Applications are now open for the ICCROM Fellowship Programme 2027, a research-based fellowship for senior cultural heritage professionals. The programme offers 3–6 month stays at ICCROM headquarters in Rome, Italy, with a focus on independent research, professional exchange and access to ICCROM’s specialist collections and archives.
Key facts
- Applications opened on 15 August 2026 and close on 15 September 2026.
- The fellowship is aimed at qualified professionals from ICCROM Member States or organizations located in Member States.
- Applicants normally need a Master’s degree or higher and at least 10 years of professional experience in cultural heritage.
- Fellowships usually last 3 to 6 months and are normally carried out in 2027.
- ICCROM does not currently provide financial support or a living stipend for fellows.
What does this mean for applicants and researchers?
The fellowship is designed for established cultural heritage professionals who want time to pursue an independent research project, not for beginners or entry-level interns. Successful applicants can work at ICCROM in Rome, or in some cases partly online if they provide a convincing justification.
For applicants, the main practical issues are eligibility, timing and funding. Candidates must be nationals of an ICCROM Member State or work for an organization in one, hold at least a Master’s degree in a related field, and show at least 10 years of professional experience. ICCROM provides office facilities, library and archive access, and internet access, but fellows are responsible for travel, accommodation and personal insurance.
- Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Location: Rome, Italy, with possible partial online participation
- Funding: No financial support or living stipend from ICCROM
- Expected output: A research presentation at the end of the fellowship
What kind of research does ICCROM want?
ICCROM welcomes proposals on any topic related to cultural heritage conservation and its mission, but it gives preference to projects that align with its 2026–2027 strategic directions. Priority themes include better conservation and risk management, and integrating heritage into wider policy agendas.
Within those themes, suggested areas include climate change, urbanization, digital transition, complex crises, climate action, sustainable development, education, and health and wellbeing. The programme also supports work that uses ICCROM’s library and archives, which can be especially useful for comparative or international research.
How is the fellowship different from a training programme?
ICCROM frames the fellowship as an independent research opportunity for experienced professionals. Fellows are expected to arrive with their own research question and project design, and applicants cannot request an ICCROM staff member to act as their research supervisor.
That makes the programme better suited to researchers and practitioners who can work autonomously and use the fellowship period to deepen a project, test arguments, examine archival material, or develop publication-ready work. It is not intended as a conventional introductory training course.
Frequently asked questions
Where will ICCROM Fellowships 2027 take place?
The fellowship is normally based at ICCROM headquarters in Rome, Italy. ICCROM says a fellowship may be conducted partly online if the applicant provides an appropriate justification.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must normally have at least a Master’s degree or higher in a field related to cultural heritage, at least 10 years of professional experience, and nationality in an ICCROM Member State or employment in an organization located in one.
