The aim of the Visiting Chair of Excellence programme is to host a high-level researcher for a period of four to five weeks, in order to contribute to the academic and educational dynamism of the IMAS Master’s programme, whilst enhancing the international visibility of Armenian Studies.

Objectives of the Chair: 

• To provide a specialist in Armenian Studies with a prestigious and stimulating academic environment at INALCO, centred on an innovative and recognised research theme.
• To place Armenian Studies within a fruitful dialogue with other fields in the humanities and social sciences, the arts and the humanities.
• To promote the development of international networks for research, teaching and dissemination.
• To contribute to the creation of sustainable educational resources accessible to IMAS Master’s students and a wider audience.

The call is directed at established researchers specialising in Armenian Studies within one of the following disciplines: social sciences, linguistics, history, humanities or the arts. Applications will be particularly welcome if they address contemporary issues in the Armenian world in all their political, human, intellectual and historical complexity, explore diaspora dynamics and flows between Armenia and the diasporas (people, knowledge, practices, systems, etc.), include teaching in Western Armenian (preferred, but not mandatory).

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee comprising of representatives of the IMAS Master’s teaching staff and Inalco’s Research Committee, external academic experts, and a representative of the Calouste Gulbenkian Gulbenkian Foundation in an advisory capacity.

The call opens on 27  April 2026 and the application deadline is 15 June 2025.