Call for Applications – Inalco-IMAS / Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Visiting Chair of Excellence

Objectives of the Chair

• To offer a prestigious and stimulating academic environment at Inalco for a recognized scholar working on an innovative and relevant research topic within Armenian Studies;

• To foster the inclusion of Armenian Studies in broader interdisciplinary dialogues across the humanities, social sciences, and the arts;

• To strengthen international research, teaching and outreach networks;

• To contribute to the creation of long-term educational resources for the IMAS program and a broader audience.

Eligibility and Profile

The Visiting Chair is open to established scholars specializing in Armenian Studies in any of the following fields: social sciences, linguistics, history, humanities or the arts.

Particular attention will be given to proposals that:

• Address contemporary issues concerning the Armenian world in its political, intellectual, human and historical complexity; a connection with ongoing scientific issues within Inalco’s research teams (across all areas) will be an advantage.

• Engage with diasporic dynamics and circulations between Armenia and the Diaspora (people, ideas, practices, knowledge systems...);

include instruction in Armenian (preferably Western Armenian)

Terms of the Visiting Appointment

During the stay in Paris (4 to 5 weeks during 2026-2027 academic year), the visiting professor will be expected to:

• Deliver a public inaugural lecture (in French or English) at Inalco, presenting original aspects of their ongoing research. The lecture will be recorded and made publicly available;

• A scientific event (colloquium, conference, workshop or similar) organized at Inalco in collaboration with Inalco colleagues; where appropriate, the inaugural lecture may be a part of such an event.

• Offer a 10 hour teaching program (in the form of courses or lectures, depending on the academic calendar) for students of the IMAS Master’s program, and participate in their evaluation (maximum of 15 students);

• Record this teaching program in studio format, structured into 4-5 sessions of 1h30, for inclusion in the “IMAS-FCG Permanent Course Library” (under CC-BY-NC-NB license);

• The visiting scholar may be asked to give a public talk at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.

Financial and Logistical Support

• The program provides a total stipend of €8,000 covering travel, accommodation and per diem expenses. The Invited Professor will also have access to an additional budget of €2,500 to cover the expenses of the scientific event s/he will organize (costs for invited speakers, organizational expenditures, etc.).

• The visiting scholar will be hosted within the IMAS teaching team and affiliated with a research unit at Inalco (subject to availability of workspace).

• A scientific advisor (outside the Armenian Studies field) will be identified to support the scholar's integration into Inalco’s academic environment as a whole.

• Support will be provided for housing arrangements (e.g., Maison Suger, Cité internationale universitaire de Paris).

• Technical assistance for recording lectures will be offered by Inalco’s TICE (educational technologies) service if needed.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit a single PDF file including:

1. A detailed cover letter, introducing their academic background, research, motivations for joining the IMAS program, and potential collaborative interests at Inalco;

2. A proposal for the inaugural lecture, addressing a topic of broad academic interest (particularly in the field of area studies);

3. A course proposal for the IMAS program (1-page syllabus);

4. A proposal for a scientific event (study day or another format), with one or more coordinators within Inalco’s teams.

5. A curriculum vitae and list of publications.

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and originality (in terms of methodology, topic, discipline, sources, applications...);

• Relevance of the course proposal to the IMAS program’s objectives;

• Potential of the inaugural lecture and scientific manifestation to engage a wide academic audience beyond Armenian Studies;

• Ability to foster or expand research networks at Inalco and internationally.

Selection Procedure

The applications will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of representatives from the IMAS Master's teaching team and the Inalco research committee, external scientific experts, and a representative of the Gulbenkian Foundation in an advisory capacity

Timeline

• Call opens: April 27,2026
• Application deadline: June 15, 2026 at midnight
• Notification of results: July 6, 2026

Submission

Applications (single PDF file) should be sent by email to:
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Email subject: Application – Inalco-IMAS / FCG Visiting Chair 2025–2026