The Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) at Aarhus University is inviting applications for its Spring 2027 Visiting Fellowships. The programme offers outstanding international researchers the opportunity to spend 2–6 months in Aarhus, Denmark, engaging in interdisciplinary research while collaborating with academic communities across Aarhus University.
Designed primarily for researchers on sabbatical, the fellowship provides an inspiring international research environment, dedicated office facilities and support for developing cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Institution: Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University
- Programme: AIAS Visiting Fellowships
- Location: Aarhus, Denmark
- Duration: 2–6 months
- Work Arrangement: On-site
- Funding: Travel support and research facilities (salary provided by home institution)
- Application Deadline: 6 October 2026, 12:00 noon (Danish time)
- Fellowship Period: February–August 2027
The programme is intended for researchers wishing to strengthen international collaborations while pursuing independent research during a sabbatical or similar academic leave.
What the Fellowship Offers
AIAS provides fellows with access to one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research communities. Visiting fellows become fully integrated into the institute’s academic and social activities while maintaining independence over their research projects.
Benefits include:
- Fully equipped office space at AIAS
- Access to lecture halls and meeting facilities
- Participation in seminars, workshops and interdisciplinary discussions
- Integration into an international community of researchers
- Administrative support for organising academic events and conferences
- One return economy-class ticket to Aarhus (subject to prior approval)
- Relocation assistance and practical support
The fellowship encourages meaningful collaboration across disciplines and national boundaries.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a PhD
- Have at least four years of postdoctoral research experience by the application deadline
- Be employed at an institution outside Denmark
- Have an active collaboration with Aarhus University
- Have established contact with an Aarhus University researcher or research community
- Be able to finance their salary through their home institution, such as a sabbatical or paid academic leave
Researchers from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate openness to interdisciplinary engagement.
Fellowship Duration
Applicants may request a fellowship lasting between 2 and 6 months.
AIAS notes that the institute operates at a reduced pace during January, July and August due to holiday periods. Fellowships including these months should therefore normally form part of a longer visit, such as a six-month stay.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted online through the GrantOne application system and include:
- Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages)
- Letter of support from an Aarhus University contact
- CV including a selected publication list (maximum 5 pages)
- PhD diploma
- Preferred fellowship start and end dates
All application materials should be prepared before beginning the online submission process.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A competitive application should clearly demonstrate both academic excellence and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Present a well-defined research project with realistic objectives.
- Explain how the project will benefit from AIAS’s interdisciplinary environment.
- Demonstrate existing collaboration with Aarhus University researchers.
- Highlight significant publications and international research achievements.
- Show how the fellowship will contribute to future collaborative research and knowledge exchange.
Strong motivation and a clear plan for engaging with the AIAS community are important elements of a successful application.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
AIAS is internationally recognised for bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines to address complex research questions through collaboration. Visiting Fellows benefit from dedicated time for research while joining an active intellectual community that promotes innovative thinking beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
The fellowship is particularly attractive for academics seeking a productive sabbatical in a globally connected research environment.
How to Apply
Applications for the Spring 2027 AIAS Visiting Fellowships must be submitted online via GrantOne.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 12:00 noon (Danish time)
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Duration: 2–6 months
For application enquiries, applicants may contact Helle Villekold
