Organizer Information
Collegium Helveticum is a renowned interdisciplinary research institute based in Zurich, Switzerland. Affiliated with ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the Zurich University of the Arts, the Collegium fosters intellectual exchange and creativity by supporting early-career scholars and artists in developing innovative, cross-disciplinary research projects. With a focus on cutting-edge research that transcends traditional academic boundaries, the Collegium promotes an environment of collaboration between disciplines.
Title & Description
Early-Career Fellowship (2026–2027) at Collegium Helveticum
The Collegium Helveticum offers ten-month residential fellowships for early-career academics and artists. The program supports postdoctoral scholars and art school graduates working at the intersection of traditional academic disciplines and artistic research. Fellows are encouraged to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary projects that cut across boundaries, with the opportunity to organize a related event as part of their fellowship. This program is ideal for individuals looking to develop groundbreaking research and contribute to the Collegium's intellectual and artistic environment.
Categories
- Academic Disciplines: All fields, with a focus on interdisciplinary research.
- Artistic Disciplines: Fine Arts, Artistic Research, and other creative practices intersecting with academic research.
Eligibility
- Academic Requirement: PhD in any academic discipline or a master’s degree from an art school (for institutions that do not offer PhDs).
- Experience Level: Applicants should be in the early stages of their career, having completed their PhD or equivalent within the past 5 years (between 2014 and 2024). Career breaks, parental or care responsibilities, and part-time employment will be taken into account.
- Age Limit: PhD must have been awarded no more than 8 years before the start of the fellowship (i.e., by September 2026).
- International: Open to international applicants and those affiliated with the three supporting institutions (ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich University of the Arts).
- Associate Fellow Requirement: Applicants must secure support from an associate fellow (faculty member) at one of the supporting universities.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Salary: Full-time postdoctoral researcher salary, ranging from CHF 75,000 to CHF 85,000 for 10 months.
- Research & Travel Support: Up to CHF 2,000 for travel and research expenses.
- Event Support: Up to CHF 10,000 for organizing an interdisciplinary event related to the fellowship project.
- Infrastructure: Access to a desk, IT, library, and other institutional resources. Fellows may also arrange for external workspaces if needed (subject to approval).
- Family Support: Family allowance for fellows with children.
- Employment: Fellows are employed as postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV: Including a full list of publications and other relevant work.
- Project Proposal: Detailed project description (max 250 words) and an explanation of why the Collegium is the ideal place for the project.
- Personal Statement: Reflecting on professional activities, goals, and motivation.
- Event Description: A 350-word outline for an interdisciplinary event related to the project.
- Event Budget: Budget proposal for the event, detailing categories like materials, travel, accommodation, and others.
- Doctoral Degree or Equivalent: Official certificate or supporting documentation if the degree is not yet awarded.
- Associate Fellow Support: A letter from a faculty member supporting the project (to be submitted if long-listed).
- Passport/ID: A copy of the relevant pages of your passport or ID.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 February 2026
- Interviews: Online interviews for short-listed candidates will be held on April 20-21, 2026.
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Fellowship End Date: 30 June 2027
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Additional Details
- Employment Requirement: Fellows must be employed full-time and may not have been employed under the supervision of the proposed associate fellow within the last 12 months.
- Family-Friendly Workplace: The Collegium supports career breaks, part-time work, and family commitments and will consider these factors in the application process.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The program encourages projects that bridge academic and artistic disciplines and invites fellows to organize events that reflect this interdisciplinary spirit.