Request for Applications: Fonds BJP Fellowship Programme (Netherlands)

The Fonds BJP Fellowship at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) offers Dutch-speaking journalists a five-month residency to develop in-depth projects such as books, documentaries, podcasts, or multimedia productions. Fellows gain access to academic seminars, research infrastructure, and a collaborative interdisciplinary environment while receiving a monthly stipend of €3,500. Applications are submitted in Dutch, and candidates must be able to participate actively in institute life.

Overview

The Fonds BJP Fellowship, offered by NIAS in cooperation with the Fonds Bijzondere Journalistieke Projecten (Fonds BJP), provides an immersive academic residency for Dutch-speaking journalists.

The programme allows fellows to focus exclusively on in-depth journalistic projects while benefiting from the intellectual environment of a multidisciplinary academic community.

Eligible Project Formats

• Investigative series and longform journalism

• Podcasts and documentaries

• Visual journalism and multimedia productions

• Non-fiction books

• Projects must result in Dutch-language publications

Fellowship Duration and Benefits

• Duration: 5 months

• Stipend: €3,500 per month

• Office space: Private office for focused work

• Academic engagement: Weekly seminars and access to NIAS research infrastructure

• Social interaction: Communal lunches and participation in academic activities

• Accommodation: Subsidised options for participants traveling more than 90 minutes

Eligibility Criteria

• Language: Dutch-speaking journalists

• Project stage: Candidates must have already made significant progress on their journalistic project

• Professional status: Freelance or employed journalists

• Formats: Investigative reporting, longform, podcasts, documentaries, multimedia, visual journalism

• Institute participation: Must be physically present at least four days per week and actively participate in seminars (in English)

Who is Eligible?

• Freelance or employed Dutch-speaking journalists

• Candidates with projects suitable for Fonds BJP guidelines

• Former NIAS fellows may reapply after 10 years

How the Programme Works

1. Application submission: Applications are submitted in Dutch via Fonds BJP, which evaluates and nominates candidates to NIAS

2. Residency: Fellows work in a private office and engage in weekly seminars, library research, and social and academic events

3. Project development: Focus entirely on the selected journalistic project

4. Integration with academic community: Exchange perspectives with scholars, artists, and writers from various disciplines

Duration and Time Commitment

• 5-month residency

• Minimum four days per week on-site

• Active participation in seminars, discussions, and communal events

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Dedicated research space and resources

• Exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives

• Opportunity to develop Dutch-language journalistic projects

• Monthly stipend of €3,500

• Access to library and academic infrastructure

• Community engagement with international scholars and artists

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications in languages other than Dutch

• Applying without a well-progressed project

• Failing to commit to minimum four-day weekly presence

• Ignoring the requirement to participate in weekly academic seminars

• Former NIAS fellows applying before 10 years have passed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Dutch-speaking journalists (freelance or employed) with significant progress on a journalistic project.

2. What projects are eligible?

Non-fiction books, investigative series, podcasts, documentaries, visual journalism, and multimedia productions, resulting in Dutch-language output.

3. How long is the fellowship?

Five months, with full-time residency at NIAS.

4. What funding is provided?

A monthly stipend of €3,500, with subsidised accommodation for long-distance commuters.

5. What are the residency requirements?

Minimum four days per week on-site, active participation in weekly academic seminars conducted in English.

6. Can former NIAS fellows apply?

Yes, but only if at least 10 years have passed since their last fellowship.

7. How is the application process conducted?

Applications are submitted in Dutch through Fonds BJP, which assesses eligibility and nominates candidates to NIAS for formal selection.

Conclusion

The Fonds BJP Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for Dutch-speaking journalists to immerse themselves in an academic setting, develop in-depth journalistic projects, and engage with a diverse international community of scholars and creatives. Fellows gain dedicated resources, mentorship, and intellectual support to bring complex journalistic ideas to fruition.