Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
Israel
Number of recipients
Fulbright Israel welcomes applications from innovative U.S. postdoctoral scholars who seek to conduct research at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design accept applications from all disciplines. If you are a researcher outside the creative field, please note that we expect applications to address the interaction between your discipline and the areas of interest at Bezalel. Please visit Bezalel’s website to review examples for the cross-disciplinary research and activities at the institution.
Grants are open to researchers in all academic disciplines and support research programs in Israel for up to 20 months (two academic years).
Each candidate is responsible for the arrangement of the institutional affiliations independently, including development of the research program for the proposed visit. Based on Fulbright Israel policy, selected Fulbright postdoctoral fellows must hold official postdoctoral fellow status at their host institutions in Israel, including access to campus resources.
Please contact the Fulbright Israel office at USPrograms@fulbright.org.il with any questions and/or assistance with identifying suitable contacts.
Established in 1906, it is recognized as Israel’s preeminent art, design, and architecture academic institution, pioneering originality, creativity and innovation. Bezalel epitomizes the essence of Israeli art and design and has been a crucial catalyst in the country’s cultural development. Bezalel is known for excellently educating generations of aspiring artists, designers, and architects, furthering tolerance, and promoting freedom of expression and creative liberty that expand cultural horizons and impact conventional beliefs. The Academy’s innate strength is its ability to constantly imagine and re-imagine a better world and quickly translate these thoughts and theories into useful and practical applications and enterprises. In an ever-shifting social, technological, material and political environment, Bezalel’s investment in art and design research helps reveal new knowledge; new knowledge that leads to novel and inventive understandings of the world.
Up to two academic years, minimum of one academic year.
Grants may begin any time during the period of July 2025 to May 2026, as agreed upon with the host institution.
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design accept applications from all disciplines. If you are a researcher outside the creative field, please note that we expect applications to address the interaction between your discipline and the areas of interest at Bezalel. Please visit Bezalel’s website to review examples for the cross-disciplinary research and activities at the institution.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
A letter of invitation from a host at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Designs required. Please contact the Fulbright program in Israel at USPrograms@fulbright.org.il for assistance with identifying suitable host contacts.
To be eligible for a Fulbright fellowship beginning in July 2025, candidates must have received their Ph.D. degrees no earlier than July 2020. Degree conferment before the start of the award is mandatory. Institutional affiliation in the U.S. is not required.
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design accept applications from all disciplines. If you are a researcher outside the creative field, please note that we expect applications to address the interaction between your discipline and the areas of interest at Bezalel. Please visit Bezalel’s website to review examples for the cross-disciplinary research and activities at the institution.
$95,000 ($47,500 per academic year for two years).
Reimbursement of airfare expenses (U.S. – Israel).
$30,000 research grant ($15,000 per academic year for two years)
- Reimbursement of airfare expenses (U.S. – Israel, under the Fly America act) for spouse.
- Partial reimbursement of education expenses and fees for up to two accompanying dependents in grades K-12.
• Limited accident and medical coverage for the grantee only.
• Fulbright Israel-sponsored arrival orientation.
• Opportunities to participate in multiple cultural and academic events organized by Fulbright Israel.
Israel
The United States–Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF), also known as Fulbright Israel, was established in 1956 by the governments of the United States and Israel to administer the Fulbright Program in Israel. USIEF is funded by the United States and Israeli Governments and is governed by a binational Board of Directors. The Foundation aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Israel by means of student and faculty exchanges at the highest possible level of academic excellence. USIEF offers a variety of fellowships and opportunities for research, teaching and a combination of both in Israel. Israel is home to some of the world’s best academic institutions with high-ranking universities and research institutes leading in fields such as History & Archaeology, Cyber & Computer Science, Theology & Religious Studies, Policy, Diplomacy & Security Studies and many more. Israel is a unique destination for research and professional development and serves as a hub for academic excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Roie Levin, Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow 2022-2023, at Tel Aviv University: "The Fulbright postdoctoral fellowship was an extraordinary experience. I had the chance to work with world experts in my field and to do so while living in Tel Aviv, one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. I was extremely well-positioned to apply for academic positions after my program. The Fulbright staff was outstanding in every regard: they organized interdisciplinary workshops, planned cultural trips, and generally helped visiting scholars with the transition to living in Israel. I would be remiss not to mention how especially supportive they were in the chaotic aftermath of the October 7th attack."
Erika Tritle, Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow 2018-2020, at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev indicated that "a postdoc in Israel combines access to world-class scholars and academic resources with the amazing experience of living in one of the most fascinating and historically rich regions of the world. My family and I have been grateful to meet so many people who are willing to invite us into their lives here. The Fulbright staff have helped at every stage with logistics, questions, connections, and providing opportunities to encounter Israel beyond the tourist’s surface."
Paul Sharp, Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow 2021-2023 at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, commented that, “My experience as a postdoc in Israel has exceeded my expectations. Working with unparalleled leaders in my field at Hebrew University, along with a welcoming and ambitious community of students, has created the conditions for my scientific creativity to reach new heights. I truly feel this is an inimitable training opportunity that positions me to attain a tenure-track position at a top department in the near future. Additionally, the Fulbright staff have been beyond supportive, making my transition to living in Israel a truly enjoyable experience."
Thomas Prendergast, Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow 2020-2022 at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem shared, "Israel offers world-class research support. Living in Jerusalem, I benefit from easy access to the National Library of Israel and Hebrew University Library system, and therefore have nearly every book and article I could possibly need right at my fingertips. As a scholar in the humanities working toward converting my dissertation into a book manuscript, I very much appreciate such easy access to library resources. There are also myriad opportunities to establish academic and personal connections with faculty at local universities and other visiting postdoctoral fellows. With the help of the Fulbright team and the International Office at my host university, I was able to successfully navigate the entry restrictions brought about by the Covid crisis and enjoy my time in the country with relatively few challenges."
Helpful links:
Chet Bush, a Fulbright alumnus to Israel, writes about his Fulbright experience in Israel and how it led me to reflect on life from several perspectives. Take a look at Dr. Chet Bush's journal featuring his Fulbright Israel Experience here.
Kathleen Abadie, a Fulbright alumnus to Israel, shares her time in Israel, where she learned to better see and welcome the complexity of people’s characters. Read her story.
Applicants might be invited for a Zoom interview with a Fulbright commission.