"Scholars At Risk Fellowship", selection process now underway

The selection process is currently underway for the "Scholars at Risk Fellowships" offered by the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, thanks to funding of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca. Over 90 applications have been received from scholars fleeing situations of war and humanitarian crisis, of which around 30 have been shortlisted for selection interviews: 39.6 per cent of these applicants are women, whilst 74 declare Palestinian nationality; overall, the academics who responded to the call for applications represent nine different national contexts or nationalities. The initiative forms part of "Scholars at Risk" (SAR), the international network promoting academic freedom, of which the IMT School has been a member since 2020.

Designed to protect scholars whose lives are in danger or whose work is seriously compromised in their country of origin, the "Scholars at Risk Fellowships" will enable two scholars – at least one of whom must be a woman – to find refuge at the IMT School in Lucca and continue their academic careers.

“The high number of applications received reflects the scale of the need for academic protection, but also the wealth of expertise that wars, persecution and severe restrictions risk dispersing,” comments Linda Bertelli, Vice-Rector for Gender Policies, Equal Opportunities and Communication at the IMT School. “Protecting researchers, in fact, does not merely mean defending people, but also, at the same time, safeguarding the knowledge that will be necessary to rebuild the societies of those countries from which these scholars are forced to flee.”

Each scholarship will last for 12 months and will provide a total annual sum of approximately 37,000 euros. Successful applicants will also be provided with accommodation in an IMT School residence, reimbursement of travel expenses, and financial support to cover the costs associated with applying for a research visa, a residence permit and registration with the Regional Health Service.

Fellows will have access to the School’s scientific, bibliographic and training resources and will be supported by an academic tutor and a mentoring service to help them continue their research at the IMT School.