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Social Relevance of the Humanities for International Scholars Fellowship Programme

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Centre for Advanced Study Sofia (CAS Sofia) invites postdoctoral international scholars for its Social Relevance of the Humanities Fellowship Programme, offering in-residence fellowships of up to five months. The programme encourages research linking humanities and social sciences to contemporary global challenges, with financial support, accommodation, access to resources, and participation in CAS academic activities.

Overview of the Fellowship

The programme emphasizes the cognitive and critical functions of the humanities, encouraging scholars to engage with practical, ethical, philosophical, and epistemological issues relevant to the contemporary world. Research themes may cover a broad range of humanities and social science disciplines, provided they connect to debates or challenges posed by technological advances, digital modernity, and societal transformations.

Fellowship Details

  • Duration: Up to five months in residence

  • Fellowship periods:

    • Winter: 1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027

    • Summer: 1 March 2027 – 31 July 2027

  • Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Supported disciplines: Humanities and social sciences

  • Target scholars: Postdoctoral non-Bulgarian researchers, junior and senior

Benefits and Financial Support

Fellows receive:

  • Monthly stipend: €1000

  • Accommodation: Provided in Sofia with working and living space

  • Library access: Free access to CAS library and electronic resources

  • Travel & insurance: Covering visa, travel to Sofia, and insurance

  • Research travel abroad: Funds allocated for field research

  • Research expenses: Monthly allowance for project-related costs

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

  • Non-Bulgarian citizenship

  • PhD in humanities or social sciences

  • Preferably with international research experience and peer-reviewed publications

  • Junior applicants (up to 8 years post-PhD) must provide two recommendation letters submitted directly by referees

  • Proficiency in English is essential

Application Process

Required Documents:

  • Completed application form

  • Research proposal detailing project scope and duration justification

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Two letters of recommendation (for junior scholars)

Steps:

  1. Prepare application documents and research proposal

  2. Submit by 31 March 2026

  3. Shortlisted candidates invited for online interviews in late June 2026

  4. Final results announced in July 2026

Expectations of Fellows

  • Conduct independent, high-quality research

  • Actively participate in CAS seminars, workshops, conferences, and lectures

  • Present research publicly during the fellowship period

  • Produce a summary paper in English upon completion

Selection Criteria

  • Academic portfolio quality

  • Innovation and significance of the research proposal

  • Interdisciplinary or comparative approach

  • Contribution to contemporary relevance of humanities and social sciences

  • Preference for scholars not holding a CAS fellowship in the previous five years or limited previous fellowships

Why This Fellowship Matters

  • Encourages humanities research with practical and ethical relevance

  • Supports scholars in engaging with global and contemporary challenges

  • Provides access to international networks, resources, and academic mentoring

  • Enhances research visibility through seminars, workshops, and publication opportunities

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly link your research to contemporary societal or technological issues

  • Highlight previous international experience and publication record

  • Ensure recommendation letters are submitted on time

  • Provide a clear, feasible research plan for the fellowship period

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English for active participation and reporting

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for this fellowship?
Non-Bulgarian postdoctoral scholars in humanities or social sciences with international research experience.

2. How long is the fellowship period?
Up to five months, either Oct 2026–Feb 2027 or Mar 2027–Jul 2027.

3. What support is provided?
Monthly stipend (€1000), accommodation, library access, travel, insurance, research travel funds, and research expense allowance.

4. What is required for the application?
Application form, CV, research proposal, and two recommendation letters for junior scholars.

5. What is the application deadline?
31 March 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.

6. When are candidates notified of selection?
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online in late June 2026, and final selections are announced in July 2026.

7. Are previous CAS fellowship holders eligible?
Yes, but priority is given to those who have not held a CAS fellowship in the past five years or have limited prior fellowships.

Conclusion

The CAS Sofia Social Relevance of the Humanities Fellowship provides international scholars with a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research linking humanities and social sciences to contemporary societal challenges, supported by a rich academic environment, financial aid, and global networks.

For more information, visit CAS Sofia.