for Israeli researchers interested in the MIT-Kalaniyot Sabbatical Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow programs
General questions for MIT-Kalaniyot Sabbatical Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow applicants
Is MIT-Kalaniyot supported by MIT?
MIT-Kalaniyot is a faculty-led initiative that is funded by generous philanthropic donations and administered through MIT.
I’m a Palestinian. Can I apply to MIT-Kalaniyot?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you are welcome and encouraged to apply. MIT-Kalaniyot does not consider national origin, religion or ethnicity in its selection process.
I meet all the criteria for eligibility, but I’m not Jewish. Can I apply?
Yes! MIT-Kalaniyot does not consider religion in the selection process.
I am interested in applying to MIT-Kalaniyot and have reached out to one or more faculty members at MIT in connection to my visit, but they have not responded. Can you help?
Please contact us, sending us your CV and information about the professors whom you have tried to contact. Due to the large number of applications, we cannot guarantee a response, but we will examine your case and help if possible.
Both my potential advisor and I are interested in a research program that is best facilitated by a remote appointment where I would be stationed away from MIT. Is that allowed?
Unfortunately, no. While we understand that some amount of travel might be required during your fellowship period, we require that all fellows’ appointments be stationed at MIT, where they can interact with the campus community.
Do references count against the research statement page limit?
No, including a list of references will not be counted against the page limit of the research proposal.
Do figures count against the research statement page limit?
If figures are included in the research statement, the page limit may be increased by up to one page.
Is there a fixed format that the CV and Publication list must follow?
No, you may use any format desired.
Can I update my application after submission?
No, once submitted, the applications are sent to the selection committee and cannot be updated.
Does the Fellowship include health insurance?
Fellows will be included in the MIT healthcare program.
Does the Fellowship program support visa applications?
When awarded the Fellowship, your MIT host DLC (department / lab / center) is expected to work with MIT’s International Scholars Office to help and guide you through the visa application process. They are highly experienced and usually succeed in helping fellows secure the required visa to start their appointment. However, we cannot guarantee that a suitable work visa will be secured.
What happens if I am awarded the fellowship and cannot secure a visa?
Obtaining a legal status that allows employment at MIT is required. As needed, we will do what we can to help with your visa application. However, if for any reason you are unable to secure a visa and/or proper legal status for employment purposes, your fellowship offer will be deferred until the situation is resolved or may be revoked.
The application asks for a community statement. What kind of activities are envisioned?
We encourage all applicants to think about how their stay at MIT can benefit their local community in Israel. For example, you could partner with existing programs such as MISTI and MEET to extend their scope in a way that engages your local community in Israel. Similarly, you can develop new programs that help educate the MIT community about the vibrancy of Israeli technology, science and entrepreneurship. These are just examples, and we look forward to your creative proposals!
I’m a non-Jewish applicant. The application asks for a community statement. Am I expected to contribute to the Jewish community at MIT?
While MIT hosts a very active Jewish community, MIT-Kalaniyot fellows are not required to engage with it. As detailed above, the community statement can address your local community in Israel, independently of its religious and/or ethnic affiliation.
Questions for Sabbatical Scholar applicants
I’m Israeli and would like to apply for the sabbatical program, but my appointment is not at an Israeli university. Can I apply?
Unfortunately, no. All applicants for the sabbatical program must hold sabbatical-eligible academic or research appointments at Israeli research institutions.
The sabbatical appointment terms are for up to one full calendar year. What does that mean in practice?
Sabbatical Scholars should be in residence for at least one fall and one spring term. Summer and MIT IAP may be used for time off.
Questions for Postdoctoral Fellow applicants
I’m an Israeli who is about to get my PhD from a university outside of Israel. Can I apply?
Unfortunately, no. All applicants for the postdoctoral program must be enrolled or have recently received their PhD from an Israeli university. MIT-Kalaniyot does not consider the applicant’s national origin, religion or ethnicity in its selection process.
Can the MIT-Kalaniyot fellowship be combined with other fellowships?
Yes, an MIT-Kalaniyot fellow can enjoy support from additional sources and/or programs. Fellows are requested to be transparent about any additional support they receive to ensure their total compensation does not extend beyond the allowed maximal amounts.
I’ve already been awarded a partial postdoctoral fellowship. Can I still apply to MIT-Kalaniyot?
Yes, please apply. MIT-Kalaniyot can supplement your partial funding and support you in other ways.
I’ve been awarded the MIT-Kalaniyot fellowship and also secured full funding for my postdoctoral stay at MIT through other programs. What should I do?
MIT-Kalaniyot fellows are selected following a highly competitive review process. It is possible to be considered an MIT-Kalaniyot fellow even if eventually you do not require funding by the program.
At my University, PhD theses are sent to external refereeing, a process which could take several months to conclude. Which date do you consider for the program eligibility: the thesis submission or approval?
We understand that the process by which a PhD thesis is reviewed and approved can differ between institutions. We therefore accept either the formal PhD thesis approval date, or the date in which the thesis was submitted and the University certifies the student met all of their requirements under the PhD program. Whichever works for the candidate’s benefit.