BMBF/ZOiS Fellowships for Ukrainian scholars

The Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) is awarding different fellowships for the academic year 2025–2026.

We are seeking to fill several positions (m/f/div) for UNET Fellows

within the project ‘Ukraine Research Network@ZOiS’ (UNET), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

In response to the world’s demand to understand Ukraine, Berlin-based ZOiS is awarding several fellowships to Ukrainian scholars. The goal of the project ‘Ukraine Research Network@ZOiS’ (UNET) is to stimulate research on Ukraine, to communicate it for better decision-making, and to strengthen horizontal connections in the community of Ukrainian scholars. We invite scholars to join our rigorous and supportive academic community and use our centre’s communication platforms to spread the word about Ukraine and its recent research trends among journalists, academics, policymakers and politicians.

Depending on the pool and quality of proposals, the group will be a mix of Berlin- and Ukraine- based fellows. For Berlin-based positions, there are opportunities to apply for Senior and Junior Fellowships.

What projects are we supporting?

ZOiS invites applications with innovative research proposals that focus on one or several aspects of ‘Unity and Diversity in Ukrainian Society’ and the capacities (both individual and institutional) to manage it.

In a war-affected society, social cohesion and diversity are essential for rebuilding and sustaining peace, resilience, and mutual trust. Social cohesion, the sense of solidarity and connectedness among community members, fosters unity, reducing the divisions and mistrust that war often amplifies. A cohesive society can work together to rebuild infrastructure and political institutions, provide mutual support, and address the trauma of war.  Diversity, on the other hand, strengthens this cohesion by incorporating multiple perspectives, talents, and cultural practices, which enrich and revitalise a society's social fabric. By valuing diverse voices and experiences, a post-conflict society can create inclusive policies and fair opportunities, reducing the grievances that can lead to instability, democratic backsliding or violence. Together, social cohesion and diversity empower communities to face challenges, promote healing, and establish a more stable and just society that is less vulnerable to future conflicts.

The debates around diversity use various terms and come to very different conclusions. Some people believe that Ukrainian society is as united as it has ever been; others see multiple polarities, which may lead to further escalation.
We invite social science researchers to explore these questions together.

Disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects in the social sciences that explore the societal, political, economic, cultural, and environmental consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war with a particular focus on (but not limited to):

• Diversity, identities, and social divides;
• Capacities and strategies (both individual and institutional) to address diversity.

The project should include the following components:

• Empirical documenting and analysis of reality before/during/after the war;
• Practical implications for decision-making in Ukraine and internationally.

How is the fellowship organised?

Berlin-based and/or Ukraine-based fellows are invited to work on their research project in cooperation with the ZOiS team and contribute to discussions with different stakeholders through ZOiS research communication formats (UNET events, ZOiS Spotlight, ZOiS Report, ZOiS podcast, ‘In conversation with’ interview). Each Fellow is mentored and supported by a ZOiS researcher. More information about the fellowship can be found here: Fellowship Guideline.

All fellowships are awarded for a period of up to one year. The fellowships for the 2025/2026 academic year will start on 1 September 2025.

Who is eligible and what are the financial packages?

We are looking for scholars who have or had an active university, research institute, think tank or NGO affiliation in Ukraine. English and Ukrainian are a must.

Senior Berlin-based Fellow (2800 Euro Net)

• Eligibility: Ph.D., track record of research experience, previous publications

Junior Berlin-based Fellow (2200 Euro Net)

• Eligibility: M.A., some research experience

Ukraine-based Fellows (800 Euro Net)

• Eligibility: min M.A., some research experience
• Ph.D. students are welcome to apply; so are more experienced professionals

Berlin-Based fellows: Residential fellows must reside in Berlin for the duration of the fellowship. Residence at another location in Germany may be possible, provided the fellow is still able to travel to the Berlin office regularly (without additional funding for travel expenses).

Ukraine-based Fellows will reside and work from Ukraine and travel to Berlin occasionally to participate in network meetings and other events (circumstances permitting).

What kinds of support can fellows expect from the institute?

• Academic: access to partner libraries in Berlin, community guidance, peer support, support with publishing an article in a peer-reviewedjournal, additional funding for data collection in the field (to be approved separately); work with the ZOiS mentor.
• Stipend
• Research budget: each fellow will have access to a research budget fund in order to support their research, travel, and research communication activities.

NB: ZOiS does not have the capacity to provide funding/logistical support for finding housing/childcare arrangements.

Fellowship-holders who wish to spend their residency in Germany must purchase health insurance in advance. The insurance coverage must be valid at the start of the fellowship. The costs for this and other expenses (visa fees, etc.) must be covered by the fellowship-holder.

How do we choose people and projects?

The selection process encompasses two stages:

• Review of the applications by the selection committee
• Zoom interviews with the short-listed candidates for a detailed presentation of the research project

The selection committee will evaluate the proposals based on the following criteria:

• Sound methodology and realistic annual plan
• Practical applicability for policymaking and/or recovery
• Personal history, research track record, and motivation

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, social origin, religion/belief, disability, age and sexual orientation, and identity. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. We expressly encourage women or persons with a migration background to apply. If you have any questions about equal opportunities or the compatibility of family and career, please contact ZOiS’s Equal Opportunities Officer (equal-opportunities(at)zois-berlin(dot)de).

We plan to inform all applicants by 10 June 2025 about the decision on their application.

How to apply – in 7 steps?

1. Fill out the questionnaire. To avoid technical issues, please use Adobe PDF
2. Prepare your CV with a list of publications. Please refrain from attaching a photo to your application.
3. Merge the application form from Step 1 and your CV from Step 2 into one pdf document (max 6 MB)
4. Name the file: using your surname as the reference in the file name
5. Create an email and attach the PDF file
6. Add your name to the subject line
7. Send your application by 26 March 2025, solely by email to job(at)zois-berlin(dot)de.

It is possible to apply for both Berlin- and Ukraine-based positions.

For inquiries about the application process, please contact unet(at)zois-berlin(dot)de.