Visiting Fellowship Programme

Visiting research fellows use their time in Leiden for data analysis and/or writing, often on a joint project with one or more ASCL staff members. A visiting research fellowship is for a maximum of 90 days.

Requirements
In order to be eligible for a Visiting Research Fellowship, the applicant has to meet all of the following criteria.
He or she must:

  • Hold a PhD degree, by the time of applying;
  • Have conducted research, as part of the PhD and/or in later projects; with a focus on Africa;
  • Be actively pursuing an academic/research career;
  • Have published books, book chapters and/or journal articles in recent years that meet international standards;
  • In accordance with visa regulations, be ready to return to the country of which he/she is a citizen and/or a current resident upon completion of the fellowship.

In the assessment of applications that meet these requirements,

  1. Preference will be given to applicants based in Africa. ‘Africa’ here refers to the member states of the African Union. ‘Based in’ Africa is understood to mean having lived in Africa during at least two of the last four years; and
  2. Emphasis will be placed on the quality, intended outputs and feasibility of the research project proposed for the fellowship.

How to apply
Currently there is no open call for fellowships. The next call will be for the 2025 programme.

If you want to be added to the mailing list for calls, please send a message to Mrs. Maaike Westra, m.a.westra@asc.leidenuniv.nl

Reviewing procedure
Each applicant has to indicate the CRG (Collaborative Research Group) they want to be linked with, and the topic of research múst fit in with the CRGs research. Each CRG makes a shortlist of preferred candidates. The visiting fellowship committee makes the final decision on the basis of the CRG shortlists.

Practical matters
A research fellowship includes:

  • A return ticket (economy class).
  • A daily stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Accommodation in Leiden: a fellow is provided with his/her own single bed/sitting room. Kitchen and bathroom are to be shared with a maximum of two other fellows (male/female). If the offered accommodation is unacceptable for the fellow he/she is requested to look for alternative accommodation him/herself. Alternative accommodation will not be paid for by the fellowship/institute. The institute cannot assist the fellow in their search for alternative accommodation.
  • A medical/liability insurance (please note that this insurance does not cover the cost of treatment of a pre-existing medical condition).
  • The use of (shared) office facilities and of library facilities.

Self financed visitors
Self financed visitors can request to spend some time at the ASCL for research purposes. They will be offered a desk and computer (depending on availability) and they can make full use of the ASCL's library facilities. The ASCL does not offer self-funded visitors assistance in travel arrangements, visa application and/or finding accommodation. If you are interested in a self-funded visit please send your research proposal, cv, and proof of financial means to: m.a.westra@asc.leidenuniv.nl, and please indicate the dates of your intended visit.