The European Institute of Law (EIL) has invited applications for its Research Fellows Programme 2026–27. The international fellowship is open to doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, academicians, legal practitioners, policymakers and professionals interested in legal and policy research.
The programme focuses on contemporary legal challenges, including artificial intelligence, data protection, digital governance, fundamental rights, international law and emerging technologies.
Researchers from India and other countries are eligible to apply. The fellowship operates primarily online, and there is no nationality or residence restriction.
The last date to apply is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.
About the European Institute of Law
The European Institute of Law is an international research institute that brings together scholars, researchers and professionals working on legal and policy issues.
Its research activities focus on understanding how laws and legal institutions respond to technological, economic, institutional and social changes.
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Through its Research Fellows Programme, EIL aims to encourage independent scholarship, academic collaboration and discussion among researchers from different countries.
About the EIL Research Fellows Programme 2026–27
The Research Fellows Programme is a one-year academic fellowship intended for researchers interested in developing independent legal research projects.
Selected fellows will become part of EIL’s academic community and participate in research activities, publications, seminars and academic events.
Fellows are encouraged to develop their own research interests while contributing to the Institute’s wider research agenda.
The programme provides an opportunity to engage with researchers and professionals working across different legal systems.
The fellowship is primarily online, making it accessible to eligible applicants from different countries.
Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence, Law and Governance
Researchers may examine legal issues involving artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making, generative AI, automated systems and the allocation of legal responsibility.
The area also covers AI regulation, accountability and legal challenges arising from autonomous technologies.
Data Law and Digital Governance
This research area includes data protection, privacy, international data transfers, digital identity and the governance of digital information.
Applicants may also study the relationship between individuals, governments and digital markets.
Digital Sovereignty and Infrastructure
Researchers may explore legal questions involving digital sovereignty, telecommunications, cloud computing, critical digital infrastructure and technological dependencies.
Fundamental Rights and the Digital Society
The programme welcomes research on how technological developments affect privacy, equality, freedom of expression, autonomy, human dignity and other fundamental rights.
Rule of Law, Justice and Legal Institutions
Applicants may examine judicial independence, access to justice, procedural fairness and the use of artificial intelligence in courts and administrative decision-making.
Platforms, Information and Digital Regulation
This area covers online platforms, disinformation, deepfakes, recommender systems, online advertising and the regulation of digital information environments.
Digital Economy, Finance and Emerging Technologies
Research may address blockchain, digital assets, fintech, tokenisation, financial regulation and emerging technological developments.
European, International and Comparative Law
Applicants may examine differences and similarities between national, European and international legal systems.
The Institute particularly encourages research comparing legal developments across different countries and regions.
These areas are not limited to European law. Researchers may propose projects involving legal systems in Asia, Africa, the Americas and other regions.
Who Can Apply?
The EIL Research Fellows Programme welcomes applications from postdoctoral researchers and doctoral scholars at an advanced stage of their research.
Early-career and established academicians are also eligible.
Legal practitioners, policymakers and other professionals with equivalent research expertise may apply.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear research interest connected with EIL’s research agenda and the ability to conduct independent research.
Candidates should be able to work professionally in English.
There is no nationality or residence requirement. Indian PhD scholars, legal researchers and eligible professionals may therefore apply.
Responsibilities of Selected Research Fellows
During the one-year fellowship, selected candidates will be expected to produce at least one substantial research output.
This may include an EIL Working Paper, a peer-reviewed research article or an equivalent academic publication.
Fellows must also contribute shorter research articles, analyses or commentaries to the Institute’s publication channels.
They are expected to participate in research seminars and Fellows’ meetings.
Each fellow must contribute to at least one EIL conference, workshop, webinar or another academic event.
Where relevant, fellows may also participate in collaborative research activities involving other members of the Institute.
All research produced under EIL affiliation must comply with appropriate standards of academic quality, independence and research integrity.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected candidates will receive formal affiliation with the European Institute of Law for the duration of the programme.
Each fellow will also receive an individual profile on the Institute’s website.
Fellows will have opportunities to publish through EIL’s research channels, participate in academic discussions and collaborate with researchers from different institutions and jurisdictions.
The programme also provides access to EIL’s international research community.
Upon appropriate completion of the fellowship, participants will receive certification for academic and professional purposes.
Is the EIL Research Fellowship Paid?
The European Institute of Law has clarified that the Research Fellows Programme is an academic affiliation rather than an employment position.
The fellowship does not ordinarily provide a salary or stipend.
Travel and subsistence expenses are also not reimbursed unless a particular project or activity expressly provides otherwise.
Applicants should therefore understand that the programme primarily offers academic affiliation, research opportunities and professional collaboration rather than financial support.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship will run for an initial period of one year, covering 2026–27.
The appointment may be renewed following a review of the fellow’s research activities, contribution to the Institute and fulfilment of academic commitments.
Renewal is not automatic.
Documents Required for Application
Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must submit an updated CV containing their academic qualifications, professional experience, institutional affiliations and relevant publications, where applicable.
Motivation Letter
A motivation letter of not more than one page must be submitted.
The letter should explain the applicant’s research background, areas of interest, relevant EIL research themes and expected contribution to the Institute’s academic community.
Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a research proposal of approximately 1,000–1,500 words.
The proposal should explain the research question, its significance, relevant legal and academic background, proposed methodology, expected contribution and intended research output during the fellowship.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed on academic quality, originality, methodological rigour and relevance to the Institute’s research agenda.
The feasibility of the proposed research and the applicant’s potential contribution to the academic community will also be considered.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Successful applicants will be informed directly by the European Institute of Law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application documents in PDF format by email.
Application Email: info@eilaw.eu
Email Subject: EIL Research Fellows Programme – [Surname]
Applicants must attach their CV, motivation letter and research proposal.
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
Official Fellowship Announcement: https://eilaw.eu/eil-research-fellow-programme
Application Deadline
Last Date: 31 October 2026
Time: 23:59 CET
Applicants from India should account for the time-zone difference when submitting their applications.
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