The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) is inviting applications for eight residential fellowships in Tunis for the 2026-2027 academic cycle (September 2026 – April 2027). The fellowship, themed “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity,” is open to postdoctoral and advanced researchers from all countries working in the humanities and social sciences. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend and travel reimbursement based on the “no gain/no loss” principle. Key research fields include Inequality & Mobility, Memory & Justice, and Sustainability. Applicants must submit a research proposal, CV, and writing sample through the Forum Transregionale Studien portal by March 2, 2026.
Fully Funded Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) Fellowship 2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) |
| Host Country | Tunisia (Tunis) |
| Category | Postdoctoral Fellowship / Research Residency |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (Including Tunisia) |
| Reward | Monthly Stipend + Travel & Relocation Compensation |
| Key Criteria | PhD in Humanities/Social Sciences + Project Alignment |
| Application Deadline | March 2, 2026 |
Fully Funded Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) Fellowship 2027
The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) serves as a premier hub for interdisciplinary exchange in the heart of Tunis. For the 2026-2027 session, MECAM offers eight residential fellowships designed to foster high-level debate on the Maghreb region’s future.
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The program centers on the guiding theme, “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity,” encouraging scholars to analyze co-existing models of society and the disparities that define contemporary Maghreb and Europe.
Scholarship Details
Fellows are expected to reside in Tunis and actively participate in MECAM’s intellectual life. The residency provides a unique platform for scholars to revisit their research from a North African vantage point while engaging with an international cohort of researchers from the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The program is managed in partnership with the Forum Transregionale Studien in Berlin, ensuring a robust administrative and academic framework.
Benefits of the Fully Funded Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) Fellowship 2027
MECAM employs a “no gain/no loss” financial model to ensure that researchers can focus entirely on their scholarly output without financial strain.
Tier 1: Core Financial & Residency Support
- Monthly Research Stipend: A competitive monthly allowance is awarded for the duration of the fellowship (September to April). The amount is calculated to cover living expenses in Tunis without resulting in financial profit or loss relative to the researcher’s home country status.
- Institutional Residency: Provision of dedicated workspace and access to research infrastructure in Tunis to facilitate collaborative work.
Tier 2: Mobility & Relocation Assistance
- Travel Compensation: Full reimbursement for round-trip travel costs between the fellow’s home country and Tunisia.
- Relocation Support: Assistance and compensation for relocation-related expenses to ensure a smooth transition to the residential environment in Tunis.
Tier 3: Professional Networking & Exchange
- Global Network Access: Membership in an interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and transregional network of scholars focusing on the Maghreb.
- Debate Platforms: Opportunities to present research at MECAM seminars and collaborate across the five Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs).
Eligibility Requirements for the Fully Funded Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) Fellowship 2027
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be postdoctoral or advanced researchers in any field of the social sciences or humanities. They must demonstrate an interest in interdisciplinary debate.
- Study Status: Current PhD candidates are not eligible. Applicants must have completed their doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.
- Visa Status: Open to researchers of all nationalities, ages, and genders. Selected fellows must be able to secure a visa for Tunisia (assistance is typically provided).
- Program Admission: Projects must align with the theme “Imagining Futures” and at least one of the five IRFs: Aesthetics, Inequality, Memory, Sustainability, or Identities.
How to Apply for the MECAM Fellowship 2026-2027 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Access the secure online application platform of the Forum Transregionale Studien. Applications may be submitted in either English or French.
- Automatic Evaluation: Upload your 2-3 page CV (including publications) and a short project abstract (max. 1000 words) for initial screening.
- Eligibility Assessment: Submit a recent writing sample (article or chapter) and a 1-2 page detailed explanation of how your project connects to the Maghreb and MECAM’s specific research fields.
- Notification of Award: Provide contact details for two referees. Results are typically communicated after a thorough peer-review process following the March deadline.
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 (12:30h CEST)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can PhD students apply for the MECAM fellowship?
No, the call is strictly open to postdoctoral and advanced researchers. Doctoral students are not eligible.
2. What are the five Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs)?
The IRFs are: 1) Aesthetics & Cultural Practice, 2) Inequality & Mobility, 3) Memory & Justice, 4) Resources & Sustainability, and 5) Identities & Beliefs.
3. Is there a nationality restriction for this fellowship?
No, the fellowship is open to researchers from all countries, including Tunisia.
4. What does the “no gain/no loss” principle mean for the stipend?
It means the stipend is calculated to ensure the fellow maintains their standard of living without making a profit from the fellowship, covering all necessary local costs.
5. Can I submit my application in a language other than English or French?
No, applications must be submitted in either English or French via the online platform.
6. Are independent scholars eligible to apply?
Yes, researchers without a current institutional affiliation are welcome to apply as long as they meet the postdoctoral/advanced researcher criteria.
7. Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
No, you only need to provide the names and contact details of two referees. Letters are not required during the initial application phase.
8. What is the duration of the residency?
The fellowship is a residential program in Tunis lasting from September 2026 to April 2027.
9. What should the writing sample consist of?
The writing sample should be a recent journal article (published or forthcoming), a book chapter, or a thesis chapter.
10. Who handles the application data?
MECAM assigns the Forum Transregionale Studien in Berlin to process personal application data and manage the online submission portal.
