Program Overview

Introduction to the French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme

The University of Montpellier offers 10-month fellowships through the French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme at its MAK'IT institute in Montpellier. This programme invites high-level international scholars and scientists to develop innovative research projects in France.

Call for Applications 2026/2027

For the academic year, 2 FIAS fellowship positions are offered in Montpellier, with a starting date of September 2026. The call is open to all disciplines in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) and all research fields. Research projects in other sciences and arts that propose a strong interaction and dialogue with SSH are also eligible. At MAK'IT, proposals should include a strong inter- and transdisciplinary approach and highlight connections to current societal challenges and their impact on transitions toward sustainable development.

Application Process

• Application Deadline: July 16th, 2025 6:00 pm (Paris, France time)
• July October 2025: Peer review process
• December 2025: Preselection by the FIAS Selection
• January February 2026: Selection by the IAS Scientific Advisory Boards
• March 2026: Communication of results

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online. Solid plans for collaboration with the member institutions of MAK'IT partners and with local scientific institutions are welcome. Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential collaborations that would strengthen their research project.

Evaluation Criteria

FIAS awards fellowships to outstanding researchers of all career levels, from postdoctoral researchers to senior scientists. The minimum requirement is a PhD + 2 years of research experience at the time of application. Researchers from all countries are eligible, but they must have spent no more than 12 months in France during the three years prior to the application deadline.

Support and Funding

• Round-Trip Travel: Booked by MAK'IT (second class, economy class)
• Monthly Stipend: 2,200 per month
• Accommodation: Directly covered by MAK'IT for accommodation (individual apartment at the Villa Leenhardt near the Triolet campus)
• Relocation Expenses: Visas, health insurance, home and civil liability insurance
• Research Costs: Funding available to the visiting fellow at the research unit (2,500 per researcher)

Commitments of Fellows

• Time Spent in Montpellier: Each invited fellow is required to be in Montpellier for at least 90% of the duration of their stay (excluding periods of closure of the Institute)
• Contribution to MAK'IT Activities: The fellow commits to contribute to the interdisciplinary activities, meetings, and reflections organized by MAK'IT during their stay
• Communication and Dissemination of Results: The fellow retains the intellectual property rights to the results of their research carried out as part of this fellowship with MAK'IT and undertakes to contribute to MAK'IT's publications and other communication tools concerning the progress of their research

Additional Information

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skodowska-Curie grant agreement. The scientific selection is highly competitive, merit-based, and conducted through an international independent peer review.