IEDC Research Fellowship Program on Leadership and Change

For emerging scholars and early-career researchers

The IEDC Research Fellowship aims to open new doors for academic careers, inviting researchers from all around the world to work on projects at one of the most inspiring and prestigious centres for management research in Central Europe. It offers a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research, engage with academic and industry leaders, and contribute to transformative solutions for leadership and change. Join us at IEDC-Bled and become part of a mission to shape the future of management education and practice.

Program overview and vision

The IEDC-Bled School of Management, a globally recognized center for leadership and management education, is launching the Research Fellowship for Leadership and Change. This program aims to foster research excellence, promote collaboration, and establish IEDC as a key contributor to management thought leadership globally, with a particular focus on transitional and emerging economies.

By providing a dynamic platform for emerging talents in management studies, the fellowship combines academic rigor with practical engagement. It is open to early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral fellows seeking to advance innovative projects related to leadership, change, sustainability, digital transformation, and other contemporary business challenges.

Fellows will engage with IEDC faculty, access state-of-the-art research resources, and immerse themselves in IEDC's diverse academic and business ecosystem. Through this fellowship, IEDC reaffirms its commitment to developing leaders who drive transformative change and contribute to sustainable solutions for today's complex global challenges.

Fellowship structure

The IEDC Research Fellowship is awarded for the period of one year. During this year, candidates stay a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks at IEDC, depending on event schedules and availability of mentors and project partners. Exact travel times will be determined after the selection of the fellows.

Funding covers travel to Slovenia and accommodation in an individual scholarly apartment on IEDC’s campus. While funding for living expenses and research-related costs is generally not included, a stipend may be considered in exceptional cases, depending on the specific needs of the research project and availability of resources.

Fellows will have access to IEDC’s library, research databases, and academic infrastructure. It is mandatory that they engage in shared research activities with IEDC faculty, in line with the project proposed in their application. The outcome should be focused on publications in research journals, but can also include case studies, policy briefs, or project proposals submitted to a funding body.

Fellows are warmly invited to continue their shared research projects after the end of the official fellowship period. A request for additional funding can be sent to the IEDC selection committee and will be benevolently received.

High-profile academics can also apply for a temporal assignment as a visiting professor and teach courses in the MBA or executive programmes. If accepted, they will be awarded the title of a CEEMAN Senior Research Fellow.

Preferred research focus (optional scope)

While all research topics related to leadership and sustainability are welcome, IEDC particularly encourages projects addressing:

  • Emerging and transitional economies: Innovative leadership strategies in Central and Eastern Europe and other transitional markets.
  • Sustainability and ethical leadership: Solutions for global challenges, including environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, and inclusive leadership.
  • Digital transformation and AI: The role of technology and digitalization in driving organizational change and leadership practices.
    • Arts-based approaches to management research and education: Further elaboration of IEDC’s focus methods and tools inspired by artistic work.
  • Cross-disciplinary approaches: Projects that integrate insights from psychology, sociology, technology, and the arts to address complex leadership challenges.

This scope reflects IEDC’s mission to foster innovation and equip leaders with the tools to navigate rapidly evolving global challenges.

Application process

The fellowship program is directed at advanced doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career scholars (within 5 years of PhD) from around the world. IEDC-Bled School of Management is looking for emerging talents in management research, whose qualification of a scientific career is recognizable from prior accomplishments. There are expected to show a first track record of successful project work in management, leadership, business, economics, or related fields.

Proposals should align with IEDC’s mission to advance knowledge in leadership, change, and contemporary business challenges. They should include the description of a research project together with IEDC faculty with outcomes that can be realistically achieved within a limited time frame.

To apply for the fellowship, the following documents need to be submitted to IEDC:

  • Research proposal (max. 1,500 words) outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • CV highlighting academic achievements, publications, and research experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation, one of them coming from a member of IEDC faculty who is supplest to collaborate in the research project.
  • A cover letter detailing how the fellowship aligns with the applicant’s career goals and how they plan to contribute to IEDC’s research agenda.
  • Two examples of academic writing that show the potential of the applicant.

Interested candidates should first contact an IEDC faculty member to develop the outlines for shared research activities. Submissions can be made during the application period via e-mail. Applicants will receive a confirmation of the eligibility of their submission within 7 days.

Applications will be evaluated by an international committee based on:

    • Research quality: Feasibility, originality, and relevance of the proposal.
    • Academic standing: Potential for high-quality output.
    • Alignment: Fit with IEDC’s research priorities and global impact goals.

Successful applicants will be formally awarded with the honour of the IEDC Research Fellowship in an official ceremony. If necessary for visa applications and arrangements with their home institution, they will also receive a written invitation to IEDC-Bled, with travel dates coordinated with faculty mentors.

Expected research output

Fellows are expected to produce at least one high-quality research paper for submission to academic journals. To advance academic careers, the journals should be ranked by professional bodies in management such as ABDC or ABS. In addition, they are warmly invited to contribute to the development of policy briefs, case studies, or other outputs that support teaching, executive education, or consultancy, producing impact and increasing their visibility in industry and policy-making. A summary of the output will be made available on the IEDC website. The fellows and their work will be featured on social media, at IEDC events, CEEMAN conferences, or other relevant forums, enhancing their visibility and professional networks.

Fellows will have opportunities to contribute to CEEMAN’s flagship activities, such as IMTA (International Management Teachers Academy) and the Hidden Champions Project.

Monitoring and sustainability

  • Progress evaluation: Fellows will submit periodic progress reports and present interim results at IEDC research seminars.
  • Long-term impact: The fellowship will be continuously assessed to ensure alignment with IEDC’s research strategy, with efforts to secure external funding for its long-term sustainability.
  • Networking: All fellows become part of the IEDC Family, allowing them to establish lasting ties in industry and academia at IEDC, its partner institution, and the whole CEEMAN community.

Deadline for Submission of Applications for 2026

1 December, 2025

Information about Selected Candidate for 2026 will be announced on 1 February, 2026.

Contact Information: For questions, inquiries, or pre-application discussions, please contact research@iedc.si. 

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