RECAS Fellowship 2025: Research in the Balkans for Democratic Europe

Deadline: 3 October 2025Open to: Early-career scholars, PhD candidates or holders, and practitioners focused on Southeast Europe. Benefits: Four- to six-month fellowship with stipends, host support, and research placement at universities in Rijeka or Belgrade with partner options.

Description

The RECAs Fellowship 2025, organized by the Regional Network of Centers for Advanced Studies in Southeast Europe, invites researchers to explore urgent challenges facing the Balkans under the theme “Change in the Balkans – Strategic Interventions for Democratic Europe.” This fellowship offers scholars the chance to conduct independent research on topics such as democratic resilience, digital transformation, environmental and social justice, and economic transitions. Fellows will be hosted at major institutions in Southeast Europe, allowing them to immerse in local research environments, collaborate with regional experts, and contribute to scholarship that bridges academic inquiry and societal impact.

Eligibility

Candidates must be early-career researchers, including PhD candidates in late stage or holders within a few years of obtaining their PhD, or professionals with strong research interests tied to Southeast European issues. The fellowship is open to all disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, and arts, especially those whose work engages with the Balkans. Fluency in English is required given the working language of the fellowship. Priority will be given to proposals that combine theoretical insight with practical relevance.

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend to support living and research, host institution backing including office space, access to academic resources, networking opportunities with regional scholars, and the chance to present their work publicly. Additional benefits include mentorship, participation in seminars or workshops organized within the RECAs network, and potential options for co-hosting with partner universities in locations such as Skopje, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Tirana, Pristina, or Podgorica.

How to apply

Applicants should complete the official application form provided by RECAs, including a research proposal aligned with the theme, curriculum vitae, previous research or publications, and letters of recommendation if requested. Be sure to follow all guidelines for formatting and evaluation criteria, and submit all required documents by the 3 October 2025 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information, visit the official website.

Candidates must be early-career researchers, including PhD candidates in late stage or holders within a few years of obtaining their PhD, or professionals with strong research interests tied to Southeast European issues. The fellowship is open to all disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, and arts, especially those whose work engages with the Balkans. Fluency in English is required given the working language of the fellowship. Priority will be given to proposals that combine theoretical insight with practical relevance. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend to support living and research, host institution backing including office space, access to academic resources, networking opportunities with regional scholars, and the chance to present their work publicly. Additional benefits include mentorship, participation in seminars or workshops organized within the RECAs network, and potential options for co-hosting with partner universities in locations such as Skopje, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Tirana, Pristina, or Podgorica.

Applicants should complete the official application form provided by RECAs, including a research proposal aligned with the theme, curriculum vitae, previous research or publications, and letters of recommendation if requested. Be sure to follow all guidelines for formatting and evaluation criteria, and submit all required documents by the 3 October 2025 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information, visit the official website.