UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 — Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Global Sustainability

The UNU Institute for Advanced Study (UNU-IAS) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to conduct independent, cutting-edge research in areas related to global sustainability, peace and security, environmental governance, and human development.

Hosted by the United Nations University Institute for Advanced Study, this fellowship supports research that contributes to solutions for pressing global challenges.

What Are UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships?

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships are fully funded research positions designed to support scholars who have recently completed a PhD and are ready to develop innovative research that contributes to global public policy, environmental sustainability, and equitable development.

The programme fosters interdisciplinary research and offers fellows a platform to engage with international researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is typically open to researchers who:

• Have recently completed a PhD degree
• Have a strong record of academic excellence
• Are committed to interdisciplinary research on global issues
• Show evidence of research output or potential
• Are able to work independently and collaboratively

Applicants from all national and disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those whose work aligns with UNU-IAS research priorities.

Research Themes & Focus Areas

Postdoctoral Fellows at UNU-IAS work on topics that address global sustainability and development challenges, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable development and the SDGs
• Climate change adaptation and resilience
• Environmental governance and policy
• Peacebuilding, security, and human rights
• Socio-ecological transitions
• Innovation and inclusive growth

Fellows are encouraged to propose research that bridges disciplines and informs policy on national or global stages.

Funding & Benefits

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:

• Monthly stipend to support living expenses
• Travel and relocation allowance
• Health insurance coverage
• Research support funds
• Workspace and access to academic resources
• Opportunities to publish and present research

This funding structure allows fellows to focus entirely on their research without financial constraints.

Fellowship Duration & Timeline

The fellowship duration is typically one to two years, depending on the research plan and institutional guidelines.

The application cycle for the 2026 cohort usually includes:

• Application submission period: Late 2025 through early 2026
• Results announcement: Spring 2026
• Fellowship start date: Late 2026

(Exact dates vary by year and competitive cycle.)

Application Requirements

Applicants are usually required to submit:

• Academic CV
• Research proposal with objectives and methodology
• PhD certificate or proof of completion
• Writing samples or publications (if available)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of alignment with UNU-IAS research priorities

Clear, concise, and policy-relevant proposals tend to stand out, especially those with practical implications or impact potential.

Why the UNU-IAS Fellowship Matters

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is more than just financial support — it is a platform for emerging global scholars to:

• Engage with a United Nations research community
• Contribute to evidence-based policy debates
• Build academic and professional networks across continents
• Publish influential research in high-impact journals
• Strengthen career prospects in academia, policy, and international organisations

The fellowship is especially valuable for researchers committed to solutions that address environmental, social, and economic challenges at scale.

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer a rare chance for early-career researchers to advance meaningful research while immersed in a global policy research environment in Japan.