MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027 at the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (Fully Funded Residential Fellowship)

The MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027 are a prestigious residential fellowship opportunity offered by the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) for postdoctoral and advanced researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The MECAM Fellowship is designed to support high-level interdisciplinary research under the overarching theme “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity.” This fellowship provides scholars from around the world with the opportunity to conduct advanced research while engaging in sustained academic exchange in Tunis, Tunisia, from September 2026 to April 2027.

Introduction and Background of the MECAM Fellowship

The MECAM Fellowship is part of an international research initiative aimed at fostering interdisciplinary, transregional, and intergenerational dialogue on social, political, economic, and cultural disparities. Hosted at the Université de Tunis, MECAM brings together scholars from the Maghreb, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions to collaboratively explore how societies imagine and negotiate their futures amid inequality and transformation.

For the 2026–2027 academic cycle, MECAM invites applications for eight residential fellowships under its thematic framework “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity.” Research proposals must align with this overarching theme and relate to at least one of MECAM’s five Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs):

• Aesthetics & Cultural Practice

• Inequality & Mobility

• Memory & Justice

• Resources & Sustainability

• Identities & Beliefs

The MECAM Fellowship emphasizes intellectual exchange, collaborative research, and public engagement, positioning fellows at the heart of an active academic community in Tunis.

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Eligibility Criteria for the MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027

The MECAM Fellowship is open to a wide and inclusive pool of applicants, provided they meet the following eligibility requirements:

Who Can Apply

• Postdoctoral researchers and advanced scholars in the humanities and social sciences

• Independent scholars and researchers without current institutional affiliation

• Researchers of all ages and genders

Who Is Not Eligible

• Current PhD candidates or doctoral students are not eligible to apply

Country Eligibility

• Applications are open to researchers from all countries, including Tunisia

Academic and Research Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have a research project related to “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity”

• Demonstrate clear alignment with at least one MECAM Interdisciplinary Research Field

• Be interested in interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative academic exchange

• Be willing to engage actively in MECAM’s academic life, seminars, workshops, and events

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MECAM Fellowship Program Details

Fellowship Duration and Location

• Residency period: Up to 8 months

• Dates: 1 September 2026 – 30 April 2027

• Location: Tunis, Tunisia

• Residency requirement: Fellows are expected to reside primarily in Tunis for the duration of the fellowship

Number of Fellowships

• Six postdoctoral fellowships

• Two advanced researcher fellowships

Structure and Academic Responsibilities

MECAM Fellows will:

• Work on self-chosen individual research projects

• Participate in weekly in-person colloquia

• Engage in on-site seminars, workshops, and academic discussions

• Contribute a MECAM Paper for publication

• Co-organize two in-person workshops during the MECAM Spectrum Event Week

• Participate in key events such as:

  • Annual Study Day (early December)

  • MECAM Spectrum Event Week (mid-April)

Fieldwork outside Tunis is only permitted in exceptional cases. Research projects must already be well advanced and should not rely heavily on extensive fieldwork during the residency.

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Financial Support and Fellowship Benefits

The MECAM Fellowship follows a “no gain/no loss” principle, ensuring fellows are financially supported without financial disadvantage.

What the Fellowship Covers

• Monthly stipend for the full duration of the fellowship

• Travel and relocation costs compensated under the no gain/no loss principle

• Shared office workspace at MECAM premises

• Logistical support for accommodation and travel in Tunisia

• Publication support through MECAM and partner institutions

• Access to digital collaboration platforms such as TrafoHub

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How to Apply for the MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027

Applications must be submitted online only through the secure application platform of the Forum Transregionale Studien. Email applications will not be accepted.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must upload:

• Curriculum Vitae including publications (2–3 pages)

• Research proposal abstract (maximum 1,000 words)

• One recent writing sample (journal article, book chapter, or thesis chapter)

During the application process, applicants must also provide:

• A detailed statement (1–2 pages) explaining:

  • Alignment with MECAM’s theme and IRFs

  • Connection of the project to the Maghreb region

  • Intended engagement with MECAM

  • Career development goals during the fellowship

• Names and contact details of two referees (no recommendation letters required)

Applications may be submitted in English or French.

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Important Dates and Deadline

• Application Deadline: 2 March 2026

• Time: 12:30 PM CEST

• Notification of Results: By 20 February 2026

• Fellowship Period: September 2026 – April 2027

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About the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM)

The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) is an international research center located at the Université de Tunis. It is coordinated by Philipps-Universität Marburg and supported by a consortium of Tunisian and German institutions, including Universität Leipzig, GIGA Hamburg, Forum Transregionale Studien Berlin, and Université de Sfax. MECAM is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

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The MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027 provide an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral and advanced researchers to engage in interdisciplinary research, academic exchange, and collaborative scholarship in Tunis. With strong institutional support, financial coverage, and a vibrant research environment, the MECAM Fellowship stands out as a premier opportunity for scholars exploring imagined futures and social disparity in the contemporary world.

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APPLY HERE: MECAM Fellowships 2026–2027

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