Research group fellowships
See what everybody else has seen, but think what nobody else has thought
IIAS Research Group fellowship
The Israel Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS) at Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a premier research centre that brings together leading scholars and researchers from around the world to collaborate on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research projects.
As such, The Israel Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS) offers research group fellowships to scholars who wish to carry out joint research in Natural, Social or Formal Sciences. For five or ten months, scholars are offered time, space and a decent stipend to work on their own research project as part of an interdisciplinary community.
In greater details, a research group fellowship at the IIAS is a program that brings together a group of scholars, researchers, and professionals from various fields to work on a specific theme or project for a period of up to 10 months. The fellowships are intended to provide a stimulating and interdisciplinary environment for the pursuit of advanced research, and to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among the participants. The theme of each fellowship is determined by the group coordinator, and is typically related to one of the institute’s research priorities. Fellows are provided with a stipend, office space, and other resources to support their research. The application process for a theme group fellowship at IIAS typically includes submitting a research proposal and CV, a list of fellow scholars who are wanting to be part of the group and may also involve an interview or presentation.
Generally, a Research Group brings together an eclectic Team of scholars at the IIAS to engage in research questions of common interest. Group fellows participate in group integrative thinking and rich dialogue, while advancing their own individual research. In any given year, the Institute hosts up to five Collaborative Research Groups, composed of scholars from Israel and abroad. Research groups are composed of at least eight fellows as well as some additional visiting scholars. Generally, at any given moment, a wide range of disciplines and topics is represented by the Research Groups hosted at the Institute.
Our expectation is that the RG’s period of residence will result in creative and original research that will be shared with the international research community.
In addition to the research opportunities and support provided through the theme group fellowship, IIAS also offers a variety of other activities and resources for fellows. These may include:
- Workshops and seminars: IIAS organize a number of workshops and seminars throughout the fellowship period, which provide opportunities for fellows to present their work, receive feedback, and engage in discussions with other researchers.
- Networking and collaboration: The institute encourages networking and collaboration among the fellows and with other researchers in Israel and around the world. Fellows have the opportunity to attend conferences, symposiums, and other events, and can also connect with other researchers through online platforms.
- Library and other resources: Fellows have access to IIAS extensive libraries and other research resources, including databases, journals, and other materials.
- Support and guidance: IIAS provide support and guidance to fellows throughout the fellowship period, including help with logistics, funding, and other administrative issues.
- Accommodation: NIAS provide a comfortable accommodation for their fellows with all the necessary amenities.
Overall, a theme group fellowship at NIAS is a valuable opportunity for advanced researchers to pursue their work in a supportive and interdisciplinary environment, and to connect with other leading scholars in their field.
Each year, IIAS awards up to 40 fellows with the opportunity to be part of a group Fellowship. This Fellowship allows scholars to come to Jerusalem and become a member of a diverse, interdisciplinary collaborative learning group and community, where one can challenge boundaries, explore detours and get new perspectives.
Research Group Activities and Responsibilities
During its period of residency, the RG must conduct activities and participate in events relating to the RG’s research topic, in accordance with a program approved in advance by the IIAS. These shall include but not be limited to:
A Weekly Seminar – Each RG must hold weekly seminars and the times must be coordinated in advance with the IIAS. Seminars may be open to guests, closed or by invitation only.
RG Conference – Each RG must hold one public conference/workshop, which must be coordinated in advance with the IIAS. The IIAS funds the conference (up to $10,000) and provides logistical assistance and coordination of the conference. RG Organizers are requested to seek additional sources of funding where necessary.
Workshops outside the IIAS – RGs must hold one or two workshops outside the IIAS and HUJI, mainly with graduate students and postdocs. The IIAS provides logistical assistance and coordination of the workshops.
Outreach Lecture – Each RG must give at least one outreach lecture by a Fellow or Visiting Scholar. IIAS provides logistical assistance and coordination of the lecture and help with publicity for the lecture.
IIAS and RG Events – Fellows must participate in formal, social and cultural events organized by the IIAS (such as the Bruno award ceremony, fellow tours, movie screenings and so on).
RG dinner – Each RG is entitled to one dinner at a restaurant in Jerusalem. Dinner expenses for the Fellows are covered by the IIAS, subject to HUJI regulations. Spouses/partners of the Fellows are invited at their own expense. IIAS provides logistical assistance and coordination of the dinner.
RG tour – In the event that Fellows propose a tour (relevant or not to the topic of their RG) as part of their RG activities, the RG Organizer will submit a budget and proposal to the IIAS. If the tour is approved, IIAS will assist with approved expenses, ideas and logistical assistance (such as bus, food, guide and so on).
Reports – The Organizer must submit periodic reports as requested by IIAS, a conference report (within 10 working days of completion of the conference), and a final report (by the end of the POR). Fellows must submit a personal reflection report to the IIAS before completion of their Fellowship.
Publications – The academic results of the RGs remain the full property of the Fellows. However, all publications, presentations, awards and other outputs (RG Products) resulting from the RGs are required to be branded “Supported by the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies”.
The Fellows must update the IIAS about the RG Products and send to the IIAS a digital and hard copy of the RG Products within one month of their publication or presentation. Additionally, the Fellow will include IIAS Branding in lectures, seminars, and conferences where he or she presents RG Products. When presenting at another institute during the Fellowship, a Fellow is required to mention their current status as an IIAS Fellow.
Each RG is eligible for IIAS funding of up to $5,000 for an RG joint publication. This funding is available for three years from the beginning of the RG POR.
RG Reunion Meeting – RGs interested in holding a reunion meeting are invited to do so within 2 years from the end of their residency. The reunion must be approved and coordinated in advance with the IIAS. The IIAS funds the meeting (up to $7000) and provides logistical assistance and coordination. RG Organizers are requested to seek additional sources of funding where necessary.