Call for Proposals: LCEL Early Career Scholars Visiting Programme 2026 in Luxembourg (Fully Funded)

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The Luxembourg Centre for European Law has opened applications for the LCEL Early Career Scholars Visiting Programme 2026 in Luxembourg. The programme supports early career researchers working in European Union law and related legal fields through short-term funded research stays.

Selected scholars will spend one to two months at the Centre between September and December 2026. The programme gives researchers access to academic resources, international legal scholars, research events, and institutions connected to EU law in Luxembourg.

The programme is designed for advanced PhD researchers, postdoctoral scholars, assistant professors, and equivalent early career academics who are working on research connected to EU law. Funding support is available for selected applicants who do not already receive support from their home institution.

Overview of LCEL Early Career Scholars Visiting Programme 2026

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What is the LCEL Early Career Scholars Visiting Programme?

The programme supports research and academic exchange in European law. The Centre allows visiting scholars to work on projects such as:

• PhD thesis chapters
• Journal articles
• Manuscripts
• Early-stage research projects

Researchers will join the LCEL academic community and take part in seminars, workshops, presentations, and guest forums. The Centre is located close to major EU institutions, including the Court of Justice of the European Union.

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Research Areas Supported by LCEL

The programme mainly focuses on European Union law and related legal systems. Priority research areas include:

• EU constitutional law
• Judicial protection and governance
• EU external relations and geopolitics
• Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
• Trade law and internal market law
• Nature and sustainability law
• Artificial intelligence and digital market regulation
• Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
• Financial regulation

Researchers from interdisciplinary legal and social science backgrounds may also apply if their work connects with EU law.

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LCEL Visiting Programme Benefits

Selected applicants may receive financial and academic support during their research stay.

Financial Benefits

The scholarship includes:

• Monthly allowance of up to €1,800 for daily expenses
• Possible accommodation reimbursement up to €1,200 for one month in special cases
• Access to the library and electronic research resources

Funding is limited and mainly available for applicants without institutional funding from their home university.

Academic Benefits

Researchers will also receive:

• Access to LCEL library facilities
• Participation in academic conferences and workshops
• Networking opportunities with international legal scholars
• Interaction with researchers working in EU law
• Opportunity to present research at the LCEL Guest Forum

Longer-term visitors may also contribute to the LCEL research paper series.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must be an advanced PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, assistant professor, or equivalent
• Research must relate to EU law or European legal studies
• Must have strong English language skills
• Scholars based in Luxembourg are not eligible
• Postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors must show a solid publication record

The programme also accepts scholars writing research in languages other than English, but all application documents must be submitted in English.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:

1. Cover letter (maximum one page)
2. Updated CV including publications
3. Research project summary and work plan (maximum two pages)
4. Two recommendation letters
5. Funding unavailability letter from home institution if applicable
6. One publication sample for postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors

For PhD applicants, one recommendation letter must come from the academic supervisor.

Visitor Responsibilities During the Programme

Selected researchers are expected to:

• Attend Centre activities and academic events
• Present their research during an LCEL Guest Forum
• Remain present at the Centre during the funded period
• Produce publishable academic work for longer research stays

The Centre aims to build an active research environment where visiting scholars contribute to ongoing academic discussions.

How to Apply for the LCEL Visiting Programme 2026

Applicants must send all required documents in English by email.

Application Email: lcel.ext.staff@uni.lu

Official Application Page: https://www.uni.lu/lcel-en/news/call-for-applications-lcel-early-career-scholars-visiting-programme-2/

Why Luxembourg is Important for EU Law Researchers

Luxembourg hosts several important European Union institutions, making it a strong location for legal research in European integration and governance. The LCEL highlights its proximity to EU institutions as one of the programme’s major academic advantages.