Deadline: 13-Jan-2026

The Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe (RFHE) invites applications for its Collaborative Fellowship Programme, supporting joint PhD and postdoctoral research between universities and heritage institutions in Europe. Grants fund research on underexplored Jewish collections, covering stipends, salaries, and project-related costs. Applications close January 13, 2026, with notifications by mid-May 2026.

RFHE Collaborative Fellowship Programme

Overview

The Collaborative Fellowship Programme enables universities and heritage institutions—such as archives, libraries, and museums—to jointly recruit PhD students or postdoctoral fellows to conduct research focused on the heritage institution’s collections. Each fellowship is co-supervised by a university academic and a heritage professional.

This initiative encourages projects that:

• Examine Jewish collections with limited prior academic study

• Promote cross-institutional collaboration between academic and heritage professionals

• Advance research in Jewish Studies while fostering emerging scholars

Why It Matters

Jewish heritage collections often remain underexplored. This programme:

• Strengthens academic engagement with collections

• Provides structured mentorship for emerging scholars

• Bridges the gap between academic research and heritage preservation

• Contributes to the long-term sustainability and visibility of heritage institutions

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• European universities and heritage institutions (archives, libraries, museums) applying jointly

• Organisations operating on a not-for-profit basis (proof required: UK charity number or equivalent international documentation)

Exclusions:

• Projects tangentially related to Jewish Studies

• Projects focused solely on individuals of Jewish heritage without historical significance

• Educational initiatives (secondary schools, informal education, or documentaries)

Funding Details

• PhD Fellowships: Up to £19,000 per year for up to 3 years

• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Up to £40,000 per year for up to 2 years

• Additional Project Support: Up to £6,000 per year for equipment, staff time, supervisory support, or public engagement activities

• Eligible Costs:

  • PhD: Tuition, research, travel, and living expenses

  • Postdoctoral: Salary, taxes, and benefits

• Applicants must ensure coverage of all associated institutional costs

How to Apply / How it Works

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

2. Provide two external referees unaffiliated with the applying institutions; referees must submit forms by Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

3. Supporting documentation must include:

   • Proof of not-for-profit status

   • Completed budget form and evidence of standard salary/stipend levels

   • CVs for candidates and supervisors (up to five pages each)

   • One-page update or final report for ongoing or recently completed RFHE-funded projects

4. Candidates may be recruited after award or pre-identified at the time of application.

Successful applicants will receive an award letter and agreement for signature, alongside instructions for submitting supporting documentation.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced research output on underexplored Jewish collections

• Stronger collaboration between universities and heritage institutions

• Development of emerging scholars in Jewish Studies

• Increased visibility and academic use of heritage collections

Common Tips

• Demonstrate clear alignment between the project and the institution’s collections

• Show strong mentorship and supervision plan across both institutions

• Ensure budgets reflect local stipend/salary norms

• Verify timely submission of referee forms to avoid delays

• Include comprehensive documentation of institutional commitment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which institutions can apply?
European universities and heritage institutions (archives, libraries, museums), excluding Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

2. What types of fellowships are funded?
PhD fellowships (up to £19,000/year, 3 years) and postdoctoral fellowships (up to £40,000/year, 2 years).

3. Are additional project-related funds available?
Yes, up to £6,000 per year for equipment, supervision, or public engagement.

4. What topics are eligible?
Any topic within Jewish Studies, particularly underexplored collections.

5. What supporting documents are required?
Proof of non-profit status, budget form, CVs, salary/stipend evidence, and project update if applicable.

6. When are applications due?
Application submission: 13 January 2026; referee submissions: 20 January 2026.

7. When will awards be announced?
Notifications will be sent by mid-May 2026.

Conclusion

The RFHE Collaborative Fellowship Programme promotes joint academic and heritage research, empowering emerging scholars to explore underutilized Jewish collections. By providing comprehensive funding, mentorship, and structured institutional collaboration, the programme strengthens Jewish Studies and ensures sustainable, impactful research partnerships.

For more information, visit Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe.