Europe Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship Grant 2025 (Fully Funded)
Description
The prestigious Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship Grant 2025/2026 is now accepting applications. Named in honor of the Hungarian Bohemist and cultural historian Oszkár Sárkány (1912–1943), this mobility program supports outstanding researchers in the humanities and social sciences from Central European University (CEU IAS) and CNRS SHS units. The fellowship promotes transnational academic exchange between Budapest and Paris, fostering dialogue on key issues in Central-Eastern Europe.
What Is the Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship?
Launched in 2025, the fellowship commemorates Oszkár Sárkány’s legacy—his commitment to inclusive cultural history and his opposition to authoritarian regimes, which tragically led to his death during World War II. The program is a collaboration between:
- Central European University Institute for Advanced Study (CEU IAS)
- Paris Institute for Advanced Study (Paris IEA)
- French Research Center in Humanities and Social Sciences (CEFRES)
It provides fully funded academic mobility grants to Paris (for CEU IAS fellows) and Budapest (for CNRS researchers), creating space for cross-border research and public engagement.
Degree Level
Europe Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship Grant 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at France Universities, Austria Universities, Hungary Universities.
Available Subjects
Preferred Research Themes 2025/26
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Illiberalism (local and global contexts)
- Scholars at risk, academic freedom, invisible universities
The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary approaches to these urgent contemporary challenges.
Benefits
Why Apply for the Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship?
Here are five compelling reasons:
- Academic Exchange: Conduct research in Paris or Budapest with leading institutions.
- Prestige: Be part of a program that honors intellectual resistance and academic excellence.
- Networking: Collaborate with CEU, CNRS, and CEFRES scholars across Europe.
- Funding Support: Accommodation, travel, and daily expenses are fully covered.
- Timely Themes: Explore issues like academic freedom and illiberalism in a collaborative setting.
Eligible Nationalities
There is no specific nationality requirement.
However, eligibility is based on institutional affiliation, not citizenship.
- If you are affiliated with CEU IAS (Budapest) or a CNRS SHS research unit (France), your nationality does not limit your eligibility.
- What matters is your current employment status or fellow status at either institution.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to scholars already affiliated with specific institutions:
For Fellows Applying to Go to Paris:
- Must be a current fellow (2024/2025 or 2025/2026) at the
- Central European University Institute for Advanced Study (CEU IAS).
For Fellows Applying to Go to Budapest:
- Must be a permanent member of a CNRS SHS (Humanities and Social Sciences) research unit in France.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be actively engaged in research in the humanities or social sciences.
- Applicants should have an ongoing research project relevant to Central or Eastern Europe, illiberalism, academic freedom, or similar topics.
- Applications must be submitted in English or French.
Application Procedure
Fellowship Details & Timeline
For CEU IAS Fellows (Paris)
- Call Opens: July 14, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Results Announced: September 30, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 1 month
- Suggested Mobility Period: Spring 2026
- Benefits:
- 1-month accommodation at the Cité Universitaire
- Travel expenses
- Daily allowance
For CNRS SHS Fellows (Budapest)
- Call Opens: July 20, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Results Announced: October 25, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 15 days
- Suggested Mobility Period: Spring 2026
- Benefits:
- 15-day accommodation at Wallenberg Guesthouse
- Travel funded by CEFRES
- Office space at CEU IAS
- Participation in a joint workshop with researchers from CNRS, CEU, and CEFRES
Required Documents for Application
Applications must be submitted in English or French and include:
- A letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- An academic CV including a list of publications
- Submission via email to all three partners:
- CEU IAS: Prof. Balázs Trencsényi — trencsenyib@ceu.edu
- Paris IEA: Dr. William Berthomière — william.berthomiere@cnrs.fr
- CEFRES: Dr. Mateusz Chmurski — mateusz.chmurski@cefres.cz
FAQs
1. Can early-career researchers apply?
Yes, the fellowship is open to all CEU IAS fellows and permanent CNRS SHS researchers regardless of career stage.
2. Are language requirements strict?
Applications must be in English or French, and working proficiency in the host country’s language is helpful but not mandatory.
3. Is there a stipend?
Yes. Travel and accommodation are fully funded, and daily expenses are supported via a lump sum allowance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a scholar engaged in research on Central-Eastern Europe, authoritarianism, or academic freedom, the Oszkár Sárkány Fellowship 2025/2026 offers a rare and meaningful opportunity. Expand your academic horizons in Paris or Budapest, and contribute to cross-border dialogues on some of today’s most pressing issues in the humanities and social sciences.
Apply by September 15 or October 15, 2025, depending on your institution, and honor a legacy of intellectual courage.
