
LSE IDEAS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Mladena and Dianko Sotirov Visiting Fellowship, made possible through a generous endowment by Mrs. Mladena Sotirov. The fellowship is dedicated to supporting scholars focused on Bulgaria and the Balkan region, particularly in understanding the region’s history, international affairs, present challenges, and future prospects.
Fellowship Details
The Sotirov Fellowship provides a stipend of £6,500 to support a one to two-month research stay in London. The purpose of the fellowship is to facilitate in-depth research on topics related to the history of international affairs of Bulgaria and the Balkans in the twentieth century, though applications focusing on current issues of the region may also be considered if of exceptional quality.
This fellowship is primarily aimed at early-stage scholars, such as doctoral candidates and post-doctoral fellows, who are engaged in research related to the history of the Balkans and Bulgaria.
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for young scholars to advance their research in an international environment while benefiting from the resources and academic network at LSE.
Eligibility Criteria
- The fellowship is open primarily to doctoral candidates or post-doctoral fellows working on research related to the history of international affairs of Bulgaria and the Balkans in the twentieth century.
- Exceptionally, research of high quality on contemporary issues related to Bulgaria and the Balkans will also be considered.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents in English:
- CV: A current curriculum vitae.
- Cover Letter (1,500 words): A detailed cover letter explaining the applicant’s current research, how the fellowship will contribute to their work, and the expected benefits of receiving the LSE Fellowship.
- Two Academic Letters of Recommendation: One of the recommendations must come from the applicant’s thesis supervisor (if the applicant is a PhD student).
Application Submission
Applications must be sent via email to Dr. Emilia Knight at [email protected]. All applications must be submitted by the deadline of 30 May 2025.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
- Fellowship Period: The fellowship covers a one to two-month research stay in London, but the specific dates will be agreed upon based on the applicant’s schedule.
About LSE IDEAS
LSE IDEAS is the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The centre promotes interdisciplinary research and education focused on global issues, particularly international affairs, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
This fellowship represents a fantastic opportunity for early-career scholars to contribute to the academic community while researching important historical and contemporary issues in Bulgaria and the Balkans. Don’t miss this chance to advance your research with the support of LSE IDEAS.
Contact:
Dr. Emilia Knight
Email: [email protected] OR Learn More



