Deadline: 13-Jan-2026

The Research Fellowship Programme offers six- to twelve-month funding for mid-career Jewish Studies scholars to complete significant research projects. Grants support teaching buyouts, replacement staff salaries, and research expenses up to £5,000, with a maximum award of £45,000. Applications close January 13, 2026, with decisions announced in mid-May 2026.

Research Fellowship Programme for Mid-Career Jewish Studies Scholars

Overview

The Research Fellowship Programme provides mid-career scholars in Jewish Studies with funding to advance significant research projects. The programme supports projects at European universities or heritage institutions such as archives, libraries, or museums. Funding can cover teaching buyouts, employing temporary replacements, and research-related expenses.

The programme encourages projects exploring all topics within Jewish Studies, with particular interest in:

• Contemporary Jewish life in Europe (social science perspectives)

• Digital humanities research methods

Projects must have a clear connection to Jewish Studies; topics only tangentially related or focusing solely on individuals of Jewish heritage without broader historical relevance are unlikely to be funded.

Why It Matters

This fellowship enables scholars to dedicate uninterrupted time to research while maintaining their teaching and institutional responsibilities. It promotes:

• Advancement of Jewish Studies scholarship in Europe

• Integration of innovative research methods such as digital humanities

• Support for mid-career scholars who have made significant contributions to the field

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be employed at a European university or heritage institution

• Have made a significant contribution to Jewish Studies, typically within 15 years of completing their PhD

• Apply via their employing institution

Ineligible projects include:

• Secondary school education initiatives

• Informal education or documentary film projects

• Projects unrelated to Jewish Studies

Funding Details

• Award amount: Up to £45,000 depending on costs and fellowship duration

• Eligible expenses:

  • Teaching buyout or replacement staff salary

  • Research expenses (up to £5,000)

• Funding allocation: Awarded to the scholar’s institution for administration and disbursement

How to Apply

1. Submit the Application Form and supporting documentation by Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

2. Provide details for two external referees unaffiliated with the institution; references are due Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

3. Supporting documentation must include:

   • Proof of not-for-profit or charitable status of the institution

   • Completed budget table and justification

   • CV (up to five pages)

   • Project update or final report (if applicable)

4. Non-English documents must include accurate translations.

Applications must be submitted through the employing institution, which will receive the awarded funds to employ replacement staff and manage research expenses.

Timeline

• Application deadline: January 13, 2026

• Reference submission deadline: January 20, 2026

• Notification of results: Mid-May 2026

• Award formalization: Official award letter and e-signature agreement sent to successful applicants

Common Tips

• Ensure the project aligns closely with Jewish Studies scholarship

• Provide detailed budget and justification for research and teaching replacement costs

• Highlight the innovative or impactful aspects of your research

• Include two referees who are familiar with your research but not affiliated with your institution

• Ensure all documents are complete and accurately translated if necessary

Expected Outcomes

• Completion of a significant Jewish Studies research project

• Development of new insights or methodologies within the field

• Contribution to the academic community through publications or reports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Mid-career scholars employed at European universities or heritage institutions with a significant contribution to Jewish Studies, typically within 15 years of completing their PhD.

2. What costs are covered by the fellowship?
Teaching buyouts, replacement staff salaries, and research expenses up to £5,000.

3. Can projects on individuals of Jewish heritage be funded?
Only if the historical importance of the subject is significantly tied to Jewish Studies, not merely their heritage.

4. How much funding can a scholar receive?
Up to £45,000 depending on the duration of the fellowship and replacement staff costs.

5. What documents are required for the application?
Application Form, budget table and justification, CV (up to five pages), project update or final report (if applicable), proof of institutional status, and two external reference letters.

6. Are non-English documents accepted?
Yes, but they must be accompanied by clear translations.

7. When will award decisions be communicated?
Successful applicants will be notified via email in mid-May 2026.

Conclusion

The Research Fellowship Programme provides critical support for mid-career scholars in Jewish Studies, enabling focused research, innovative methodologies, and meaningful contributions to the field. With funding for teaching buyouts and research expenses, scholars can pursue impactful projects while sustaining their professional responsibilities.

For more information, visit Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe.