The South Caucasus is one of the most geopolitically active regions on Earth right now.
Shifting alliances, contested borders and changing energy corridors cross border communities caught between competing powers. The questions surrounding this region are urgent, complex and genuinely under-researched in Western academic literature.
The Center for Eastern European Studies at the University of Zurich has taken notice. For its Spring 2027 fellowship cycle, CEES is specifically prioritizing research on geopolitical trends, economic connectivity and transnational social and cultural issues connected to the South Caucasus while remaining open to broader proposals on Russia Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Five to six scholars will be selected. They will spend up to four months in Zurich from mid-February 2027, fully supported and embedded in one of Europe’s leading research environments for post Soviet studies.
Published on: September 11, 2026. Application window is currently open. Deadline confirmed as 12 October 2026. Submit by email to cees@isos.uzh.ch as a single PDF. No portal email only.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | CEES Spring 2027 Fellowship Program |
| Host | Center for Eastern European Studies University of Zurich |
| Location | Zurich Switzerland |
| Duration | Up to 4 months from mid February 2027 |
| Positions available | 5 to 6 fellows |
| Who can apply | International Applicants |
| Funding | Stipend plus travel plus administrative costs |
| Housing support | Yes CEES assists with finding accommodation |
| Application deadline | 12 October 2026 |
Why the South Caucasus Focus Matters This Cycle
CEES runs this fellowship year-round but each cohort has specific research priorities. For Spring 2027, the Center has identified three areas it particularly wants to fund.
Geopolitical trends in the South Caucasus. The region sits at the intersection of Russian, Turkish, Iranian and Western interests. Recent years have seen significant shifts in regional security architecture. Researchers examining these dynamics from historical or contemporary angles are strongly encouraged to apply.
Economic connectivity. Trade routes, energy infrastructure and regional economic relationships across the Caucasus have been reshaping rapidly. Research exploring these networks and how they are changing fits squarely within CEES’s current priorities.
Transnational social and cultural issues. Cross-border communities, displacement, identity, migration and cultural exchange across the South Caucasus region are all relevant here.
Researchers whose work does not fall into these specific areas can still apply. The fellowship remains open to proposals addressing historical or contemporary topics connected to Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia more broadly. The priority areas simply indicate where CEES is most actively looking to build its Spring 2027 cohort.
What the Fellowship Actually Provides
Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. That is not a minor consideration for a four month research residency.
CEES addresses this directly. The fellowship covers:
- A stipend for living expenses for the full duration of the stay
- Travel costs to and from Zurich
- Administrative costs associated with the residency
- Workspace at CEES facilities
- Library access across relevant University of Zurich collections
- Housing assistance CEES actively helps fellows find accommodation in the Zurich area
The fellowship is funded by the Department of History at the University of Zurich.
The Research Environment
Fellows do not work in isolation.
During the residency selected scholars are expected to engage actively with CEES’s academic community attending events connecting with affiliated researchers and contributing to the intellectual life of the Center.
Two specific commitments come with the fellowship:
- A workshop presentation on the fellow’s research topic delivered during the residency period
- Publication of research findings through one of CEES’s publication outlets
These are not optional extras. They are built into the program structure. Applicants should factor both into their research timeline when writing their proposal.
Eligibility Requirements
- The fellowship is for early- and mid-career researchers in the social sciences or humanities.
- Your research should be related to Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia.
- Both historical and current research topics are accepted.
- One important requirement is that you must be currently enrolled or employed at your home university.
- CEES does not consider applications from researchers who do not meet this requirement.
- Independent researchers should check their eligibility carefully before applying.
- The same applies to recently graduated students who are currently between jobs or academic positions.
- Researchers who are on long-term leave and do not have an active institutional connection should also confirm their status before applying.
What to Submit
All application materials must be prepared in English and combined into a single PDF document then sent by email to cees@isos.uzh.ch.
There is no online portal. This is an email submission.
Your application must include:
- Letter of motivation explaining your interest in the fellowship and the research residency
- Research proposal 3 to 5 pages outlining your proposed project
- Detailed CV including a full list of publications
- Short writing sample article or book chapter length
- Short presentation proposal for the workshop you will deliver at CEES
- Two letters of recommendation and or names of two referees
The single PDF requirement is strict. Do not send multiple attachments. Compile everything into one document before submitting.
Apply Now for Zurich CEES Fellowship
The Presentation Proposal
Most applicants spend the majority of their preparation time on the research proposal and motivation letter. The short presentation proposal for the CEES workshop often gets written at the last minute.
That is a mistake for two reasons.
First, it is an additional evaluated document. Reviewers will read it. A vague or underdeveloped presentation proposal signals that the applicant has not thought seriously about how their research translates to an academic audience.
Second, it shapes how the selection committee imagines the applicant’s contribution to the CEES community during the fellowship. A specific well conceived presentation idea reinforces the research proposal. A generic one undermines it.
Treat it as seriously as the other documents.