Dan David Society of Fellows

What the Dan David Society of Fellows gives you

You get about EUR 37,000 (USD 40,000) per year for two years to do postdoctoral research at Tel Aviv University. Extra money for research and travel may be available on top. You also get one-to-one mentoring from faculty members, meaning a senior researcher advises you personally. You take part in a seminar on new research methods that meets twice a month, and you join a network of the other fellows. International fellows can use subsidised housing on campus. The Dan David Foundation funds the programme and sets aside part of the Dan David Prize for postdoctoral researchers studying the human past. Up to four places are awarded per cycle. This round starts on 1 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Degree: You finished your PhD between 1 October 2021 and 1 September 2026. If you have not submitted yet, you attach a signed statement from your institution giving your expected submission date.
• Field of study: Any subject that studies the human past, such as history, archaeology, art history, history of science and medicine, anthropology, literature, philosophy or digital humanities. The list is open.
• Where you did your PhD: Any university except Tel Aviv University. Its own graduates cannot apply.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, Israeli or international.
• Presence: You spend at least three days a week at Tel Aviv University for the full two years, join the fellows' activities and present your research once a year. All academic activities run in English.
• Age, religion, gender: No limits. If you took maternity leave after your PhD, you can add one extra year to the eligibility window for each child born since.

How to apply

You apply online through the faculty's application form by 1 December 2025. Everything must be in English: your CV, a research plan of up to five pages, a one-page summary of your dissertation and two reference letters. You hear the decision by 15 March 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

With up to four places and postdoctoral researchers competing worldwide, this is a selective award. The narrow field and the tight window on when you finished your PhD shrink the pool somewhat. If your research clearly fits the study of the past and you can show a strong track record and research plan, your prospects are realistic.