Advance Your Postdoctoral Research with the Max Weber Fellowship 2026 in Italy
The Max Weber Programme covers a range of academic units including Economics, History, Law, Political and Social Sciences, the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, and the Florence School of Transnational Governance. Fellows reside on-site at the EUI in Badia Fiesolana, Italy, fostering a collaborative and immersive research experience. The program lasts one or two years depending on the host academic unit, with an optional extension to the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva for select candidates.
Funding and Benefits
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €2,500, comprehensive health insurance, and €1,000 to support research and academic activities. Family allowances are available when applicable. In the second year, eligible fellows may apply for a part-time Assistant Professor contract, providing an additional net salary of approximately €850 per month. Additional grants may be offered through partnerships with governments and foundations in countries such as Finland, Germany, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, and Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
The program welcomes applicants of all nationalities. Candidates must have obtained their PhD within the past five years, with extensions allowed for parental leave, illness, or compulsory military service. Preference is given to researchers who have not previously held a postdoctoral fellowship or are seeking their first academic position. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the C1 level (CEFR), with proof required only for selected candidates. Native English speakers are exempt.
Academic and Research Benefits
Fellows gain access to world-class research facilities, including a cutting-edge library, shared office spaces, and financial support for research and conference missions. The program also provides comprehensive training in publishing, academic presentations, teaching, mentoring, research grant applications, and communication skills for diverse audiences.
Why Apply
The Max Weber Fellowship is a unique platform to advance your postdoctoral career in a world-class academic setting, collaborate with top researchers across Europe, and develop the skills needed to excel in academia. It offers a transformative experience for researchers ready to make a lasting impact in their fields while contributing to the global scholarly community.
Application Procedure and Required Documents
Applications are due by October 15, 2025, at 14:00 CEST. Required documents include a CV with publication list, a one-page Academic Career Statement, a two-page Research Proposal (with yearly goals for two-year fellowships), a copy of the passport, and details of two to three referees who will submit recommendation letters directly through the online system. Applicants must reflect on gender and diversity issues in their research or explain why these are not relevant. Additional supporting documents, including proof of external funding, may be included.