Call for Applications – Sabbatical Scholars
Overview | Timeline | How to Apply | Chapter-Specific Details | FAQs
The Kalaniyot Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Call for Applications for the Kalaniyot Sabbatical Scholars Program.
This program supports established researchers from Israeli institutions to spend their sabbatical year at a US institution. The objective is for Israeli researchers to build strong personal ties during the program, while enlarging the circle of US faculty who collaborate with Israelis. Sabbatical scholars will be selected competitively and will be provided with financial support to reduce the financial burden of living near campus, so they can fully participate in campus life and research. The program offers competitive stipends and health insurance.
Participating institutions: Applications are being accepted for the Kalaniyot program at: Cornell, Dartmouth, MIT, and Penn. See below for program details in each participating institution.
Eligibility: Open to all faculty and researchers who hold sabbatical-eligible academic or research appointments at Israeli research institutions.
Please prepare your application materials, the submission portal will open on January 15, 2026.
Timeline
- Application: Applications must be submitted via our online application system by 11:59 PM Eastern Time, on February 10, 2026.
- Announcements: Applicants will be notified of the review process outcome by April 2026.
- Start date: Selected scholars can begin their term between the sabbatical announcement date and February 1, 2027, depending on the chapter and in coordination with the host. Start date and other administrative items are subject to specific constraints listed in the chapter details below. Starting the sabbatical is also contingent upon the processing of the appointment by the host institution, securing a visa if needed, and completion of any other requirement put forth by the host institution and/or PI.
How to Apply
Applications are made through Interfolio and must include the following:
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- Application form: Filled out online through Interfolio (personal details and prospective host lab information).
- Curriculum vitae and publication list: Free format, PDF file.
- Proposed research plan: Up to 1 page excluding references, PDF. Candidates are expected to develop their research plans with their prospective research host at each institution.
- Sabbatical Documentation: Approval letter from home institution indicating sabbatical eligibility for academic year 2026/27.
- Host Commitment Letter: A letter from the identified host at each institution to which you are applying, certifying that the potential host:
- Has read your research statement and is willing to serve as your host.
- Will be responsible for providing you with adequate lab and/or office space to conduct your research.
- Will be responsible for integrating you into their research group.
- Will be responsible for processing your appointment and visa request through the appropriate departmental channels, as well as covering any associated costs.Note: prospective hosts can support multiple applications and will be consulted if more than one candidate reaches the final review stage. Applicants can only apply to work with one faculty member at each chapter they are applying for.
Chapter-Specific Requirements: Please carefully review the “Details of Participating Kalaniyot Chapters” section below as different chapters may require additional documents (e.g., Community Statements, Budgets, or Abstracts) that must be included in your application.
Applicants applying to multiple chapters will be reviewed independently by each chapter. If selected by more than one chapter, applicants will be asked to choose one offer.
Chapter-Specific Details
Cornell-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: Agricultural innovation, Environmental sustainability, Climate science, Food science, Food security and technology.
Sabbatical Duration: Up to one year, with a minimum of 3 months.
Financial Terms: A minimum of $3,000 per month. The exact amount will be determined based on available funds.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- A community statement (up to 1 page) addressing:
- How have you contributed to your community in Israel during the past years?
- How do you envision contributing to the local Kalaniyot community during your appointment as a Kalaniyot Postdoc?
- Selected scholars should start their appointments July 1, 2026 or later, in coordination with the host
Contact: kalaniyot@cornell.edu
Dartmouth-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: Any department in the Science division of Arts and Sciences as well as EEES (Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society), the Program in Quantitative Social Sciences, the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Geisel School of Medicine. Applicants’ eligibility in subjects such as Environmental Sciences, Geography, Linguistics, Economics, and Government eligibility depends on the research topic, interested candidates are encouraged to inquire.
Sabbatical Duration: Flexible visits from 3 to 9 months.
Financial Terms: Monthly stipend of $3,500 per month for living expenses plus relocation support of $5,000 for singles, $7,500 for families.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit a project timeline, including a detailed schedule of proposed activities.
Contact: Jennifer.m.thomas@dartmouth.edu
MIT-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: all areas of study at MIT.
Sabbatical Duration: Up to one full calendar year and require the scholar to be in residence at MIT for both a fall and a spring semester, although not necessarily in that order. We will not consider applications for shorter durations or remote appointments.
Financial Terms: $40,000 annual stipend plus full coverage of MIT affiliate health insurance for the scholar and any immediate family members joining them
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- A community statement (1 page, PDF file) addressing:
- How did you contribute to your community in Israel this past year?
- How do you envision contributing to the local Kalaniyot community during your appointment as a Kalaniyot Postdoc?
Contact: kalaniyot_apply@mit.edu
Penn-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: All areas of interest throughout the 12 schools at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sabbatical Duration: Full calendar year; in-residence for fall and spring semesters required.
Financial Terms: $45,000 annual stipend plus medical insurance coverage for the scholar and any immediate family members joining them.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit a one-page community statement detailing contributions to your community in Israel and plans for engagement at Penn with the Jewish or Israeli community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please consult the Chapter-specific Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages for detailed information. For any additional questions not already covered by the FAQ, please contact the Kalaniyot Chapter you are applying to using the email addresses listed in the chapter-specific details.