In order to improve the intra-European circulation of researchers in Asian studies, the IIAS-FMSH partnership aims to decompartmentalise the production of knowledge and diversify perspectives, offering fellows an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange, cooperation and networking.

La stock exchange The Combined Scholarship enables scholarship holders to gain a year's research experience at an internationally renowned institute for regional studies (IISA) in Leiden (Netherlands) and a two-month stay at the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme (FMSH) in Paris (France).

IISA aims to promote a more integrated and global understanding of Asian realities. Through programmes and activities, they seek to cultivate humanistic and policy-relevant knowledge about Asia. IISA is also involved in a number of projects linking academic and non-academic forms of knowledge.

Information on funding

• The FMSH is awarding a monthly grant of €2,000 to cover travel and insurance costs, accommodation and living expenses in France. Fellows will live in the very central and historic Maison Suger, the FMSH's research residence dedicated to researchers in the humanities and social sciences invited by French institutions.
• The IISA scholarship will run for 12 months, from the first week of September 2025 to the last week of August 2026. All scholarship holders must arrive before 7 September. By applying for this scholarship, you agree to these conditions.

Eligibility criteria

• The IIAS and IIAS+FMSH scholarships are intended for outstanding researchers from around the world to work on important aspects of Asian studies in the social sciences, humanities and arts. Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged.
• This scholarship is intended for researchers who will be able to reside in Leiden for the duration of the scholarship. Please note that IIAS fellows are not allowed to hold several fellowships simultaneously or an employment contract during their IIAS fellowship period.
• The information provided on this page is intended for researchers who would like to apply for an IISA-funded scholarship (with or without an additional research period at the FMSH in Paris).

Selection criteria

• The following criteria will be taken into account throughout the selection process:
  • the project's potential to advance its field(s) of study; its original contribution to scientific knowledge.
  • A diversity of products (publications, methodologies, protocols) and activities (knowledge and data sharing, collaborations, mobility experiences).
  • Open practices for sharing research and methodologies, wherever possible.
  • Interdisciplinarity.
  • High standards of ethics and integrity, appropriate conduct of research and good practice.

Terms and conditions

• Applicants must have completed all the requirements for a doctorate. If you are a doctoral student at the time of application, you may also apply, provided you have a pre-scheduled defence by 15 February. A letter from your university will be required to confirm your degree before this date.
• The IISA scholarship programme is residential. The scholarship includes a flat in Leiden in which the selected scholarship holders must reside.
• Scholarship holders must take part in activities including conferences, seminars and social events.
• Fellows will have shared workstations, a conference and projection room and access to libraries. Researchers will also benefit from IISA's extensive network of collaborators and partner institutions.
• The IISA scholarship programme does not fund field research.
• IIAS scholarship holders are not permitted to hold several scholarships simultaneously or an employment contract during their IIAS scholarship period.
• All print and online publications and films/videos resulting from the IIAS scholarship must acknowledge that the research or publication was made possible, in part, by the International Institute for Asian Studies.

For more information, visit FMSH website.