Exclusive 3-Month Funded Fellowship for African Scholars at ASCL: Collaborate, Research, and Publish in the Netherlands

Are you an Africa-focused researcher looking for a funded fellowship to collaborate with colleagues and access excellent library resources?

The African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) Visiting Fellowship Programme provides a unique opportunity to spend time at one of Europe’s leading institutes for African studies.

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About the ASCL Visiting Fellowship

Exclusive 3-Month Funded Fellowship for African Scholars at ASCL: Collaborate, Research, and Publish in the Netherlands

The ASCL has an active visiting fellowship programme that enables selected fellows to make use of their extensive library, network with colleagues, and participate in regular seminars.

It’s an ideal chance for researchers to further their work on Africa-related topics with the support of ASCL’s resources and scholarly community.

Key benefits of the fellowship include:

• Access to ASCL’s excellent Africana library collection
• Ability to collaborate and network with ASCL colleagues
• Participation in ASCL’s regular seminars and events
• Funding for travel, living costs, and accommodation in Leiden

Fellowships typically last 3-4 months, providing ample time to make progress on research projects and build lasting connections.

The ASCL offers a stimulating interdisciplinary environment to explore a wide range of issues related to African societies, politics, economies, and cultures.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Visiting Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree by the time of applying
• Have conducted research, as part of the PhD and/or in later projects, with a focus on Africa
• Be actively pursuing an academic/research career
• Have published books, book chapters and/or journal articles in recent years that meet international standards
• Be ready to return to their country of citizenship and/or residence upon completion of the fellowship, in accordance with visa regulations

Preference is given to applicants based in Africa, referring to the member states of the African Union. “Based in Africa” means having lived in Africa for at least two of the last four years.The quality and feasibility of the proposed work and intended outputs are key factors in the assessment of applications. Applicants must demonstrate how their research fits with the ASCL’s thematic priorities and Collaborative Research Groups (CRGs).

Applying for the Fellowship

Currently there is no open call for fellowships. However, interested candidates can subscribe to the ASCL’s mailing list to be notified of future calls.When the call is open, applicants need to submit:

• A completed application form, including a research proposal
• An academic CV
• Two reference letters from academic colleagues

The application form requires indicating which CRG the proposed research would be linked with. The topic must fit with that CRG’s focus areas.

Selection Procedure

Applications are reviewed in two stages:

1. Each CRG nominates their one preferred candidate whose research best fits the group’s agenda.
2. The ASCL visiting fellowship committee makes the final selection, considering the program objectives such as gender and geographic diversity.

Typically 4-5 visiting fellows are selected per call. Applicants are notified of the outcome within 2 months of the application deadline.

Practical Details

An ASCL visiting fellowship includes:

• Economy class return airfare to the Netherlands
• Fixed stipend to cover living costs
• Accommodation in a single room in Leiden, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities
• Medical/liability insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions)
• Use of office space and library facilities

Fellows are responsible for obtaining any necessary visa and covering additional expenses. The fellowship does not provide extra funds or assistance for accompanying family members.Visiting fellows are expected to:

• Carry out their proposed research project
• Participate actively in ASCL seminars and events
• Interact with ASCL staff and other visiting fellows
• Acknowledge ASCL support in any publications resulting from the fellowship

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Research Environment

ASCL is a leading European center for the study of Africa, with a vibrant community of resident and visiting scholars.

Thematic focuses include African history, politics, economics, culture, religion, and social issues.The ASCL maintains an extensive Africana library collection, one of the best in Europe, with over 90,000 books and 2,500 journals. Visiting fellows have full access to these resources.

ASCL hosts weekly seminars where invited scholars present their research, stimulating discussion and debate. Visiting fellows are encouraged to attend and contribute actively. There are also regular social events to connect with colleagues.

Leiden itself is a picturesque university city in the Netherlands, easily accessible from Amsterdam airport.

It has a rich intellectual history and international character. Visiting fellows often enjoy exploring the city’s canals, parks, museums and cafes.

How to Stay Informed

To get notified of the next call for applications, subscribe to the ASCL visiting fellowship mailing list: https://www.ascleiden.nl/content/visiting-fellowship-programme#tab-1

You can also follow ASCL on social media and check the website for updates:

• Twitter: @ASCLeiden
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCLeiden
• Website: https://www.ascleiden.nl

For any other inquiries about the visiting fellowship programme, contact Maaike Westra, ASCL’s Visiting Fellowship Coordinator, at [email protected].

Don’t miss the next opportunity to join ASCL as a funded visiting fellow and take your Africa-focused research to the next level! Subscribe now to stay informed.

Alternative Opportunities

If you can’t wait for the next ASCL call, you may also be interested in these other Africa-related fellowship and funding opportunities:

• African Peacebuilding Network Residential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• CODESRIA College of Mentors Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship
• Iso Lomso Fellowships at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study
• Social Science Research Council African Futures Program

Note: Application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary. Check the relevant websites for details.

Conclusion

A visiting fellowship at the African Studies Centre Leiden is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to spend a productive few months focusing on their work in a stimulating environment with excellent resources.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s well worth applying when the next call opens.In the meantime, subscribe to the mailing list, follow ASCL on social media, and check out alternative funding options to support your Africa research agenda.

The ASCL looks forward to welcoming a diverse cohort of visiting fellows each year and contributing to the advancement of African studies scholarship worldwide.

For more information and to apply when the call opens, visit: https://www.ascleiden.nl/content/visiting-fellowship-programme