The Critical Pathways community at Utrecht University, in collaboration with Towards a Circular Economy and Society, has opened applications for the 2026 Critical Pathways Fellowship Program—a unique opportunity for changemakers, creatives, and thinkers from all backgrounds to explore bold ideas for a more sustainable and just world.
This fellowship invites participants to uncover the hidden systems, stories, and power structures shaping today’s ecological and social crises, while also spotlighting innovative alternatives that often go unnoticed.
About the Fellowship
The Critical Pathways Fellowship is designed as a collaborative and exploratory platform for individuals interested in rethinking how society produces, consumes, and organizes itself. The program focuses on the intersection of social, cultural, and ecological values, examining how global inequalities and power dynamics influence resource use and the transition toward a circular economy.
Unlike many traditional academic programs, this fellowship does not require a PhD or academic affiliation. Instead, it prioritizes curiosity, creativity, and a strong commitment to challenging dominant narratives and imagining better futures.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants whose work pushes boundaries and questions the status quo. Eligible applicants include:
- Artists, filmmakers, and writers
- Activists, organizers, and community leaders
- Journalists, legal practitioners, and policy advocates
- Conservationists, sustainability practitioners, and entrepreneurs
- Academics from any discipline
If your work reveals hidden truths, amplifies overlooked perspectives, or proposes new ways of living sustainably and equitably, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
What Fellows Will Do
Fellows will engage in a flexible and self-directed program, with opportunities to:
1. Explore Critical Questions
Participants are encouraged to investigate issues that matter deeply to them, particularly those that expose unseen consequences of current systems. This includes examining:
- Untold stories that could reshape sustainable futures
- Communities disproportionately affected by global systems
- Power structures that maintain inequality and environmental harm
2. Share Their Work Creatively
Fellows can present their ideas in formats that best suit their practice, such as:
- Workshops
- Performances
- Film screenings
- Public discussions
- Experimental or hybrid formats
The goal is to spark dialogue, reflection, and collaboration.
3. Build Meaningful Connections
Participants will engage with researchers, practitioners, and external partners. While introductions will be supported, fellows are encouraged to take initiative in building collaborations that enrich both their work and the broader community.
2026 Theme: Making Visible the Invisible
This year’s theme focuses on uncovering the often-overlooked forces shaping our world. From hidden infrastructures to invisible labor and systemic inequalities, fellows are invited to critically examine:
- The environmental and social costs of modern lifestyles, including digital technologies, fast fashion, and resource extraction
- The communities and ecosystems bearing the burden of global supply chains
- The beneficiaries of existing systems—and how they sustain the status quo
- Pathways toward regenerative, equitable alternatives to extractive economic models
Importantly, proposals should go beyond critique to experiment with new ways of thinking, doing, and living, expanding what is considered possible in sustainability discourse and practice.
Fellowship Details
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Timing: October–November 2026 (flexible dates)
- Duration: 4 to 6 weeks
What the Fellowship Covers
- Up to €10,000 for:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Visa costs
- Access to:
- Office and meeting spaces
- University library
- ICT resources
Fellows will be fully integrated into the Critical Pathways and Circular Economy communities, gaining access to a vibrant network of scholars and practitioners.
How to Apply
To apply:
- Complete the official application form (.docx)
- Submit your CV
- Email both documents to the program coordinator, Tom Gerritsen, at: criticalpathways@uu.nl
- Application Deadline: 27 April 2026
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of representatives from both collaborating communities. The selection will focus on:
- Alignment with the fellowship’s themes and goals
- Originality and critical perspective
- Potential to contribute meaningful insights or practices
Applicants can expect to receive feedback within six weeks after the deadline.
The Critical Pathways Fellowship 2026 offers more than just funding—it provides a space to question, imagine, and co-create solutions for a rapidly changing world. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the program aims to challenge dominant narratives and uncover pathways toward a more just and sustainable future.
If your work seeks to make the invisible visible, this fellowship could be the perfect platform to amplify your impact.
Discover more similar opportunities here.
