The Independent Social Research Foundation has an opportunity for Independent Scholars to explore and present original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems. The CEE are looking to support our eligible members and affiliates with their applications to this fellowship via our Grant Writer, Gwenaelle Joubert. Please contact Gwen at: [email protected] if you wish to apply for this fellowship.
Applications must be submitted before 5pm (GMT) on 31st October 2025. Applicants are strongly advised to submit applications well in advance of this deadline – late submissions will not be considered.
Eligible Applicants
Independent Scholars from within Europe are eligible to apply, and they will not hold an appointment – full-time or part-time, temporary or permanent – at an institution of higher education and research.
An ‘Independent Scholar’ is understood as someone, whether or not currently in employment, who is engaged in intellectual work outside of academic employment of a nature and standard comparable to that of a professional academic scholar.
For the avoidance of doubt: newly qualified post-doctoral scholars, as-yet unemployed in academia, are not considered Independent Scholars for the purpose of this competition; nor are scholars who are actively seeking further academic employment; nor retired scholars whose careers were spent working within academia.
Applicants will usually hold a PhD but other equivalent academic or professional qualifications may be considered. Evidence of scholarly achievement at a sufficiently high level can include publications in academic journals, edited collections and monographs, as well as pieces for professional journals and the popular media.
Independent Scholars intending to pursue or complete a piece of independent research and desiring an affiliation to an institution of higher education and research within Europe are eligible to apply – arrangements for such affiliation need not be in place at the time of application, but applicants are asked to nominate a potential host institution if possible.
Applicants may be in professional (non-academic) employment, including in the arts, full- or part-time, or in an unpaid occupation.
The awards are intended as providing a stipend to allow applicants support for academic research and relief from non-academic work (including domestic care) for a period of up to one year.
