Columbia University Italian Academy Fellowships 2027–2028

The Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America at Columbia University has announced its 2027–2028 Fellowship Program, offering international scholars the opportunity to undertake advanced interdisciplinary research in New York, United States.

The fellowship supports innovative research across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. It provides scholars with dedicated research time, a professional academic environment and opportunities to interact with researchers across Columbia University.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, the Italian Academy is inviting applications for several specialised fellowship positions:

• Alexander Bodini Foundation Fellowship: One position in Developmental and Adolescent Psychiatry.

• Alexander Bodini Foundation Fellowship: One position focusing on the Application of AI Tools and Models in the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer.

• Sidney J. Weinberg Jr. Foundation Fellowships: Up to two positions in Architectural History and Preservation.

Researchers working outside these designated areas are also welcome to apply with innovative proposals in relevant academic disciplines.

Selected fellows are appointed as full-time Columbia Officers of Research. They receive an office at the Italian Academy and participate in the academic and intellectual activities of the university.

During the residency, fellows focus on their individual research projects, engage with other scholars and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions. Weekly seminars provide opportunities to share research findings and exchange academic perspectives.

The programme is intended for researchers who already hold a doctorate or will obtain one by 30 June 2027. It is not a degree scholarship and does not involve enrolment in a Master's or doctoral programme.

Note: Although the institute is called the Italian Academy, applicants do not need to be Italian citizens or specialise in Italian studies. Researchers of all nationalities may apply.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applications are accepted from scholars of all nationalities.

• Academic qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD or obtain their doctoral degree by 30 June 2027.

• Academic level: The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers, mid-career scholars and senior academics.

• Research field: Proposed research must fall within the humanities, natural sciences or social sciences.

• Previous fellowship restriction: Applicants who have previously held an Italian Academy Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.

• Columbia faculty restriction: Current Columbia University professors are not eligible.

• Research commitment: Fellows must dedicate their residency to research and cannot hold another fellowship concurrently.

• Residency requirement: Fellows must remain in residence at the Italian Academy for the selected fellowship period.

• Academic participation: Fellows are expected to participate in the Academy's research community, including its regular seminars.

• Language of documents: Research proposals and CVs must be submitted in English.

Selected fellows receive the following:

• Paid research appointment: A full-time position as a Columbia University Officer of Research.

• Annualised salary range: USD $74,279–$104,099, with actual compensation determined by the university and the duration of employment.

• Health benefits: Access to health benefits associated with the fellowship appointment.

• Office space: A dedicated research office at the Italian Academy on Columbia University's campus.

• Research environment: Opportunities to undertake independent research without teaching obligations.

• Academic networking: Engagement with Columbia faculty, researchers and visiting scholars.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities to exchange ideas across the humanities, sciences and social sciences.

• Seminars and discussions: Participation in regular academic seminars and scholarly activities.

Applicants must prepare:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic CV containing a complete list of publications.

• PhD Degree Certificate: A copy of the doctoral degree certificate, where already awarded.

• Research Proposal: A proposal of no more than 1,300 words, excluding references.

• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation; a third letter is optional.

• Online Application Form: The completed digital application submitted through the official platform.

The Italian Academy confirms that fellows are selected by a faculty advisory committee based on the quality of applications.

Key considerations include:

• Quality of the application: Overall strength and academic merit of the submitted materials.

• Research proposal: The academic quality and innovative nature of the proposed research.

• Interdisciplinary engagement: Willingness to discuss research across disciplinary boundaries is desirable.

• Research at Columbia: Undertake academic research within an established international research university.

• Dedicated research time: Focus on innovative research without teaching responsibilities.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Engage with scholars working across different academic disciplines.

• International exposure: Experience an international academic community in New York.

• Professional development: Strengthen research capabilities, scholarly connections and academic experience.

• Academic networking: Participate in seminars and research discussions with Columbia scholars.

• Research recognition: Develop work supported by the Italian Academy's academic fellowship programme.