Two URIS fellowships ‘Ukrainian Research in Switzerland’ (URIS)

The initiative ‘Ukrainian Research in Switzerland’ (URIS) invites applications for a URIS Fellowship for a six-month research and teaching stay at the University of Basel in either the spring semester (January–June 2027) or the autumn semester (July–December 2027).

The objectives of the initiative are to make a lasting contribution to advancing Ukrainian expertise in Switzerland, to foster the next generation of scholars, and to contribute to the international networks of Switzerland-based university research on Ukraine. URIS supports these objectives through the research and teaching activities of its fellows, as well as through regular events such as Ukrainian language courses, public lectures and events, academic events, and workshops.

Requirements (A detailed list of all documents to be submitted can be found on the CfA document below in the download section.)

• The initiative is looking for internationally recognised researchers who are prepared to be involved in the network of Swiss-Ukraine research and to offer a Ukraine-related course at the University of Basel during their stay in Switzerland.
• University degree and excellent PhD in the humanities, cultural studies or social sciences. The application is open to both younger and experienced scholars.
• Experience in university teaching and willingness to conduct a one-semester course (1.5 hrs per week) at the University of Basel in the 2026 spring or in the 2026 autumn semester (to be held in English or German).
• Ongoing research project that has the potential to make a substantial contribution to a better understanding of the history, society, politics and culture of Ukraine.

Offers & Conditions

• The URIS fellowship offers a monthly allowance of CHF 4000. In addition, costs will be reimbursed for visa fees, accident and health insurance coverage in Switzerland, for one round trip to and from Basel from the country of origin, for a subscription entitling the holder to half-price travel on the Swiss Federal Railways, and for all work travels within Switzerland.
• Fellows are required to reside in Basel during the fellowship period.
• Shared office station at the University of Basel with access to all digital infrastructure.
• The awarding of the fellowships will be decided by an academic advisory board.
• All information and all requirements and documents to be submitted can be found here (or below in the download area)

Application documents

• Completed application form (can be found here – or see www.uris.ch)
• Statement of purpose with information on field of research and teaching experience
• Curriculum vitae incl. list of publications
• Copies of university degree and PhD certificates
• Proof of English or German language skills
• Outline of current research project (not exceeding 3 pages)
• Concept (not exceeding 2 pages) for a one-semester course (1.5 hrs per week), i.e. approx. 12 teaching units. The course will be integrated into the interdisciplinary BA curriculum "East Europe Studies" at the University of Basel and should be accessible to students from different subjects and levels (BA and MA)
• Two pertinent letters of reference (at least one from the holder of a university professorship). These are to be sent separately – not together with the application – by the referees themselves and directly by e-mail to uris@unibas.ch by 16 March 2026.

Please send your application documents in English or German in electronic form in one single document (only pdf format) by e-mail to uris@unibas.ch. Applications that are not sent as a single document cannot be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Both letters of reference are to be sent separately – not together with the application – by the referees themselves and directly by e-mail to uris@unibas.ch by 16 March 2026.

Application Deadline: 16 March 2026