Salvador, Brazil) French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) (Puducherry, India) Kasetsart University (KU) (Bangkok, Thailand) Institute for Urban Research (IUR) Malmö University (Malmö, Sweden) Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, University of Erfurt (Erfurt, Germany) Max Weber Forum For South Asian Studies (Delhi, India) School of Culture Resources of Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) (Taipei, Taiwan) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain) International Research Laboratory Environment, Health, Societies (Dakar, Senegal) University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) Worldmaking Heidelberg University (Heidelberg, Germany)

Phase 3: Return to IIAS, Leiden Fellows will share insights and experiences gained during their time at the co-hosting institute, contributing to the collective knowledge base at IIAS.

Eligibility Requirements The Asia in the World Fellowship has specific eligibility criteria:

Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries. Career Stage: Early- to mid-career researchers. Education: A PhD is required, or the defense must be completed by February 15, 2026, with university confirmation. Availability: Full availability is required from October 2026 to October 2027. Commitments: If employed, applicants must secure official release for the fellowship duration. Simultaneous fellowships or job contracts are not permitted.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following documents:

IIAS Fellowship Application Form Curriculum Vitae List of publications Work plan Timeline

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 2025, with final selections announced by February 2026.

Historical Context and the Evolution of Asian Studies Fellowships The Asia in the World Fellowship reflects a growing global interest in understanding Asia's complex role in international affairs. Historically, Asian studies programs and fellowships have evolved from area studies focused on language and culture to interdisciplinary approaches that examine economic, political, and social dynamics. This shift mirrors Asia's increasing prominence on the world stage and the need for nuanced perspectives on its global interactions. According to Dr. Eleanor Sato, a professor of Asian History at the University of California, Berkeley, “Fellowships like the Asia in the World program are crucial for fostering a new generation of scholars who can bridge cultural divides and contribute to informed policy-making.”

Expert Perspective "The multi-phased approach of the Asia in the World Fellowship offers a significant advantage," notes Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the Institute of Developing Economies in Tokyo. "The opportunity to conduct research both at a leading academic institution like Leiden University and at a regional co-host institute provides fellows with a comparative perspective that is invaluable for understanding the complexities of Asia's global engagement."

How to Apply Interested candidates should apply online through the official IIAS website. Ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline of September 15, 2025.