Utrecht University €10,000 Critical Pathways Fellowships

Utrecht University’s Critical Pathways community, in collaboration with Towards a Circular Economy and Society, invites applications for the Critical Pathways Fellowships Program. The fellowship is described as an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and fields to explore building more sustainable and just futures by examining hidden stories, systems, and power structures, and by bringing to light promising alternatives.

The programme welcomes applications from anyone whose work challenges the status quo, reveals hidden truths, or reimagines how people can live more sustainably and justly. It includes (but is not limited to) artists, filmmakers, and writers; activists, organizers and community leaders; journalists, legal practitioners, and policy advocates; conservationists, sustainability practitioners, and entrepreneurs; and academics from any discipline. Proposals should fit the themes of Critical Pathways and Towards a Circular Economy and Society, under the theme “Making Visible the Invisible.”

Applications are reviewed by a group of representatives from both communities. The selection focuses on proposals that align with the fellowship goals and bring fresh, critical perspectives. Applicants are told they will hear back within six weeks of the deadline.

Fellows are expected to join Utrecht in October–November, with exact dates described as flexible. The duration is stated as four to six weeks. The fellowship provides a budget of up to €10,000 to cover travel, accommodation, living expenses, and visa costs, and Utrecht University can help arrange travel and housing if needed. Fellows have access to office and meeting spaces, the university library, and ICT resources, and are integrated into the communities with encouragement to engage actively with university and external partners.

• Applicants must have work that challenges the status quo, reveals hidden truths, or reimagines how people can live more sustainably and justly.
• Applicants do not need a PhD or an academic background.
• Applicants can apply from any background and any field.
• Applicants’ work must fit the themes of the Critical Pathways and Towards a Circular Economy and Society communities.

• Budget of up to €10,000 to cover travel.
• Budget of up to €10,000 to cover accommodation.
• Budget of up to €10,000 to cover living expenses.
• Budget of up to €10,000 to cover visa costs.
• Help arranging travel and housing if needed.
• Access to office and meeting spaces.
• Access to the university library.
• Access to ICT resources.

1. Fill out the application form (.docx).
2. Send the completed form together with your CV to coordinator Tom Gerritsen at [email protected].

• Application form (.docx).
• CV.