CEES Fellowship Program

The Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) is the University of Zurich’s hub for interdisciplinary and contemporary studies of a vast region comprising the former socialist states of Eastern Europe and the countries of the post-Soviet space. The CEES is engaged in research and teaching and offers scholars and students a platform for critical exchange and academic discussion. Through publications, public events and workshops, media appearances and a wide range of other activities, the CEES provides expertise for decision-makers in politics and business and serves as a link between academia, practitioners and the larger public. The CEES has set up the CEES Fellowship Program in order to build up knowledge, foster ties with scholars and institutions from Eastern Europe and around the globe, and stimulate interdisciplinary thinking on Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia. The aim of the program is to support scholars who wish to pursue their individual research projects and engage in scholarly exchange and discussion on politically relevant themes related to Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia in the field of social science and humanities. The program provides scholars with experiences and connections that will endure beyond their fellowship period. The fellowship program also seeks to establish the CEES as the leading institution for contemporary Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian studies in Switzerland. The CEES directorate is responsible for defining the research priorities in their calls for application to the CEES Fellowship Program, the exact specification of application requirements, and the ultimate decision on the selection of CEES Fellows and CEES Scholars.

Eligibility, benefits and responsibilities

The CEES Fellowship Program is typically set up as a four-month (one semester) residential fellowship. During this period, the CEES Fellow is expected to pursue their independent research in residency and to participate actively in the scholarly activities of the CEES. The Fellow will have access to the relevant libraries and the interdisciplinary community of experts associated with the CEES. The Fellow will hold a lecture, seminar or workshop on their research topic, organized by the CEES. The Fellow is also expected to publish their findings in a CEES publication. The fellowship is open to individuals interested in historical and/or contemporary topics in Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia in any discipline within the field of social science and humanities. However, priority will be given to scholars in the early stage of their careers and individuals in higher education institutions working on issues related to CEES research priorities. These priorities are defined in the calls for application, which are launched twice a year. While we welcome applicants from around the world, preference will be given to scholars who are residents of countries that fall under the purview of the CEES: Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Funding includes travel, health insurance, visa support and a stipend for living expenses during the period of stay (usually up to four months). In addition to library access, the fellow will have use of a workspace and other necessary facilities at the CEES. The CEES will help the Fellow with finding housing in the Zurich area. The start of program is at the beginning of each semester, in mid-September and mid-February, respectively.

Visiting Scholars Program

Scholars with outside funding may apply to be appointed as unpaid visiting scholars at the CEES. Typically, these scholars arrange for a living stipend from their home university or another sponsor. With the exception of funding, CEES Visiting Scholars enjoy the same benefits and share the same responsibilities as CEES Fellows. They are selected according to the same criteria as CEES Fellows.