The Golestan Fellowship at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity designed for scholars working at the intersection of the medical, biological, and social sciences. Hosted in Amsterdam, this fellowship offers researchers the chance to spend between five to ten months in a highly interdisciplinary academic environment during the 2027–2028 academic year.
This program is ideal for experienced researchers who want to explore complex global challenges through cross-disciplinary perspectives, combining insights from life sciences with approaches from the humanities and social sciences.
About the Opportunity
The Golestan Fellowship is part of NIAS’s broader mission to support innovative, independent research and foster intellectual exchange across disciplines. The fellowship specifically targets researchers whose work bridges medical or biological sciences with humanities or social sciences, encouraging collaboration and new ways of thinking.
During the residency, fellows will become part of a diverse international cohort of scholars. The program is designed to create space for deep thinking, reflection, and collaboration, away from the usual demands of academic life.
Fellows are expected to actively engage with the NIAS community by sharing their research, participating in discussions, and contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue. The environment emphasizes openness, curiosity, and intellectual risk-taking, making it a unique setting for advancing research ideas.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Many of today’s global challenges—such as public health crises, climate change, and technological transformation—require insights from multiple disciplines. However, academic research is often siloed, limiting collaboration and innovation.
The Golestan Fellowship addresses this by creating a space where researchers can:
- Break down disciplinary boundaries
- Develop new frameworks and perspectives
- Collaborate across fields
- Produce research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant
By bringing together scholars from different backgrounds, the fellowship promotes holistic approaches to complex problems, helping generate knowledge that can inform policy, practice, and public understanding.
It also provides a rare opportunity for researchers to step away from routine responsibilities and focus on creative, high-impact research in a supportive and stimulating environment.
What You’ll Gain
The Golestan Fellowship offers a range of meaningful benefits that support both research and professional growth:
- Dedicated Research Time – A five or ten month residency focused entirely on advancing your research project
- Financial Support – A personal stipend or a grant for affiliated researchers to cover living expenses
- Access to Facilities – Office space, research infrastructure, and academic resources
- Subsidized Accommodation – Support with housing arrangements in Amsterdam (where applicable)
- Global Academic Network – Opportunities to collaborate with international scholars from diverse disciplines
- Intellectual Exchange – Continuous feedback, discussions, and exposure to new perspectives
- Career Advancement – Strengthen your research profile and expand interdisciplinary expertise
This fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers looking to deepen their work, explore new directions, and engage with global academic communities.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Golestan Fellowship, applicants must:
- Have more than three years of post-PhD research experience
- Work in the medical or biological sciences, with clear connections to the humanities or social sciences
- Demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research
- Be able to actively participate in the NIAS research community
The fellowship particularly encourages applications from non-Dutch researchers, in line with the vision of the Golestan Foundation.
Application Process and Deadline
To apply for the Golestan Fellowship, candidates must submit their application through the official NIAS website. The application typically includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- Academic CV and publication record
- Supporting documents as required
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their research bridges disciplines and how they will contribute to the NIAS community.
Deadline: April 13, 2026 (12:00 Noon CET)
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