The Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) at Aarhus University in Denmark has opened applications for the AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2027–2029, offering up to 10 fellowship opportunities for talented researchers from around the world and across all academic disciplines.
The fellowships are designed for curiosity-driven researchers who want to pursue independent, cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Successful fellows will join the vibrant academic community at AIAS and benefit from opportunities to collaborate with researchers across Aarhus University.
The fellowship programme will begin on 1 September 2027 and run for 23 months. It is particularly suitable for researchers who completed their PhD between two and ten years before the application deadline.
About the AIAS-AUFF Fellowships
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is hosted by the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, an interdisciplinary research institute at Aarhus University.
AIAS brings researchers together across academic disciplines, career stages and nationalities. Its research environment encourages intellectual exchange, collaboration and the development of new ideas that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
The fellowship is open to researchers from all academic disciplines and nationalities, making it an attractive opportunity for scholars seeking an international research experience in Denmark.
Rather than focusing on a single research field, AIAS welcomes applications based on the strength and originality of the proposed research project. Applicants are expected to demonstrate curiosity, academic excellence and an interest in interdisciplinary engagement.
Who Can Apply?
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is open to researchers who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Have two to ten years of career experience after completing their PhD by the application deadline.
- Be from any nationality.
- Represent any research discipline or academic field.
- Propose an interdisciplinary research project and/or demonstrate an interest in interdisciplinary research.
- Have relevant opportunities for collaboration with researchers or research environments at Aarhus University.
- Meet the programme’s mobility requirement.
The mobility requirement is particularly important for international applicants. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main work activity in Denmark for more than 12 months during the two years immediately preceding the application deadline.
Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their proposed work fits the interdisciplinary environment of AIAS and they can identify meaningful collaboration opportunities at Aarhus University.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to step away from routine academic responsibilities and dedicate substantial time to developing their research.
Successful fellows will receive a salary based on seniority, with employment conditions and remuneration regulated under Danish collective union agreements.
The fellowship also includes:
- Coverage of relocation travel costs.
- Relocation assistance.
- Dedicated office space at AIAS.
- Access to academic training activities.
- Opportunities to attend conferences and workshops.
- Affiliation with relevant research environments at Aarhus University.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Access to an international academic research network.
The programme is designed not only to support research but also to contribute to fellows’ long-term academic and professional development.
An Interdisciplinary Research Environment
One of the major advantages of the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is its interdisciplinary structure.
Researchers at AIAS interact with colleagues from different academic fields, departments and research centres across Aarhus University. This environment can expose fellows to new methodologies, perspectives and approaches that may influence their own research.
Fellows can participate in collaborative theme groups, academic events, workshops and other activities hosted by AIAS and Aarhus University.
The institute also promotes an inclusive academic environment and views equality and diversity as important assets to research and innovation.
Fellowship Duration and Timeline
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowships will start on 1 September 2027 and last for 23 months.
The application timeline is as follows:
- Call opens: August 2026
- Application deadline: 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET
- Evaluation and selection: November 2026 to February 2027
- Applicants notified: March 2027
- Fellowships begin: 1 September 2027
Because the deadline is expressed in Central European Time, applicants from outside Europe should ensure that their submissions are completed before the stated closing time.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the GrantOne application system.
Candidates should carefully consult the official Guide for Applicants before submitting their applications. The guide provides detailed information about the application requirements, application structure, selection criteria and evaluation process.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research demonstrates originality, academic quality and relevance to the interdisciplinary environment at AIAS. It is also important to identify relevant collaboration possibilities at Aarhus University.
The application deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.
Interested researchers are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance because the selection process will take place from November 2026 through February 2027.
Why Researchers Should Consider This Fellowship
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship offers an opportunity for established early-career researchers to develop ambitious research projects within one of Europe’s international academic environments.
With access to office facilities, research networks, conferences, workshops and interdisciplinary activities, fellows can use the 23-month period to strengthen their research profile and establish new academic collaborations.
The programme may be particularly valuable for researchers whose work crosses disciplinary boundaries and who want to engage with scholars outside their immediate field.
The fellowship is funded with support from the Aarhus University Research Foundation (AUFF) and forms part of AIAS’s broader mission to bring excellent researchers together across disciplines, seniority levels and nationalities.
Application Deadline
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2027–2029 have an application deadline of 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.
Researchers interested in applying should review the eligibility criteria, mobility requirements and application guidelines carefully before submitting their applications through the online recruitment system.
The opportunity provides a strong platform for researchers seeking international academic exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration and dedicated time to advance innovative research at Aarhus University in Denmark.
