The Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS), headquarters Guadalajara and CALAS/CIAS Bielefeld University are accepting applications for up to four short-term fellowships for qualified researchers in the following program areas:

• Two scholarships for academics affiliated with Bielefeld University for stays at the CALAS headquarters in Guadalajara, Mexico.
• Two scholarships for academics from the University of Guadalajara for stays at the CALAS/CIAS headquarters at Bielefeld University.
• Alternatively, tandems consisting of one academic from the University of Guadalajara and one academic from Bielefeld University may also apply.

In accordance with the CALAS research program, applicants are expected to contribute to the development of new methodological and analytical approaches to understanding changes, transformations, and the creation of new horizons in response to crises in Latin America. This may include a review of Latin American and hemispheric approaches, theories, and methodologies that address transformation, mobility, crisis, and horizons.

Thematic area

Latin America is experiencing a worsening of multiple crises. For several years, CALAS research has focused on critical questions about how these crises and processes of change are caused, perceived, reflected upon, and addressed by different social actors. In the current phase of CALAS' transdisciplinary research, entitled “Creating Horizons: Accelerations, Transformations, Emergencies,” the focus is on 1) the acceleration of processes in social times and the compression of space that permeates all areas of social life and produces different social responses and consequences to civilizational crises; 2) the transformation of visions and perspectives on/of the world, of social and political-economic practices and structures, of ways of thinking and knowing, with the aim of achieving a just and inclusive transformation; 3) the emergence of new practices, including social, artistic, and political-cultural actions, their potential, their changes, and their diasporas in Latin America, as well as exploring epistemic proposals that reflect on the relationship/confrontation between the human and the non-human. Therefore, CALAS proposes to work on the “creation of horizons” in the sense of a close exchange between the academic world and non-academic actors.

Projects submitted must address, in one way or another, these CALAS guiding questions and their general approaches. Projects whose academic profile guarantee the interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches necessary for research at CALAS and that focus on new horizons for addressing the topic explored are particularly welcome. In particular, proposals covering research topics related to the current Axis A are encouraged: Accelerations in social processes and related laboratories Accelerated human mobility and multiple circulations, accelerations and transformations in the world of work from a global perspective, and also applying cultural studies approaches. It is hoped that the results of their research can be published in forums related to CALAS.

For more information about CALAS, visit: www.calas.lat

Terms and conditions

The fellowships are open to academics, ideally recognized nationally and internationally for their impact in their fields of research. The minimum academic qualification required is a PhD; in addition, scientific work and reputation, publications, experience in the field of research, and the quality of the project presented will be evaluated. Operational proficiency in Spanish is required. CALAS is committed to inclusion and gender equality. It expressly welcomes applications from persons with severe disabilities who meet the appropriate requirements. The CALAS scholarship program aims for gender parity and promotes affirmative action policies. Fellows are expected to reside at CALAS headquarters for 2 to 4 weeks and participate in activities and events organized locally or digitally. They will have the opportunity to use the resources of CALAS and the corresponding host institution, including office space, access to libraries, and research facilities. Scholarship recipients will receive remuneration covering their accommodation and living expenses at the respective CALAS headquarters. In addition, they will be reimbursed for the cost of round-trip airfare to the CALAS headquarters where the research stay takes place. CALAS cannot provide accommodation for scholarship recipients, but local administrative staff will help them find suitable places to rent. Scholarship recipients are expected to share their findings with the CALAS institutions involved and submit a brief report on their activities at the end of their scholarships.
 

Application

To submit your application, please complete the online application form and attach the following documents in PDF format in Spanish or English:

• A cover letter explaining why your project is suitable for the specific grant and what your expectations are.
• A brief resume (2 pages), including a list of publications related to the project.
• A copy of your doctoral degree
• A research proposal with a work plan, and bibliographic sources (maximum 4 pages/2,000 words).

Important Dates

• Opening of call for applications: February 12, 2026
• Deadline: March 30, 2026
• Notification of results: May 1, 2026
• Start of scholarship: June Bielefeld, august Guadalajara

Due to the anticipated number of applications, rejections will not be justified.

More information

Dr. Jochen Kemner

Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies

Tlf: ++ 52 33 3819 3300, ext. 23594

Email: merian.calas@gmail.com