The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS CEU), in collaboration with the Democracy Institute (DI) and the Blinken OSA Archivum (OSA) at Central European University’s Budapest site, is now inviting applications for the Budapest Open Society Fellowship program.

The fourth joint call for the academic year 2026/27 focuses on the theme: Modalities of Resilience and Resistance: Academia and Society in Illiberal Times. The application deadline is September 20, 2025.

About the Organizers

• Institute for Advanced Study (IAS CEU) – A hub for advanced interdisciplinary research at Central European University, IAS CEU supports scholars pursuing innovative work across social sciences, humanities, and related fields.

• Democracy Institute (DI) – Focused on the study of democracy, autocracy, and governance, DI brings together research and policy expertise on global democratic challenges.

• Blinken OSA Archivum (OSA) – An archival and research institution preserving and providing access to historical records related to human rights, closed societies, and transitional justice.

Together, these institutions combine research, teaching, and public programming to engage critically with pressing global challenges, particularly the rise of illiberal regimes.

Fellowship Theme: Modalities of Resilience and Resistance

The 2026/27 fellowship cycle is centered on the study of resilience and resistance within academia and society during illiberal times. The program addresses urgent global trends in which autocratic governments and regimes have increasingly shaped political, cultural, and social life.

Key thematic concerns include:

• The cultural, political, social, legal, economic, and epistemic problems posed by the rise of autocratic governments and regimes.

• The new techniques of mobilization employed by these regimes to gain legitimacy and power.

• The ways in which these regimes undermine truth, verification, and falsification, challenging fundamental principles of democracy and knowledge.

• The ideological mix of populism, neoliberalism, religious fundamentalism, and biopolitical frameworks that subvert democratic institutions.

• The morphology of autocratic regimes – how they evolve, consolidate, and expand influence.

• The modalities of resisting and defying illiberal systems, with particular attention to cross-border and transnational movements of resistance.

The fellowship seeks to encourage multidisciplinary research, fostering synergies between various fields and methodological traditions to address these complex issues.

Purpose and Vision

The program aims to:

• Analyze the rise and entrenchment of autocratic regimes across the globe.

• Explore the strategies of resilience adopted by academic institutions, civil society, and social movements.

• Investigate the forms of resistance against illiberal regimes and their ideological components.

• Facilitate collaboration between scholars working in diverse disciplines, strengthening research on democracy, authoritarianism, and civic engagement.

Fellowship Details

• Program Name: Budapest Open Society Fellowship Program

• Academic Year: 2026/27

• Theme: Modalities of Resilience and Resistance: Academia and Society in Illiberal Times

• Application Deadline: September 20, 2025

• Organizers: IAS CEU, Democracy Institute, and Blinken OSA Archivum at CEU Budapest

Applicants are expected to propose projects that align with the fellowship theme and contribute to a broader understanding of resilience and resistance in illiberal contexts.

Why Apply?

This fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Engage with leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of democracy, governance, and authoritarianism studies.

• Access unique archival materials and resources through the Blinken OSA Archivum.

• Participate in a dynamic intellectual community dedicated to addressing some of the most urgent challenges of our time.

• Contribute to multidisciplinary and transnational scholarship that bridges academia and society.

Application Information

• Application Deadline: September 20, 2025

• Application Materials: Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed Call for Applications (PDF) document, which provides full eligibility criteria, application requirements, and submission guidelines.

• Details: Application Information Link

Conclusion

The Budapest Open Society Fellowship 2026/27 is a vital platform for researchers committed to exploring the dynamics of resilience and resistance in illiberal times. By analyzing the rise of autocratic regimes, their ideological compositions, and the ways societies and academia resist them, this fellowship contributes to global debates on democracy, freedom, and human rights.

Applications close on September 20, 2025. Scholars and practitioners interested in contributing to this multidisciplinary conversation are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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