UvA IAS Policy Fellowship

IAS hosts both Research Fellows and Policy Fellows. To achieve its mission, IAS offers all fellows an inspiring environment and various kinds of support to work on an interdisciplinary challenge together with other members of the IAS community. Here you can find information about who those fellowships are for and how to apply to join our collaborative community!

Policy fellowship

In the context of the IAS theme governance of complexity, we are launching a special fellowship modality: the Policy Fellowship.

Climate change, inequality, health, polarization, changing international orders: the challenges we face are numerous. Policymakers are not only confronted with complex issues, in a multi-actor, multi-level and multi-issue world but the governance of these problems has itself become a complex issue. To understand and to promote the interaction between science, research, and policymaking, governments, industries, non-governmental organisations and academia need to collaborate and design new modes of governance, regulation and decision-making that stimulate imagination and cooperation.

Who can apply?

Policy Fellows are:

• professionals and practitioners who work in the public sector, industry or non-profit environment and are involved in (applied) research;
• engaged/interested in research activities within IAS’ mission and actively connecting with, contributing to and benefiting from IAS’ research community;
• seconded to IAS by their employer for the duration of the policy fellowship, typically for at least 6 months (for the sending organization employing the Policy Fellow, no additional costs are incurred).

What we offer?

• a vibrant community with many opportunities to develop novel research projects and methodologies, and to establish partnerships and networks;
• a regular (open) workspace at IAS;
• participation in community lunches and events;
• organisational support to (co)organize and publicize activities at IAS (such as workshops, think tanks, seminars);
• small amount of seed funding to support their project (e.g. for student assistance, inviting international guests, publication support).

What we expect

The IAS consists of a curiosity-driven research community.

In this atmosphere, Policy Fellows will:

• work on research methodologies, explore new research topics and/or establish new networks and partnerships;
• be curious to learn more from current cutting-edge research projects, to share their own expertise with our community, and to be willing to explore new forms of collaboration between academia, governments, businesses, and societal organisations
• be present at IAS on a regular basis and participate in IAS social and scientific activities
• contribute to IAS’ programming (e.g. through a kick-off lecture/workshop)
• acknowledge IAS in any publications resulting from the policy fellowship;
• write a short blogpost within four weeks after the end of the policy fellowship.

Selection criteria

• Co-application with external stakeholder that employs the fellow (e.g. Ministry, Municipality, Industry, Non-profit, Museum)
• Affinity/experience with research (PhD is not a requirement)
• Availability to spend time at IAS (at a minimum 1 day a week)
• Ability to bridge research and practice with likely impact beyond the policy fellowship
• Clear embedding in ongoing/to be developed IAS research activities, matching with IAS community members possible

Process and Timelines 

Policy fellowship applications are assessed by the IAS Board of Associates, who advises the IAS Director. While we welcome applications at any moment throughout the year, ideal starting dates for policy fellowships at IAS are February and September. Our Board of Associates meets three times a year to assess applications: January, May and October. 

To apply, please send an email to ias@uva.nl and include: 

1. the application form; 
2. CV; 
3. a letter of support from your employer/supervisor.

Download the policy fellowship application form