Utrecht University has introduced the Critical Pathways Fellowships 2026 invites a diverse group—including artists, activists, journalists, and entrepreneurs—to engage in a four to six-week exploration in the Netherlands focused on the influence of hidden power and extraction systems. With a budget of up to €10,000 per fellow and no requirement for a doctoral degree, the initiative highlights a trend in European higher education recognizing that pressing issues of sustainability and justice extend beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Application Deadline:
- 27 April 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Critical Pathways Fellowship, hosted by Utrecht University in collaboration with Towards a Circular Economy and Society, invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore hidden systems, stories, and power structures that shape ecological breakdown and inequality. The fellowship theme for 2026 is “Making Visible the Invisible”, encouraging fellows to uncover overlooked consequences of production, consumption, and resource use, while experimenting with new ways of living sustainably and justly.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Open to applicants from all disciplines and sectors, including:
- Artists, filmmakers, and writers
- Activists, organizers, and community leaders
- Journalists, legal practitioners, and policy advocates
- Conservationists, sustainability practitioners, and entrepreneurs
- Academics from any discipline
Type:
- Fellowship | Research & Creative Practice Support
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate work that challenges the status quo, reveals hidden truths, or reimagines sustainable futures.
- Show interest in connecting with diverse communities and sharing work through workshops, performances, screenings, or public discussions.
- Align with the fellowship’s theme and goals of sustainability, justice, and circular economy transitions.
- No PhD or academic background required — open to all motivated individuals.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Reviewed by representatives from both communities.
- Selection based on alignment with fellowship goals, originality, and potential impact.
- Preference for proposals that experiment with new ways of thinking and doing, not just critique.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All countries worldwide.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- Utrecht University, Netherlands.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; competitive selection.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Fellowship support up to €10,000 (covers travel, accommodation, living expenses, and visa costs).
- Access to university resources (library, ICT, office/meeting spaces).
- Integration into Utrecht’s academic and activist communities.
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and external partners.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- 4 to 6 weeks (October–November 2026, flexible dates).
How to Apply:
- Fill out the application form (.docx).
- Prepare and submit your CV.
- Send both documents to [email protected] (Coordinator: Tom Gerritsen).
- Submit by 27 April 2026.
- Applicants will be notified within six weeks of the deadline.
