Applications for the Gerda Henkel Grants for Scholars are being accepted by the Center for Advanced Study Sofia (CAS Sofia). Basic historical study in the social sciences and humanities is the focus of this program.
Ph.D. holders can apply for five-month in-residence fellowships funded by the CAS advanced academia program. This opportunity is open to applicants who are citizens of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China (Tibet and Xinjiang), Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
High-caliber social science and humanities research is promoted by the autonomous, multidisciplinary CAS Sofia institute in Bulgaria. It offers fellows seminars, guest lectures, access to a global academic network, and material and intellectual assistance. Fellows focus on their own research projects while participating in scholarly events. In Sofia, the Center also helps with logistics related to travel, lodging, and research.
Crucial Information
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Result Announcement Dates: July 2025
- Online Interview: Second half of June 2025
- Funding Type: Fully-funded
- Organizer/Host Institution: Centre for Advanced Studies Sofia (CAS Sofia).
- Sponsor: Gerda Henkel Foundation.
- Eligible genders: male and female.
- Target group: early-career researchers and postdoctoral academics.
- Fields: Social Sciences & Humanities.
- Postdoctoral studies require a PhD and have a duration of 5 months.
- Program Language: English.
- The following nations qualify: Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China (Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions), and Kazakhstan.
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Benefits
Applicants who apply for the Gerda Henkel Fellowship will benefit from the program as follows:
- €850 per month as a living expense stipend (subject to 10% income tax)
- Sofia lodging, comprising a place to live and a place to work
- Up to €800 in travel subsidies for round-trip airline, insurance, and visa fees
- One-time stipend of €750 to €1500 for a research field trip.
- €100 a month for research costs.
- Access to the databases, electronic resources, and library of CAS Sofia.
- Involvement in seminars, guest lectures, and intellectual gatherings.
Qualifications for Eligibility
To apply for the Gerda Henkel Fellowship, candidates need to:
- possess the nationality of one of the aforementioned nations.
- Hold a Ph.D. in the social sciences or humanities.
- Significant benefits include international research experience, which includes articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, projects, and conferences that are subject to peer review.
- Candidates under 45 years of age will be given preference.
- To convey study findings, you must speak English fluently.
Selection Process
Candidates will be assessed by an international academic council according to the caliber of their projects and career level. In June 2025, those who made the short list will receive an invitation to participate in an online interview. Results will be sent out by email and posted on the CAS website in July 2025. In circumstances of equal merit, preference may be given to candidates who have not held a CAS fellowship in the previous three years.
Selection Criteria
- robust academic record that includes publications and experience doing research abroad.
- A creative research proposal that makes a big impact.
- preference for comparative or interdisciplinary methods.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit all documents in English via email to dimov@cas.bg with the subject “Gerda Henkel Fellowships.”
- Completed Application Form
- Research Proposal (following the Proposal Guide)
- Two recommendation letters (sent by referees via direct email)
- Evidence of Appropriate Work Holidays (if any)
- Reference Form
Note: Check the checklist here.
How to Apply The Gerda Henkel Grants for Scholars?
Applicants must send all necessary paperwork to the email address listed below with the appropriate subject line, “Gerda Henkel Fellowships,” in order to apply.
Submission Email: dimov@cas.bg
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