The Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) at the University of Ghana is offering a range of residential research fellowship opportunities for scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences whose research aligns with the Institute’s overarching theme of Sustainable Governance.

Based at the University of Ghana’s Legon campus in Accra, MIASA provides an interdisciplinary research environment where scholars can dedicate time to developing, analysing and writing their research while engaging with researchers from Ghana, Germany, other African countries, Europe and beyond.

The Institute offers several fellowship models, including Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups, Individual Fellowships, Tandem Fellowships, Artists in Residence and Self-funded Fellowships. These different formats allow researchers to participate either independently, collaboratively across disciplines, or through research partnerships between Africa and Germany.

For the current 2026–2028 opportunities, MIASA’s open calls include four residential fellowships within the Interdisciplinary Fellow Group on Sustainable Democracy, up to five individual residential fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year, and an ongoing opportunity for self-funded residential fellowships. The current official MIASA fellowship page lists the application deadline for the first two calls as 15 October 2026.

About the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa

The Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, commonly known as MIASA, was established in 2018 within the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The Institute was created through a collaboration between the University of Ghana and a consortium of German research and higher-education institutions, including:

• University of Freiburg
• Goethe University Frankfurt
• German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)
• German Historical Institute Paris (GHIP/DHIP)

MIASA is dedicated to strengthening high-quality research in the Humanities and Social Sciences while creating stronger intellectual connections between African and European research communities.

The Institute is funded through German federal research funding, with co-funding from the University of Ghana. Its fellowship programme is administered in collaboration with the University of Freiburg.

MIASA’s Central Research Theme: Sustainable Governance

At the heart of MIASA’s intellectual programme is the concept of Sustainable Governance.

MIASA approaches governance broadly. Rather than viewing governance only through governments, states and formal institutions, the Institute examines the interaction between formal and informal rules and practices that shape public affairs.

These practices are understood within their historical, social, material and cultural contexts and as part of everyday life.

This broad understanding makes MIASA particularly suitable for interdisciplinary research.

Researchers can investigate how institutions, communities, cultures, social movements, political systems and everyday practices influence the way societies are governed and how more sustainable forms of governance can be developed.

MIASA’s Three Main Research Areas

MIASA’s research programme is organised around three major thematic corridors.

1. Sustainable Environmental Transformation

This area examines questions surrounding environmental sustainability and the transformation of societies in response to environmental challenges.

Potential research may explore relationships between:

• Environmental change and governance.
• Sustainability and public policy.
• Communities and natural resources.
• Political institutions and environmental transformation.
• Social practices and sustainability.
• Local knowledge and environmental governance.
• Development and environmental justice.

2. Sustainable Conflict Management and Peace

The second major research corridor focuses on conflict, peace and sustainable approaches to managing social and political tensions.

Research in this area can examine:

• Conflict management.
• Peacebuilding.
• Social cohesion.
• Political conflict.
• Community-level conflict resolution.
• Institutions and peace.
• Traditional and informal mechanisms of conflict management.
• Post-conflict societies.
• The relationship between governance and sustainable peace.

3. Sustainable Democracy

The third major research corridor focuses on democracy and democratic governance.

MIASA’s current Sustainable Democracy call highlights questions surrounding the interaction between formal and informal institutions, citizenship, political life, knowledge systems, languages, cultures, historical experiences, indigenous governance practices and decolonial approaches to democracy.

Researchers may therefore investigate topics involving:

• Democratic institutions.
• Citizenship.
• Political participation.
• Traditional authorities.
• Religious organisations.
• Civil society.
• Grassroots movements.
• NGOs.
• Community governance.
• Indigenous governance systems.
• Decolonial approaches.
• Political cultures.
• Knowledge systems and democracy.
• Everyday democratic practices.

Cross-Cutting Research Topics

MIASA’s research programme extends beyond its three main thematic corridors.

The Institute also welcomes research addressing important intersectional and cross-cutting issues, including:

• Landownership and land acquisition.
• Migration and mobility.
• Restitution of colonially acquired cultural objects.
• African cities.
• Human rights.

These areas can be examined independently or in connection with the broader themes of environment, democracy and peace.

The interdisciplinary nature of MIASA means that researchers can approach these questions from different disciplinary and methodological perspectives.

MIASA Fellowship Types

MIASA operates several different fellowship models. Each has a different structure and purpose.

1. Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups

The Interdisciplinary Fellow Group (IFG) programme is one of MIASA’s central mechanisms for bringing researchers from different academic backgrounds together around a shared research question.

MIASA funds two IFGs per year.

An IFG generally brings together a group of four fellows, including two convenors. One of the two convenors must be from the University of Ghana.

The groups normally work together for four months.

The purpose is to investigate research questions that cannot be adequately addressed from a single academic discipline.

An IFG could therefore bring together researchers with expertise in areas such as political science, history, anthropology, sociology, law, environmental studies, cultural studies or related Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines.

How IFGs are selected

Selection takes into consideration:

• Academic excellence.
• The composition of the group.
• Fit with MIASA’s main theme or sub-themes.
• Originality of the proposed research theme.
• Interdisciplinary character.
• Feasibility of the research plan.
• International character.
• Potential contribution to the intellectual environment at MIASA and the University of Ghana.

The current IFG opportunity is focused on Sustainable Democracy.

Current Sustainable Democracy IFG

MIASA is currently inviting applications for four residential fellowships within the Interdisciplinary Fellow Group on “Sustainable Democracy” (IFG 16).

The fellowship period is:

1 September – 31 December 2027

The current application deadline is:

15 October 2026 at 24:00 UTC

Successful candidates are expected to be informed in March 2027.

The current call describes Sustainable Democracy as one of MIASA’s three major research corridors and encourages research examining institutions, citizenship, everyday political life, knowledge systems, languages, cultures, historical experiences, indigenous governance and decolonial perspectives.

Research Requirements for the Current IFG

Applicants are expected to provide a research project that clearly fits the Sustainable Democracy theme.

The application dossier includes:

1. A front page with general applicant and project information.
2. A project proposal of no more than five pages.
3. A CV in tabular form of no more than two pages.
4. A publication list highlighting the applicant’s most important publications.

The front page should include information such as:

• Name.
• Email address.
• Webpage, where applicable.
• Date of doctorate.
• Current position and affiliation.
• Institution and business address.
• Research field.
• Project title.
• Research project abstract of no more than 150 words.
• The two most important reasons the research project fits the Sustainable Democracy IFG.
• Whether the applicant would like to serve as a co-convenor.

The project proposal should address:

• Project title.
• Project abstract.
• Aims.
• Theoretical framework.
• Methodology.
• Work and time plan.
• Innovative potential.
• Originality.
• Relevance to Sustainable Democracy.
• Added value of conducting the research at MIASA and the University of Ghana.
• Added value of conducting the research collaboratively as a team.
• Bibliographical references.

Applications must comply with the specified formatting requirements, including Arial, 11-point font, 1.5 line spacing and 2.5 cm margins.

2. Individual Residential Fellowships

MIASA also offers Individual Residential Fellowships, allowing scholars to work on their own research projects while becoming part of the Institute’s intellectual community.

The current open call provides up to five individual residential fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year.

Each fellowship lasts between:

3 and 6 months

The earliest possible start date is:

1 September 2027

The latest possible end date is:

31 August 2028

The application deadline is:

15 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Successful candidates are expected to be informed in March 2027.

Who can apply for the Individual Fellowship?

The current call is open to scholars at both junior and senior levels who have been awarded their doctoral degree at least three months before the beginning of the fellowship.

Applications are welcomed from disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences, provided that the proposed research fits MIASA’s intellectual programme.

What Can Individual Fellows Research?

Individual fellows can develop a research project connected to MIASA’s thematic areas.

The research project may be:

• At the conceptual stage.
• In the middle of the research process.
• At the final stage.
• Focused on analysing existing data.
• Focused on writing up research findings.

An important point is that data collection cannot be the main purpose of a MIASA fellowship.

The fellowship is primarily designed to provide researchers with time and space for intellectual work, reflection, discussion and writing.

Residential Nature of the Fellowships

MIASA’s fellowships are residential.

This means successful fellows are expected to be physically present at the Institute at the University of Ghana, Legon campus in Accra.

The residential structure is intended to encourage:

• Academic exchange.
• Research collaboration.
• Intellectual discussion.
• Writing.
• Interdisciplinary interaction.
• Networking.
• Participation in MIASA activities.

For the current fellowship programmes, only limited periods of absence are normally permitted and must be approved in accordance with MIASA’s requirements.

This is an important consideration for international applicants because the fellowship is not simply a remote research grant.

3. Tandem Fellowships

MIASA’s Tandem Fellowship programme is designed to strengthen research relationships between Africa and Germany.

A tandem consists of:

• One researcher based at an African institution or country.
• One researcher based at a German institution.

The two researchers work together on a joint research project.

The fellowship normally lasts between 3 and 5 months, according to MIASA’s fellowship programme information.

The central objective is to strengthen sustainable research partnerships between African and German scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

What makes a strong tandem proposal?

MIASA places particular importance on:

• The fit of the research topic with MIASA’s intellectual programme.
• Alignment with the overall aims of MIASA.
• Academic excellence.
• Quality and originality of the research.
• Potential contribution to a sustainable Africa-Germany research alliance.

The tandem model is therefore particularly valuable for researchers who already have, or are developing, meaningful academic collaboration across Africa and Germany.

4. Artists in Residence

MIASA also has an Artists in Residence programme.

This programme recognises that artists can contribute important perspectives to academic research.

Artists can work alongside Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups and researchers and use artistic approaches to engage with complex global issues.

The programme is based on the idea that art can introduce disruptive or alternative ways of thinking into academic discussions, while scientific research can also stimulate and enrich artistic practice.

Artist-in-residence stays are generally three months.

Potential areas of artistic engagement include issues connected with:

• Sustainability.
• Environment.
• Conflict and peace.
• Democracy.
• African cities.
• Restitution.
• Migration.

This fellowship type is particularly relevant to artists whose creative practice engages with social, political, cultural or environmental questions.

5. Self-Funded Residential Fellowships

MIASA also accommodates researchers who have their own financial support.

The Self-funded Residential Fellowship is intended for researchers who either:

• Have external funding for their stay; or
• Are on paid leave from their home institution, such as during a sabbatical.

The fellowship lasts between:

3 and 6 months

Applicants must have been awarded their doctoral degree at least three months before the start of the fellowship.

There is no fixed annual deadline for this opportunity.

Applications can be submitted at any time, but they must be submitted at least four months before the intended fellowship start date.

The earliest possible start date currently listed is 1 September 2026.

What does MIASA provide to self-funded fellows?

Self-funded fellows receive:

• Office space.
• Organisational assistance.
• Access to the MIASA research environment.
• The opportunity to participate in the Institute’s intellectual activities.

Because this is a self-funded arrangement, applicants need to demonstrate that they have funding available for their fellowship period.

A full-time presence at MIASA is required, subject to the Institute’s rules on approved periods of absence.

Funding and Financial Support

Funding arrangements differ according to the type of fellowship.

For the current individual residential fellowship programme, MIASA indicates that fellows affiliated with an institution may have salary or teaching-substitution costs covered for the fellowship period, with payments made directly to their home institution, subject to the programme’s maximum amount.

The current published information lists a maximum of €6,925 per month for such arrangements. Fellows who do not have employment may receive an individual monthly grant.

For fellows coming from outside Accra, MIASA may provide an accommodation allowance of up to €1,500 per month and reimburse travel costs at the beginning and end of the fellowship, subject to the programme’s conditions. Family allowances may also be available for fellows relocating to Accra with family members.

Applicants should carefully check the specific financial terms of the fellowship call they are applying for because funding conditions may vary between fellowship types.

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Research at MIASA

One of MIASA’s distinguishing characteristics is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

Many of the major challenges facing African societies cannot be adequately understood through one academic discipline.

Questions about democracy, migration, environmental transformation, conflict, land ownership or human rights often involve political, economic, historical, social and cultural dimensions simultaneously.

MIASA therefore creates an environment where researchers from different academic backgrounds can exchange perspectives and develop research that crosses conventional disciplinary boundaries.

This can be particularly valuable for researchers whose projects require:

• Comparative perspectives.
• Historical analysis.
• Social research.
• Political analysis.
• Cultural interpretation.
• Interdisciplinary methodologies.
• African and European perspectives.
• Local and global approaches.

MIASA’s Commitment to African Knowledge Production

A major objective of MIASA is to contribute to reducing global asymmetries in knowledge production.

The Institute also aims to bridge cultural and intellectual divides between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

This is particularly significant because African research is often discussed within international academic systems in which knowledge production, funding and publication networks can be unevenly distributed.

MIASA seeks to provide a platform where African researchers and international scholars can interact, collaborate and develop research on questions that are relevant to African societies while contributing to broader global scholarship.

Research Networking and Collaboration

MIASA serves as a hub for exchange and collaboration among researchers from:

• Ghana.
• Germany.
• Other African countries.
• European countries.
• Other regions of the world.

The residential model helps facilitate sustained interaction between fellows.

Researchers can exchange ideas through:

• Seminars.
• Workshops.
• Research discussions.
• Public lectures.
• Conferences.
• Collaborative projects.
• Informal academic interaction.

This makes the fellowship valuable not only for completing an individual research project but also for building long-term academic networks.

MIASA Events and Academic Activities

MIASA’s activities extend beyond its fellowship programme.

The Institute organises a wide range of academic and public events, including:

• Thematic conferences in Ghana and other African countries.
• Policy conferences.
• The Annual Anton Wilhelm Amo Lecture.
• Writing workshops for early-career African researchers.
• Publishing workshops.
• Female Academic Careers in Africa workshops.
• Research seminars.
• Public lectures and other scholarly activities.

These programmes contribute to MIASA’s broader goal of connecting academic research with society, policy and the arts.

Publication and Dissemination of Research

MIASA supports researchers in disseminating their findings through several channels.

Research produced through the Institute may be shared through:

• MIASA’s working paper series.
• UGSpace.
• MIASA’s academic blog.
• Peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Books.
• External research publications.

This provides fellows with opportunities to communicate their work to both academic and wider audiences.

For Individual Fellowships

The current 2027/28 individual fellowship call is open to junior and senior scholars who hold a doctoral degree awarded at least three months before the start of the fellowship. Applicants should work within the Humanities or Social Sciences and propose research that fits MIASA’s thematic programme.

For Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups

IFGs can include both junior and senior researchers.

Junior researchers are expected to have successfully completed their doctorate by the time the fellowship agreement is concluded, with the published requirements specifying that the doctorate should have been completed at least three months before the fellowship begins.

The research must fit the IFG’s specific theme and demonstrate academic quality, originality and interdisciplinary value.

For Self-Funded Fellowships

Self-funded fellowships are open to junior and senior scholars who have completed their doctorate at least three months before the fellowship begins and who have their own external funding or paid leave from their home institution.

For Artists in Residence

The Artist in Residence route is intended for artists whose creative work can meaningfully interact with MIASA’s research themes and fellow groups.

Countries, Regions and Nationality

MIASA’s fellowship programme has a strong international and Africa-focused orientation.

The Institute’s collaborations involve Ghana, Germany, other African countries and European institutions, and its stated objectives include strengthening research exchange between Africa and Europe.

However, the current open calls provided by MIASA do not state a race or ethnicity restriction, nor do they state that applicants must be citizens of a particular African country.

For the individual fellowship, the published eligibility criteria focus on the applicant’s doctoral qualification, research level, academic excellence and fit with MIASA’s thematic programme rather than nationality.

The Tandem Fellowship is more geographically specific because it requires a pair consisting of one researcher based in Africa and one based in Germany.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between nationality and institutional location: for some programmes, where a researcher is based can be more important than citizenship.

Languages of Application

MIASA accepts applications in English and French for the self-funded fellowship and has used both languages across its fellowship programme.

This reflects the Institute’s objective of strengthening intellectual connections across Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

Applicants should nevertheless check the specific call they are applying to for the applicable language requirements.

How Applications Are Evaluated

MIASA states that fellows and groups are selected by its distinguished Academic Advisory Board.

Selection is merit-based and takes into consideration factors such as:

• Academic excellence.
• Quality of the research proposal.
• Originality.
• Relevance to MIASA’s research programme.
• Interdisciplinary potential.
• Feasibility.
• Composition of research groups.
• International character.
• Potential contribution to the intellectual environment at MIASA and the University of Ghana.

For individual fellowships, particular importance is placed on the academic excellence of the applicant and the quality and innovation of the fellowship proposal. MIASA also states its commitment to gender balance.

What a Strong MIASA Research Proposal Should Demonstrate

A strong proposal should go beyond describing an interesting topic.

It should clearly establish:

1. The research problem — What important issue is being investigated?
2. The research question — What specifically will the researcher seek to understand?
3. The theoretical framework — Which concepts or theories guide the research?
4. The methodology — How will the research be conducted?
5. Originality — What makes the research new or distinctive?
6. Relevance — Why does the research matter?
7. MIASA fit — Why is MIASA the appropriate environment for the project?
8. University of Ghana connection — What value does conducting the research at Legon provide?
9. Feasibility — Can the project realistically be advanced during the fellowship?
10. Contribution to academic life — How can the fellow contribute to discussions and activities at MIASA?

The proposal should make it easy for reviewers to understand why the project belongs within MIASA’s intellectual environment.

Residential Research at the University of Ghana

The location of the fellowship is an important part of the programme.

MIASA is based on the Legon campus of the University of Ghana in Accra.

Researchers are expected to work from the Institute and participate actively in its academic environment.

This means the fellowship is particularly suitable for scholars who value:

• Face-to-face academic discussion.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Research seminars.
• Networking.
• Academic writing.
• Intellectual exchange.
• Engagement with African research environments.

It is not simply a financial award for research that can be undertaken entirely from the applicant’s home country.

Apply HERE

Can Former MIASA Fellows Apply Again?

Yes.

MIASA allows former fellows to apply for a second research stay provided that the new application is for a different fellowship type.

For example, a former Interdisciplinary Fellow Group participant can subsequently apply for an individual fellowship.

This provides researchers with the possibility of maintaining a longer-term relationship with MIASA while pursuing different research formats.

Current Open Calls and Deadlines

The current MIASA fellowship page lists the following open opportunities:

Sustainable Democracy Interdisciplinary Fellow Group

• Four residential fellowships
• Fellowship period: 1 September–31 December 2027
• Location: University of Ghana, Legon
• Theme: Sustainable Democracy
• Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 24:00 UTC
• Successful candidates expected to be informed: March 2027

Individual Residential Fellowships

• Up to five fellowships
• Duration: 3–6 months
• Academic year: 2027/28
• Earliest start: 1 September 2027
• Latest end: 31 August 2028
• Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
• Successful candidates expected to be informed: March 2027

Self-Funded Residential Fellowships

• Duration: 3–6 months
• Open to junior and senior researchers with their own external funding or paid leave.
• Earliest start currently listed: 1 September 2026
• Applications accepted throughout the year.
• Applications must be submitted at least four months before the intended start date.
• No single annual application deadline is specified.

Applicants should always verify the deadline and requirements on the official MIASA page before submitting because fellowship calls can be updated.

Learn More About This Opportunity HERE

Why Consider a MIASA Fellowship?

It provides an opportunity to become part of an international academic environment based in Ghana while engaging with researchers working on some of the most important questions facing African societies and the wider world.

The fellowship can help researchers:

• Advance an existing research project.
• Develop a new research idea.
• Complete academic writing.
• Analyse existing research material.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Develop international research networks.
• Collaborate with researchers from different countries.
• Connect with African and European academic communities.
• Participate in seminars and public academic activities.
• Develop future collaborative research projects.
• Contribute to debates around sustainable governance.

For researchers based in Africa, the programme can also provide an opportunity to strengthen connections with international research networks without separating the research from African academic environments.

For international researchers, MIASA offers an opportunity to conduct research within the intellectual environment of the University of Ghana and develop deeper connections with African scholarship and research communities.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Prospective applicants should carefully consider several factors before preparing an application.

1. Your research must fit MIASA

A strong academic project may still be unsuitable if it does not connect clearly with Sustainable Governance or one of MIASA’s research areas.

2. The fellowship is residential

Applicants should be prepared to spend the required period at MIASA in Accra.

3. Data collection should not be the main purpose

For the individual fellowship, the programme is primarily designed for research development, analysis, reflection and writing rather than using the entire fellowship period for primary data collection.

4. Read the specific call carefully

Different fellowship types have different requirements.

An applicant should not assume that the requirements for an individual fellowship are identical to those for an IFG, tandem fellowship or self-funded fellowship.

5. Demonstrate MIASA’s added value

Applicants should explain why conducting the research at MIASA and the University of Ghana would strengthen their project.

This could involve access to intellectual networks, interdisciplinary exchange, African scholarship, academic events or potential collaborators.

Conclusion

The Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) offers a distinctive platform for researchers seeking to advance high-quality scholarship in the Humanities and Social Sciences while engaging with questions of sustainable governance, democracy, peace, environmental transformation and other major issues affecting African societies.

Its fellowship programme is particularly notable for its commitment to interdisciplinary research, international collaboration and the strengthening of African knowledge production.

Through Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups, researchers can work collectively on complex questions requiring expertise from different disciplines. Through Individual Fellowships, scholars can dedicate several months to their own research projects within the stimulating environment of the University of Ghana. Tandem Fellowships create structured research partnerships between scholars based in Africa and Germany, while Artists in Residence bring creative perspectives into academic discussions. Researchers who already have external funding can also make use of the Self-funded Residential Fellowship pathway.

The current open calls provide particularly timely opportunities for researchers interested in Sustainable Democracy and for junior and senior scholars seeking individual residential research fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year. Both major current calls have an application deadline of 15 October 2026, while the self-funded fellowship accepts applications throughout the year provided they are submitted at least four months before the intended start date.

For researchers whose work fits MIASA’s intellectual programme, the opportunity represents a chance to do more than complete a research project. It offers access to an international community of scholars, interdisciplinary exchange, academic networking, the University of Ghana’s Legon research environment and a platform for contributing to broader debates about Africa, governance, sustainability, democracy, peace and social transformation.

Applicants should therefore approach the opportunity strategically: select the fellowship type that best matches their career stage and research plans, develop a strong and original proposal, demonstrate clear alignment with MIASA’s themes, and explain convincingly why the research would benefit from being undertaken within the MIASA and University of Ghana environment.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE