Entries open for Advanced Academia Pforzheimer Senior Fellowship Program – Bulgaria

The Advanced Academia Pforzheimer Senior Fellowship Program at CAS Sofia invites established Bulgarian researchers to conduct high-level scientific research without disciplinary restrictions. Fellows receive €1,000 per month for five months and gain access to seminars, library resources, and an intellectually stimulating environment.

Program Overview

The Advanced Academia Pforzheimer Senior Fellowship promotes top-tier scientific research, international knowledge exchange, and public and academic engagement. The program is open to all disciplines, methodologies, and themes, focusing on the academic quality of both the candidate and the research project. Fellows are fully integrated into ongoing seminars and discussions at CAS Sofia and have access to comprehensive library and electronic resources.

Fellowship Details

• Number of Fellowships: 3

• Duration: 5 months per fellowship

• Periods Available:

  • October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027

  • March 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027

• Monthly Stipend: €1,000

• Responsibilities: Fellows must be fully dedicated to research and free from teaching or administrative duties during the fellowship period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Bulgarian citizen

• Hold a defended doctoral dissertation

• Position: Associate Professor or Professor with 12+ years of post-doctoral scientific experience

• Must have at least two published monographs

• Strong English proficiency (primary working language at CAS)

• International research experience and publications in recognized journals are advantageous

Who is Eligible?

• Established researchers and lecturers in any academic discipline

• Candidates with a proven track record of high-quality research and publications

• Individuals proposing innovative and original projects, preferably interdisciplinary or comparative

How It Works

1. Prepare Your Application: Include all required documents in English.

2. Submit by Deadline: March 31, 2026.

3. Evaluation Process:

   • Reviewed by the international Academic Council

   • Shortlisted candidates invited for online interviews in the second half of June 2026

4. Selection Notification: Final results released in July 2026 via electronic communication and CAS Sofia’s website

5. Fellowship Period: Fellows conduct research fully integrated into the CAS academic environment

Selection Criteria

• Quality and originality of the research proposal

• Academic portfolio and publication record

• Participation in international research projects

• Preference for interdisciplinary and comparative studies

• Candidates not holding a CAS fellowship in the past five years may receive additional consideration

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize innovative and original aspects of your research project

• Highlight international collaborations and publications

• Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in English

• Prepare to demonstrate academic impact and contribution during the interview stage

Application Requirements

• Curriculum vitae (CV) including academic positions and publications

• Detailed research proposal

• List of monographs and significant publications

• Letters of recommendation or references, if required by CAS

Conclusion

The Advanced Academia Pforzheimer Senior Fellowship offers senior Bulgarian researchers an opportunity to advance high-level scientific research in a supportive and international environment. Fellows benefit from financial support, dedicated research time, access to resources, and integration into CAS Sofia’s academic community, contributing to the advancement of knowledge across disciplines.