Are you a researcher with a PhD looking for a funded residency at a top US university? The Italian Academy for Advanced Studies at Columbia University in New York is accepting applications for its Fellowship Program 2027–2028. It’s open to scholars from all countries in the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Fellows are hired as Columbia Officers of Research with a salary and health benefits, and spend a semester or a full academic year in New York. Applications close on 4 December 2026 at 11:59 pm New York time.
Fellowship at a Glance
- Host: Italian Academy for Advanced Studies, Columbia University
- Location: New York City, USA (in residence)
- Periods: Fall 2027 (15 Sept – 31 Dec), Spring 2028 (15 Jan – 30 Apr) or the full year (15 Sept 2027 – 30 Apr 2028)
- Pay: A salary as a Columbia Officer of Research, reported at US$74,279–$104,099 a year (prorated for one semester), plus health benefits
- Fields: All areas, plus special fellowships in psychiatry, AI for cancer detection and architectural history
- Open to: Scholars of any nationality with a PhD
- Application deadline: 4 December 2026, 11:59 pm New York time
- Recommendation letters due: 14 December 2026
About the Italian Academy
The Italian Academy is Columbia University’s centre for advanced research. Each year it brings together a small, international group of fellows from very different disciplines, from neuroscience to art history, to work on their own research and share it in weekly seminars. Despite its name, the fellowship is not limited to Italians or Italian studies. Scholars from every country are invited to apply.
Special Named Fellowships for 2027–2028
- Alexander Bodini Foundation Fellowship in Developmental and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Alexander Bodini Foundation Fellowship in AI tools and models for early detection of pancreatic cancer
- Sidney J. Weinberg Jr. Foundation Fellowships in Architectural History and Preservation (up to two)
Proposals in any other area of the humanities, sciences or social sciences are also welcome.
Benefits
- A salary as a full-time Columbia University Officer of Research (reported range US$74,279–$104,099 a year, depending on experience)
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Your own office in the Italian Academy building
- Full access to Columbia’s libraries, labs and research resources
- Weekly interdisciplinary seminars and academic events
- A network of international fellows and Columbia faculty
Housing isn’t provided, but fellows may get help applying for Columbia housing where available. New York is expensive, so plan your budget carefully.
Eligibility
- A PhD or equivalent doctorate, or completion by 30 June 2027
- Open to all nationalities and career stages, from postdocs to senior scholars. Past calls particularly encouraged early-career researchers within a few years of their PhD.
- You must live in New York for the whole fellowship period, not teach, and not hold another fellowship at the same time
- Former Italian Academy fellows and current Columbia faculty can’t apply
Science applicants are encouraged to contact a Columbia professor in their field before applying.
Required Documents
- The online application form
- Your CV and full list of publications
- A copy of your PhD certificate
- A research proposal of up to 1,300 words (excluding references)
- Recommendation letters, uploaded by your referees after you submit
Materials must be in English. Recommendation letters may be in Italian.
How Applications Are Judged
- Academic excellence and originality
- Potential contribution to the field
- Feasibility of the project in the fellowship period
- Professional achievements
- Interdisciplinary relevance
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write for a mixed audience. Fellows come from many fields, so make your 1,300-word proposal clear to non-specialists.
- Show what you’ll achieve in New York, such as a book chapter, paper or dataset, and why Columbia’s resources matter.
- Brief your referees early. They get an upload link only after you submit, and letters are due by 14 December.
- Consider a named fellowship if your work fits psychiatry, AI for cancer or architectural history.
- Plan your US visa and housing as soon as you’re offered a place.
How to Apply
- Read the Fellowship Program details on the Italian Academy’s website.
- Prepare your proposal, CV, publication list and PhD certificate.
- Submit the online application by 11:59 pm New York time on 4 December 2026.
- Your referees then receive an email and must upload letters by 14 December 2026.
Apply for the Italian Academy Fellowship 2027–2028
Read the official Fellowship Program page
