Applications open for GERDA HENKEL Fellowships

The five-month in-residence fellowships are granted under the framework of the CAS Advanced Academia programme and supports PhD holders from the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China (only Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions), Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Objective

• CAS Sofia is an independent Institute with international and multidisciplinary profile. Located in Sofia, Bulgaria, it promotes high-level scholarship in the social sciences and the humanities. In addition to supporting focus-group research, CAS Sofia invites outstanding scholars to pursue their individual research projects during in-residence periods of up to five months. The invited Fellows participate in the intellectual life and the scholarly community of the Centre (Bulgarian and foreign fellows) while working on projects of their own choice. Fellows receive adequate material and intellectual support and can profit from the Centre’s wide international networks, international seminar- and guest-lecturer programme. CAS Sofia assists Fellows in all practical matters concerning travel, residence and research in Sofia.

Fellowship Format

• Fellows are entitled to:
  • A monthly stipend of 850 Euro (liable to 10% income tax) to cover living expenses related to the stay in Sofia;
  • Accommodation in Sofia, comprising living quarters and working space. The Fellows will also have free access to the CAS library and electronic resources/databases;
  • Travel from the home country to Sofia and back, visa and insurance costs (up to 800 Euro);
  • Research field trip abroad during the fellowship period – up to 1200 Euro (a one-time allowance);
  • Research expenses (100 Euro per month).
• Duration and Conditions
  • Candidates may apply for two periods:
    • 1 October 2024 – 28 February 2025 (Winter semester)
    • 1 March 2025 – 31 July 2025 (Summer semester)
  • N.B. The final invitation for fellowship depends on the ranking of the application and the preferred period. Availability for both periods is an advantage for the applicant. Please, indicate in the application form whether you prefer one or either period.
  • The selected Fellows will take part in the regular Fellow seminars and the other scientific events organized by the Centre (workshops, conferences, lectures, etc.) and are invited to present and discuss their project in lectures or seminars. The results of their work shall be summarized in a paper (in English), to be published in the electronic CAS Working Paper Series.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must:
  • Be citizens of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China (only Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions), Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan;
  • Have completed a PhD in the fields of the humanities and social sciences;
  • Have international research experience (participation in projects and refereed conferences) and publications in peer-reviewed academic editions are strong advantages;
  • Preference will be given to candidates below the age of 45.

Working Language

• As an international academic institution CAS conducts most of its work in English which is also the language of the presentations of research results. Therefore, a good command of English is highly desirable.

For more information, visit CAS Sofia.