What is the difference between Max Weber and Jean Monnet Fellowships? Can I apply for both?
Max Weber Fellowships are designed for junior post-docs who have received their doctorates less than 5 years prior to the start of the Fellowship and want to pursue an academic career, concentrate on their research and improve their academic practice in a multidisciplinary environment. The programme combines research and training activities which will enhance the early development of a fruitful academic career. Max Weber fellows will be affiliated to one of the EUI's four departments or the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies.
Jean Monnet Fellowships are open to scholars who have obtained their doctorate more than 5 years prior to the start of the fellowship. They are based in the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies and are expected to participate actively in the research activities of the Centre.
It is not possible to apply for both. For Max Weber Fellowships, candidates are eligible during the five-year period following the successful completion of their PhD. For Jean Monnet Fellowships, candidates must have obtained their PhD more than five years ago.
How many Max Weber fellowships are available?
There are 55-60 Max Weber Fellowships.
Can I apply even if I take my Ph.D. after the application?
Yes, but you must have obtained your Ph.D. or have successfully submitted it for defence by the start of the fellowship. Specific eligibility requirements are explained in Eligibility.
What if my Ph.D. defence takes place only after the start of the fellowship?
We can accept candidates who will have submitted the doctoral thesis and concluded all requirements for the Ph.D. by the start of the fellowship even if the formal defence would take place slightly later. The defence should take place at the latest by the end of the same calendar year. If you are selected, we request a certificate from the home university/supervisor to this effect.
Can I contact potential mentors in EUI departments/RSCAS?
In order to keep the application process open and fair, the policy of the EUI is not to offer individual guidance and advice on project proposals. Prospective applicants are also requested not to contact EUI faculty members regarding potential mentorship. When searching for potential mentors, applicants are requested to consult the departmental web pages where research themes and faculty profiles are listed, and to indicate who they regard as potential mentors on the appropriate space in the application form.
Who can be indicated as potential mentor?
Main mentors must be full time EUI professors – they cannot be visiting, part-time or emeritus Professors, Fernand Braudel Fellows etc. However, candidates may indicate part-time professors/other scholars as sharing their research interests, so long as these individuals will be based at the EUI during the tenure of their Fellowship.
In which language should I write my research proposal/statement?
Submitting documents in English guarantees the widest possible reading. The official working language of the postdoctoral programmes is English.
Can I add bibliography/references to the Research proposal, and if so, can they exceed the 2-page limit?
You may add bibliography/references and they may slightly exceed the 2-page limit, but the research proposal itself should not be longer than two pages.
Are there any formatting requirements for the research proposal?
There are no particular requirements regarding font size or line-spacing as long as the document is well legible (even if printed out). Please use standard international fonts and do not use macros or password protection. Please do not send secured PDFs.
Will my application suffer if I do not relate my research to a Interdisciplinary Research Cluster?
We wish to underscore that there is neither advantage nor disadvantage in terms of the prospects of admission to the programme in indicating an interest in one of the pre-announced clusters. For example, shaping one’s research interest to coincide with one of the clusters would be entirely counterproductive. Fellows will be chosen by the three Selection Criteria.
Do I need a good knowledge of the English language?
The expected level of English proficiency is level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Please see Eligibility for further details.
How is the selection procedure organised?
Applications are considered on the basis of application documents and references. There are no interviews. Candidates will be informed of the results by email at latest by the end of January. For further information please see:Selection Criteria & Procedure
What are the selection criteria?
Max Weber Fellows are selected on the basis of their research proposal, accomplishments and potential, their academic career interests, and the availability of EUI faculty to provide mentorship. For further information please see:Selection Criteria & Procedure
Is it possible to have more than two letters of recommendation?
Minimum two and maximum three references are required and accepted by the online application system.
Can referees write reference letters in their own language?
Yes, but references in English or French guarantee the widest possible reading.