What is the International Fellows Programme?
Experience has shown that the core idea of the Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies holds true: When people with different perspectives come together, the best ideas are born. The International Fellows Programme is one way to make that happen, enabling international researchers to collaborate with our interdisciplinary research groups – our Themes. Each Theme can invite up to three Fellows for stays of two to six months. Every visit is tailor-made to fit both the Theme’s plans and the Fellow’s interests.
Due to the LMK Foundation’s generous support, we can cover all costs for the programme: salaries, travel, and accommodation. Fellows can focus entirely on exploring new ideas during their stay in Lund.
How has the programme evolved?
The International Fellows Programme has connected local research with global expertise since the Institute was inaugurated in 2009.
In the beginning, we ran open calls for Fellows and received applications from around the world. That was exciting, but we soon realised that letting each Theme nominate its own Fellows made for better, more relevant collaborations. That’s the model we still use today.
Of course, coordinating international visits isn’t always easy. All academic staff have busy schedules, and since the pandemic, online meetings have changed how we all work. But even so, we remain committed to having Fellows on site here in Lund. Being here in person makes a real difference: It’s in the shared space, the conversations, and the unexpected encounters that real interdisciplinary work happens.
What do Fellows bring to the Themes and to the Pufendorf IAS?
Apart from their specific expertise they come with fresh eyes, new energy, and often, a good dose of inspiration. Interdisciplinary projects are complex and at times even chaotic, and when Fellows join, they often help the group find clarity and new direction.
As with Themes, the aim isn’t to produce research results during their time with us – it’s about curiosity and exchange. We ask for openness, a willingness to learn from others, and the courage to share ideas on equal terms.
Personalised internationalisation strategy
We learn a great deal from our Fellows. Each of them comes from a different research culture, we get an insight into how interdisciplinary research works elsewhere; the challenges, the methods, and the creative solutions that emerge in other places.
Fellows become part of weekly Theme meetings and the everyday discussions that shape our work here at Pufendorf IAS. But it’s not all about formal meetings. The chats over coffee in the kitchen, walk-and-talks in our parklike garden: those spontaneous exchanges are where new ideas often start.
Fellows bring their own networks, and these valuable connections can sometimes become future projects and joint funding proposals. The Fellows are our golden ambassadors outside Lund. Thanks to them, the Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies gets international reputation.
And much to our delight, Fellows always say that their sabbaticals here were beneficial for them as well. They often return to Lund University for research visits or to join events and usually stop by the institute to say hello to old friends. “Once a Fellow, always a Fellow” has become something of a motto here.
Why does it matter?
So you see: The International Fellows Programme is so much more than just bringing in international expertise. It’s about crucial connections across disciplines, across borders, and across ideas. The programme strengthens our Themes, enriches our University, and keeps building an open, curious, and international research community.
And that’s exactly what Pufendorf IAS is all about.
More reading
Link to Pufendorf webpage about the International Fellows Programme International Fellows Programme | The Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies
Link to Pufendorf webpage presenting our current International Fellows at the Intstitute Meet our current International Fellows | The Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies
Link to Pufendorf webpage presenting International Fellows throughout the years: International Fellows throughout the years | The Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies
LMK Foundation makes the International Fellows Programme possible! Link to LMK Foundation website (in Swedish) LMK – För dagens gränsöverskridande forskning