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In an era defined by profound global disparities and evolving visions of the future, the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) continues to stand as a beacon for rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship. As of January 18, 2026, MECAM has formally launched its call for applications for eight residential Individual Fellowships, spanning September 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
Hosted at the Université de Tunis in Tunisia and coordinated through a distinguished consortium—including Philipps-Universität Marburg, the Forum Transregionale Studien in Berlin, the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), and other leading partners—this program invites postdoctoral and advanced researchers to engage deeply with the overarching theme “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity”.
This theme invites scholars to explore how multidimensional inequalities—social, economic, cultural, and political—shape competing models of the future across the Maghreb, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Fellows will contribute to one or more of MECAM’s five Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs):
- Aesthetics & Cultural Practice — examining how cultural expressions negotiate disparity and envision alternative futures.
- Inequality & Mobility — analyzing social and economic disparities, insecurity, and their impact on future-oriented narratives.
- Memory & Justice — investigating transitional justice, historical reckonings, and memory in addressing inequalities.
- Resources & Sustainability — focusing on economic models, rentier systems, and sustainable futures amid resource disparities.
- Identities & Beliefs — exploring pluralistic identities, belief systems, and their role in reimagining equitable societies.
The program selects six postdoctoral fellows and two advanced researchers (such as professors or independent scholars with substantial experience), fostering an intergenerational, transregional, and collaborative environment. Residency in Tunis is mandatory, providing fellows with shared office space, access to local networks, and opportunities for limited fieldwork support.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply?
MECAM welcomes applications from a truly global pool, with no restrictions based on nationality, age, or gender.
The program is open to researchers from all countries, including Tunisia, and prioritizes intellectual merit and alignment with the theme.
| Criterion | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Status | Postdoctoral researchers (completed PhD) or advanced scholars (e.g., professors, independent researchers with equivalent experience). Current PhD candidates are ineligible. |
| Disciplinary Focus | Humanities and social sciences; projects must align with the guiding theme and at least one IRF. |
| Research Stage | Projects should be advanced and not heavily dependent on extensive new fieldwork. |
| Institutional Affiliation | Not required—independent scholars are fully eligible. |
| Language | Applications in English or French. |
| Other | Strong interest in collaborative, intergenerational, and transregional exchange. |
Comprehensive Application Guide: Step-by-Step Process
To maximize your chances of selection, prepare a compelling, well-aligned application. The process is managed through the secure online platform of the Forum Transregionale Studien.
- Review Official Materials — Carefully study the full call for applications and FAQ (available as PDF on the MECAM and Forum websites) to confirm fit.
- Prepare Required Documents (all in English or French):
- Curriculum Vitae (2–3 pages, including list of publications).
- Research Proposal Abstract (maximum 1,000 words).
- Writing Sample (one recent publication, book chapter, or thesis excerpt—published or forthcoming).
- Detailed Explanation of Fit (1–2 pages): Clearly articulate connections to the Maghreb region, the guiding theme, at least one IRF; describe intended engagement with MECAM activities; explain career benefits and specific fellowship goals.
- Referees — Names and contact details of two academic or professional references (letters not required).
- Submit Online — Use the secure platform: https://application.trafo-berlin.de/. Email submissions are not accepted.
- Deadline — March 2, 2026, at 12:30 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time). Submit early to avoid technical issues.
Fellowship Benefits and Expectations
Successful fellows receive comprehensive support designed to enable focused research and meaningful exchange:
- Monthly stipend calculated on a “no gain/no loss” principle.
- Travel and relocation allowances.
- Up to €1,000 reimbursement for proven research costs.
- Shared workspace at MECAM in Tunis.
- Logistical assistance for limited fieldwork in Tunisia or the region.
- Access to publication opportunities, networking events, seminars, workshops, and digital collaboration tools.
Fellows are expected to:
- Reside full-time in Tunis for the entire period.
- Actively participate in colloquia, seminars, and public events.
- Organize workshops during the annual “MECAM Spectrum” week.
- Produce a MECAM working paper or equivalent contribution.
- Collaborate with co-fellows, local universities, and the broader network.
Final Thoughts: Why MECAM Matters Now
In a world grappling with deepening divides, MECAM offers more than funding—it provides a rare space for rigorous, boundary-crossing dialogue that can reshape scholarly approaches to disparity and futurity.
As a flagship initiative of German-Tunisian academic cooperation, it bridges regions, generations, and disciplines, empowering fellows to advance their careers while contributing to urgent global conversations.For the most current details, visit the official MECAM website (mecam.tn) or the Forum Transregionale Studien page. Prepare thoughtfully, align your project precisely, and seize this opportunity to join an influential cohort of international scholars. The future of research in the humanities and social sciences is being imagined—your perspective could help define it.
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