As part of the programme, professionals from academia and the media will have the opportunity to spend a month in Lviv working on their own research or media project related to the programme’s focus theme. They will be provided with accommodation and access to INDEX’s workspace and network, and will present their work at the end of the residency in the form of a public event or an internal seminar.
Scholars in Residence Programme 2026: Open Call
INDEX is delighted to announce the open call for Scholars in Residence 2026. In 2026, the programme will host six residents: three media professionals (including journalists, documentary filmmakers and digital media specialists) and three academics working on documenting Russia’s war against Ukraine. Thematic focus of the programme: "Documenting Resistance: Media, Memory and Civil Society in Wartime."
About the Programme
Scholars in Residence examines how societies maintain critical discourse and sustain civic life when facing existential threats. The 2026 residency offers a unique opportunity to witness and analyse how Ukrainian institutions defend independent media and civil society under extreme conditions, producing invaluable insights.
By bringing international media professionals and academics to Lviv, we share knowledge that strengthens Europe’s resilience and helps open societies learn from Ukraine’s crisis-time innovations.
Scholars + Veterans Collaboration Model
The Scholars in Residence programme runs alongside INDEX’s Veteran Programme, fostering collaboration between international researchers and Ukrainian veterans working on projects about their combat experience. This partnership grounds academic and media work in lived reality while connecting veterans with global scholarly networks. It’s a two-way exchange when international participants gain insights unavailable in archives, and veterans learn new methods to strengthen the impact of their stories.
What is Included in the Residency:
Accommodation for one month in a one-bedroom flat in the centre of Lviv; months of residency: January, February, March, October, November or December 2026
Work space in the INDEX office in the centre of Lviv
Access to INDEX's research and cultural networks across Ukraine
Participation in a programme of cultural and academic events organised by INDEX and partner institutions
Study visits to local cultural and research institutions and meetings with key stakeholders
Opportunity to work on an independent documentation or media project.
Please note that the programme does not provide a scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
Media Professionals (3 positions):
Journalists, documentary filmmakers and digital media specialists from abroad and Ukraine
Actively engaged with issues of media independence, civil society or democratic resilience
Interested in documenting Ukrainian wartime experiences
Academics (3 positions):
Researchers and scholars (humanities and social sciences)
Working on topics related to authoritarianism, conflict documentation, civil society, media studies or democratic defense
Committed to producing research that contributes to the understanding of wartime resilience
How to Apply?
Candidates must submit:
— Motivation letter with project description (max. 2 pages) explaining:
Your proposed project or research focus during the residency
How your project relates to the programme's thematic focus
How a one-month stay with INDEX would benefit your work
Your preferred month(s) for residency in 2026
— CV (max. 2 pages)
— Portfolio samples:
For media professionals: links to 2-3 relevant published works or media projects
For academics: 1-2 recent publications or writing samples
Details
Residents will develop projects that advance regional understanding of wartime resilience and democracy. At the end of the residency, they will submit a narrative report on their results.
In light of the risks associated with Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, those international participants who choose to travel to Ukraine assume personal responsibility and are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. INDEX shall not be held liable for any emergency that might occur during their stay.
Please indicate your preferred month of residence (January, February, March, October, November or December 2026) in the form below.
Application form: https://forms.gle/Z7fkRC5G7AnRfY1Z9
Deadline for applications: 16 November 2025
Decision announcement: 28 November 2025
The programme is supported by ERSTE Foundation.