Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The Golestan Fellowship Program supports experienced non-Dutch researchers whose work connects medical or biological sciences with the humanities or social sciences. It offers a 5-month or 10-month full-time residency, research support, stipend or institutional grant, and access to an international academic environment for interdisciplinary scholarship.
Overview
The Golestan Fellowship Program invites applications from researchers in the medical sciences or biological sciences whose work meaningfully intersects with the humanities and social sciences.
This fellowship is designed for interdisciplinary research, especially projects that combine scientific inquiry with broader ethical, social, cultural, historical, or policy-related perspectives.
It is ideal for scholars exploring questions such as:
- How medicine affects society and culture
- Ethical issues in biological or medical research
- Historical or philosophical perspectives on science
- Social science analysis of health, illness, and healthcare systems
- Human-centered approaches to biomedical research
What the Fellowship Supports
The program supports researchers who want to pursue an independent project while participating in a multidisciplinary academic community.
Fellows are expected to:
- Conduct their own research project
- Engage with scholars from different disciplines
- Take part in intellectual discussions and feedback sessions
- Contribute to an international research environment
This makes the fellowship especially valuable for scholars working at the intersection of:
- Medical humanities
- Bioethics
- History of medicine
- Sociology of health
- Anthropology of science
- Science and technology studies (STS)
- Public health and society
Fellowship Duration and Residency Format
The fellowship offers two residency options during each academic year:
- 5-month residency
- 10-month residency
This is a full-time fellowship.
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Be actively engaged in their research throughout the fellowship
- Be present at the institute 4 working days per week
- Participate regularly in the academic life of the institute
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive academic and practical support to carry out their research effectively.
Main benefits include:
- Personal stipend (exact amount not specified)
- Or a Dutch University Grant awarded to the fellow’s affiliated institution, where applicable
- Office space
- Access to research facilities
- Subsidised accommodation (for eligible fellows)
- Opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary scholarly environment
Who Is Eligible?
The Golestan Fellowship is intended for established international researchers with a clear interdisciplinary research profile.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be non-Dutch researchers
- Have made a significant contribution to their field
- Have more than 3 years of post-PhD academic experience
- Work in medical or biological sciences
- Show a clear and strong connection between their work and the humanities and/or social sciences
- Have a strong command of English
Important eligibility note
English proficiency is essential because:
- English is the working language of the fellowship
- Fellows must actively participate in discussions, collaboration, and academic exchange
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Golestan Fellowship is important because it supports research that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries.
Why it stands out:
- Encourages interdisciplinary scholarship
- Supports research linking science with society
- Promotes discussion of ethical, cultural, and social dimensions of medicine and biology
- Gives researchers time and space for focused academic work
- Builds international collaboration across fields
For researchers in medical humanities or socially engaged science research, this fellowship can strengthen both research impact and academic visibility.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the online application form before the official deadline.
Required application materials
Applicants need to prepare:
- Completed online application form
- Project proposal (maximum 1,500 words, excluding abstract and references)
- Updated CV
Project proposal should clearly explain:
- Your research topic
- The interdisciplinary connection between medical/biological sciences and humanities/social sciences
- Your main research question
- Why the project fits the fellowship
- Expected scholarly contribution
Additional note
- Candidates may also be nominated through the regular fellowship application process
How to Strengthen Your Application
To improve your chances, make sure your proposal is highly aligned with the fellowship’s interdisciplinary purpose.
Best tips for applicants
- Clearly show how your project bridges science and society
- Use specific language about your interdisciplinary method
- Explain why your work needs this academic environment
- Highlight your post-PhD achievements and publications
- Demonstrate the broader relevance of your research
- Keep the proposal concise, focused, and academically strong
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when applying:
- Submitting a project that is too narrowly scientific without humanities/social science integration
- Mentioning interdisciplinarity without clearly proving it
- Writing a vague or overly broad proposal
- Ignoring the 1,500-word limit
- Failing to show sufficient post-PhD experience
- Underestimating the need for active participation in the fellowship community
- Submitting an outdated or incomplete CV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Golestan Fellowship Program?
The fellowship is open to non-Dutch researchers in the medical or biological sciences who have more than 3 years of post-PhD academic experience and whose work clearly connects with the humanities or social sciences.
What kind of research does the fellowship support?
It supports interdisciplinary research that combines medical or biological sciences with fields such as history, ethics, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, or other humanities/social sciences.
How long is the fellowship?
Applicants can typically choose between:
- A 5-month residency
- A 10-month residency
Both are offered during the academic year.
Is the fellowship full-time?
Yes. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment. Fellows are expected to be present at the institute 4 working days per week.
What financial support is provided?
Fellows receive:
- A personal stipend (amount not specified), or
- A Dutch University Grant for their affiliated institution, where applicable
They may also receive subsidised accommodation, depending on eligibility.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit:
- An online application form
- A project proposal (up to 1,500 words, excluding references and abstract)
- An updated CV
Is English required?
Yes. A strong command of English is required because it is the working language of the fellowship and essential for participating in the academic community.
Final Takeaway
The Golestan Fellowship Program is a strong opportunity for experienced international researchers working at the intersection of medical or biological sciences and the humanities or social sciences.
If your work explores how science connects with ethics, society, culture, or human experience, this fellowship offers funded time, academic support, and an interdisciplinary environment to deepen your research and expand its impact.
For more information, visit NIAS.
