Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) is pleased to announce up to four theme-based fellowships of a duration of ten months, starting from September 2025 until June 2026.

Interdisciplinary research collaboration and innovative ideas are prerequisites for tackling joint societal challenges. The complexity of global challenges, such as climate changes, pandemics and technological advancements, demands an integrated approach to international collaborations, where science plays an important role.

Science diplomacy, operating at the intersections of scientific collaboration, foreign policy and changing global world orders, increasingly emphasizes not only expert-driven science, but also broader societal engagement in research. Such approaches help ensure that scientific efforts consider the diverse concerns and values of different populations, making them more inclusive and relevant to societal needs. As a result, science diplomacy is becoming increasingly important for fostering cooperation and bridge understanding between institutions, countries and regions.

With the AIAS Science Diplomacy Theme Group fellowship, AIAS aims to advance the research-based focus and knowledge of the interdisciplinary relatedness of science diplomacy as an impactful factor across research fields. Examining case studies of science diplomacy efforts, such as global health initiatives or international space exploration, may offer valuable lessons for addressing future crises. In addition, it is increasingly important to assess how current and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing can be both a tool for diplomatic engagement and a source of competition. The AIAS-SD Theme Group Fellowship intends to help advance the knowledge and importance of science diplomacy as a relevant theme for all academic fields at Aarhus University and internationally.

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A unique interdisciplinary platform at AIAS

The research fellows will be based at AIAS with office space and facilities for interaction, in small, medium, and large groups.

AIAS provides a unique interdisciplinary setting, which offers the researchers the opportunity to:

• engage in interdisciplinary research,
• broaden their research profile and
• collaborate with an inspiring international and multidisciplinary community at AIAS and Aarhus University as a whole.

Applicants for a fellowship should bring intellectual curiosity and readiness to engage in discussions beyond their own disciplinary boundaries.

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Who can apply

The call is open for researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines with research profiles within the thematic scope of the call. The target group of the programme is talented researchers at all career stages with a minimum of a PhD degree at the time of application. The call is open for all interested applicants; international, national and Aarhus University based researchers.

AIAS and Aarhus University strive to create a multidisciplinary, inclusive academic environment and to be an inspiring workplace for all by fostering a culture in which each individual has the opportunity to thrive, achieve, and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Applicants apply individually, but the selected candidates are expected to also work together as a group during the fellowship.

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The fellowship includes

All fellows are offered:

• Salary: based on seniority (employment conditions and wages are regulated through the Danish collective union agreements). For successful applicants who are already employed at Aarhus University, the terms of the fellowship is contingent of a negotiation with the relevant head of department.
• Travel costs: the fellowship covers relocation travel expenses ( subject to prior approval by AIAS) and offers relocation assistance for international fellows.
• Working environment: Fellows will have office space at AIAS and can participate in academic training activities, conferences and workshops at AIAS. They will also be affiliated with the relevant research environments at Aarhus University.

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How to apply - the application process

Applications must be submitted online via the application system: GrantOne

In the ‘Guide for Applicants,’ you can find the detailed application requirements, the structure of the online application system and the selection process and selection criteria.

After the application deadline, applications will be subject to an eligibility screening. A review and selection panel, consisting of research members from the AIAS management and AIAS Board of Directors, will evaluate each eligible proposal and make the final selection.

Timeline of the application process

• Opening of call: November 2024.
• Deadline for applications: 5 February 2025 at 12.00 (noon) CET.
• Evaluation and selection period: February-April 2025.
• Applicants will receive answers: April 2025.
• Fellowships begin: 1 September 2025.

For more information about the process, guidelines or the application system, please contact Programme Manager Helle Villekold at helle@aias.au.dk.

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About AIAS

As an 'Institute for Advanced Study,' AIAS brings researchers together across disciplines, seniority and nationality. AIAS offers fellowships for excellent researchers from all core academic disciplines to pursue cutting-edge research projects for the benefit of society and humankind in optimal research conditions.

The daily encounter with the diverse research disciplines at AIAS provides fellows with fresh and different insights and perspectives on their own research, leading to new and unexpected research questions and ideas.