Fellowship Opportunity: Restitution and Reparation – Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition 2025-2026 Presented by The Africa Institute at Global Studies University in collaboration with the Open Society Foundations

The Africa Institute at Global Studies University, in partnership with the Open Society Foundations, proudly proclaims its annual fellowship program underneath the theme “Restitution and Reparation: Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition.” This prestigious alternative seeks to assist students and practitioners engaged in groundbreaking analysis and advocacy associated to the restitution, repatriation, and broader reparative justice of African cultural heritage. The fellowship gives an mental platform for important reflection on Africa’s colonial previous and the world marketing campaign to return looted artifacts and human stays to their rightful properties.

This fellowship just isn’t solely a well timed initiative however a significant contribution to a rising worldwide discourse round historic accountability, cultural sovereignty, and the ethics of museum and educational collections. The program will span three educational semesters, welcoming three fellows per cycle, with placements scheduled for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Fall 2026. Each fellow shall be engaged over the course of a semester, starting September 1, 2025, and concluding December 31, 2026.

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Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship is rooted in the dedication to deepen understanding and promote restitution and reparation practices associated to African cultural property, stolen throughout colonial occupation. Participants will profit from:

• An immersive educational atmosphere inside The Africa Institute, a number one middle for African and African diaspora research.

• A platform to contribute unique analysis and publish scholarly work on matters of cultural heritage, restitution, and post-colonial justice.

• Participation in lecture sequence, residential fellowships, and a concluding convention with peer students and worldwide stakeholders.

Each fellow is predicted to provide a publishable educational paper or chapter, to be included in the last collective publication from the fellowship initiative.

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Fellowship Themes

Applicants are invited to discover a wide selection of matters associated to the program’s core theme, corresponding to:

• Historical and modern debates on cultural restitution and reparation

• Case research of looted artifacts, stolen cultural property, or human stays

• The function of Western establishments (e.g., museums, archives, and universities) in perpetuating or addressing colonial legacies

• Grassroots and governmental campaigns advocating for repatriation and restitution

• The intersection of racial reparations with cultural and historic restitution

This program welcomes interdisciplinary approaches and encourages functions from students who mix archival analysis, authorized evaluation, anthropology, museology, historical past, and post-colonial principle.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates should:

• Hold a grasp’s diploma or Ph.D. in a related subject.

• Demonstrate a scholarly focus on restitution, repatriation, or reparative justice as associated to African and African diaspora contexts.

• Align their work with the Open Society Foundations’ objectives of justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

• Be out there to take part in the full period of the fellowship semester.

• Be ready to contribute to public programming corresponding to lectures and conferences hosted by The Africa Institute.

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Application Submission Guidelines

Applicants should submit the following in a single PDF file titled utilizing the format: Open Society_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME and emailed to functions@theafricainstitute.org. Use the similar format in the topic line.

Required paperwork embody:

1. Research Proposal/Letter of Interest (1,500–2,000 phrases): Include an summary, venture objectives, analysis questions, methodology, meant outcomes, and relevance to the fellowship’s core themes.

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Two Writing Samples: Preferably revealed articles or e-book chapters related to the applicant’s space of analysis.

4. Two Reference Letters from educational or skilled specialists acquainted with the candidate’s work.

Applicants should additionally point out the semester they’re making use of for—Spring 2026 or Fall 2026.

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Important Deadlines

• October 1, 2025: Deadline for functions for Spring Semester 2026 (commences January 10, 2026)

• April 1, 2026: Deadline for functions for Fall Semester 2026 (commences September 1, 2026)

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About the Open Society Foundations

Founded by philanthropist George Soros, the Open Society Foundations is the world’s largest personal supporter of unbiased organizations working to advance justice, human rights, and open societies globally. Their partnership with The Africa Institute underscores a shared dedication to deal with the legacy of colonialism and promote cultural and historic redress.

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For extra details about the fellowship and submission necessities, please go to The Africa Institute or contact the fellowship administration at functions@theafricainstitute.org.

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For extra alternatives like this, go to Opportunities for Youth.