The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme, offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University, provides a transformative academic experience for early to mid-career researchers in Asian Studies. This fellowship is designed to encourage innovative, interdisciplinary research and promote global collaboration by fostering dialogues that transcend traditional geographical and disciplinary boundaries. It offers a unique three-phase journey that includes time in Leiden, the Netherlands, and at a partner institution across the world, ultimately shaping the future of Asian Studies.
Programme Overview
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme is a 12-month initiative structured into three phases:
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Phase 1: Six months at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands
During the first phase, fellows will reside in Leiden and become integral members of the IIAS community. This period offers opportunities to engage with IIAS’s academic activities, participate in debates, contribute to research projects, and collaborate on scholarly initiatives. Fellows can publish their work in The Newsletter, propose and record podcasts, and engage in various types of events such as lectures, seminars, and workshops. This phase focuses on enhancing perspectives and expanding the fellows’ academic knowledge and skills in a vibrant, collaborative environment. -
Phase 2: Three to Five months at a Co-Hosting Institution
After the initial six months at IIAS, fellows will spend three to five months at one of the partner institutions around the world. The selected partner institutions are renowned academic centers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. These institutes provide unique research opportunities and resources, exposing fellows to different academic perspectives and enriching their research. Notable co-hosting institutions include: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)
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Phase 3: Return to IIAS in Leiden
The final phase brings fellows back to IIAS in Leiden, where they will share the insights gained during their time at the co-hosting institution. This phase includes organizing a public event with other fellows, where participants will showcase their research and reflect on the fellowship experience. The event will allow fellows to engage with the broader academic community at Leiden University and beyond, making this a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange.
Key Features of the Fellowship
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Global Network: The fellowship connects scholars from across the globe, facilitating collaboration and exchanges that break down geographical and disciplinary barriers.
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Research Focus: The programme encourages interdisciplinary research in Asian Studies, particularly in areas such as:
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Asian Cities
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Global Asia
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The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
Fellows should demonstrate how their research will contribute to the global understanding of Asia’s role in the world and its multifaceted interactions with other regions.
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Professional Development: The fellowship offers various opportunities for career growth, including access to institutional resources like the IIAS library, seminar rooms, and opportunities for academic publishing and public engagement.
Fellowship Award Details
The fellowship provides a comprehensive package to support fellows throughout their 12-month stay:
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Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a stipend of €1250 per month during the first six months in Leiden. The stipend for the second phase at the co-host institution will be determined by the host institution.
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Housing: Fellows will be provided with housing in Leiden, approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the institute, as well as housing at the co-host institution.
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Travel Grant: Fellows will receive a one-time travel grant of up to €1000 to cover travel to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and onward travel to the co-host institution.
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Professional Development Opportunities: Fellows will be invited to participate in various professional development activities, such as workshops, academic outings, and networking events.
Eligibility Criteria
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme is open to researchers from around the world who are working in fields related to Asian Studies. The following are the key eligibility requirements:
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PhD Requirement: Applicants must have completed their PhD or be in the final stages of their PhD, with their defense scheduled no later than 15 February 2026. Applicants still completing their PhD must provide confirmation from their institution regarding the defense date.
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Commitment to Full Duration: Fellows must be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027 and commit to the entire fellowship duration.
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Research Focus: Applicants should propose research projects that align with IIAS’ thematic clusters, such as Asian Cities, Global Asia, or The Politics of Culture. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged.
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Release from Other Commitments: Applicants must secure official release from any other institutional duties for the full duration of the fellowship.
Application Process
The application period for the 2026-2027 fellowship opens on 17 July 2025 and closes on 15 September 2025. Applicants must submit the following documents:
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Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form (available on the IIAS website)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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List of Publications
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Research Proposal (including work plan and expected outcomes)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide:
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Two reference letters
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A short video presentation
For duo applicants, each researcher must submit a separate application, and they are encouraged to choose different co-hosting institutions for the second phase of the fellowship.
Selection Process and Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
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Originality and potential contribution to the field of Asian Studies
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Interdisciplinary and global approaches to knowledge creation
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Ethical integrity and responsible research conduct
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A clear motivation for participating in the Asia in the World programme
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Alignment with IIAS and the selected co-host institution
Terms and Conditions
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Residential Structure: Fellows must reside in Leiden for the first and final phases of the fellowship. The fellowship is residential and requires active participation in IIAS activities.
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Health Insurance: Fellows must have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in the Netherlands.
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Participation in Activities: Fellows are expected to actively engage in academic activities, including lectures, workshops, and seminars. Regular online check-ins with the IIAS Fellowship Coordinator are required during the co-host institution phase.
Conclusion
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme is a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in groundbreaking research, connect with global academic networks, and contribute to reshaping the field of Asian Studies. The programme is designed to foster collaboration, enhance professional development, and prepare scholars to address contemporary global challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
For more information and to apply, visit the IIAS website.
Application Deadline: 15 September 2025
Fellowship Period: October 2026 – October 2027
