Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27 Offers Fully Funded Research Opportunity in the Netherlands and Beyond

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). The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for early- to mid-career researchers to conduct in-depth research on Asia's role in a global context, with residencies in the Netherlands and at a co-hosting institution in Asia, Africa, or Europe.

Fellowship Details and Structure

The fellowship, running from October 2026 to October 2027, is structured in three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Six months at Leiden University in the Netherlands, focusing on collaborative research and engagement with the IIAS network. Phase 2: Three to five months at one of the designated co-host institutions located across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Phase 3: A return to the IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands, to synthesize findings and share experiences.

The program aims to foster innovative research and international collaboration across diverse academic disciplines related to Asian Studies. Successful applicants will contribute to a deeper understanding of Asia's interconnectedness with the wider world.

Financial Support

The Asia in the World Fellowship is fully funded and includes:

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

Research Focus and Thematic Clusters

The IIAS seeks researchers whose work addresses Asia's role in the world from a broad, interconnected perspective. Research proposals should align with one of the IIAS's thematic clusters:

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

These clusters provide a framework for exploring diverse aspects of Asian societies, cultures, and their interactions with the global landscape.

Co-Hosting Institutions Offer Diverse Research Environments

The second phase of the fellowship allows researchers to gain valuable experience at one of several prestigious co-hosting institutions, including:

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)

These institutions offer a wide range of research environments and expertise, allowing fellows to tailor their experience to their specific research interests.

Eligibility Criteria

The Asia in the World Fellowship is open to applicants from all countries. Key eligibility requirements include:

Early- to mid-career researchers A PhD degree or successful defense of the dissertation by February 15, 2026 (with university confirmation) Full availability from October 2026 to October 2027 Official release from employment, if applicable No concurrent fellowships or job contracts

Application Process and Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal:

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

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 2025, and final selections will be announced by February 2026. The application deadline is September 15, 2025.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of International Research Fellowships

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of International Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the critical role of international research fellowships in fostering global understanding. "Fellowships like the Asia in the World program provide invaluable opportunities for researchers to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of complex global issues," Dr. Sharma explains. "The structured format, with residencies at multiple institutions, allows fellows to build international networks and develop collaborative research projects that address pressing challenges facing Asia and the world."

Historical Context: Evolution of Asian Studies Fellowships

The Asia in the World Fellowship builds upon a long tradition of academic exchange programs and fellowships in Asian Studies. Following World War II, there was a surge of interest in understanding Asia, leading to the establishment of area studies programs and funding opportunities for research on the region. Over time, these programs have evolved to reflect changing geopolitical dynamics and the increasing interconnectedness of Asia with the rest of the world. Today, fellowships like the Asia in the World program emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives, reflecting the growing recognition of Asia's central role in shaping the 21st century.

Analytical Viewpoint: Addressing the Need for Cross-Cultural Research

"In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the nuances of different cultures and societies is more critical than ever," states Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the Institute for Global Studies in Tokyo. "The Asia in the World Fellowship directly addresses this need by providing researchers with the resources and support to conduct in-depth, cross-cultural research. By fostering collaboration between researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines, the program contributes to a more informed and nuanced understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities facing Asia and the world."