Penn-Kalaniyot
Advancing Knowledge. Building Community. Connecting Penn and Israel.
About Penn-Kalaniyot
Program Overview
Penn-Kalaniyot is a faculty-driven initiative at the University of Pennsylvania that advances knowledge through the contributions of scholars and students, regardless of national, religious, or ethnic background. The program focuses on two mutually reinforcing goals: building a stronger campus community and strengthening Penn-Israel research collaborations.
- Building a Stronger Campus Community
Following October 7th, committed faculty came together to foster an open and inclusive campus environment. This community supports Jewish students faculty, and staff, as well as others connected to Israel, providing mentorship, safe spaces, and programs in coordination with Penn Hillel, Chabad House, MEOR Penn, and local and national partners. Faculty advocate for students with the administration and develop programs to ensure a welcoming campus experience. - Strengthening Penn-Israel Research Collaborations
Through fellowships, sabbaticals, and seed grants, Penn-Kalaniyot brings outstanding Israeli researchers to the University of Pennsylvania. These scholars engage in cutting-edge research, deepen academic partnerships, and showcase Israel’s scientific and technological excellence. The program also supports institutional collaborations and student exchange programs between Penn and Israeli universities.
Penn-Kalaniyot embraces diversity and encourages applications from all communities in Israel, including Jews, Arabs, and other minority groups.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
Advance academic excellence by deepening ties with Israeli scholars and building a supportive campus community.
Vision
Foster collaboration among researchers at the University of Pennsylvania to advance knowledge without regard to national, ethnic, or religious background.
Values
- Respectful Co-existence: Learn, live, and work together despite differences.
- Mission Focus: Prioritize the university’s core goals of research, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Excellence: Strive for academic distinction and innovation.
- Open Collaboration: Promote international partnerships with leading institutions worldwide.
History of Penn-Kalaniyot
Narrative
Kalaniyot was inspired by Jewish faculty at MIT after October 7th, recognizing the need for proactive campus engagement and strengthened research ties with Israel. Rising national and global tensions have disrupted collaborations with Israeli scientists, creating barriers for students and faculty alike. Scholars and students from Israel, who previously came to the United States in large numbers, cultivating mutually beneficial collaboration, are finding these doors starting to close.
Faculty at Penn responded by supporting students, staff, and alumni while safeguarding research collaborations. Initiatives such as the US-Israel Academic Bridge Fellowship and Penn Faculty Against Antisemitism were established. Building on these efforts, Penn-Kalaniyot was founded in September 2024 as a chapter of the national Kalaniyot Foundation to advance knowledge and foster inclusive academic communities.
About Our Name
Kalaniyot (כַּלָּנִית מְצוּיָה, pronounced Ka-la-nee-yot) is the national flower of Israel. This vibrant red poppy symbolizes hope and resilience, reflecting the rejuvenation of the Israeli landscape after winter rains. Likewise, Kalaniyot represents renewal and growth on campus following the events of October 7, 2023.
partnership in spotlight
The Kalaniyot Foundation
The Kalaniyot Foundation is the national umbrella organization for a collection of Kalaniyot-affiliated Universities supporting faculty-led initiatives (Kalaniyot chapters) to advance academic excellence by deepening ties with Israeli researchers and building a supportive campus community.
Programs
Postdoctoral Fellows Program
purpose
Support recent PhD graduates from Israeli institutions to conduct postdoctoral research at Penn. Fellows engage in collaborative research, build lasting ties with Penn colleagues, and contribute to the campus community.
Eligibility
- Within one year of completing a PhD or equivalent degree from an Israeli university or graduate within the past year from an Israeli university. If currently not graduated, a short statement from the current advisor must be submitted certifying anticipated graduation timeline.
- Open to all disciplines.
- Encourages applications from all communities in Israel.
funding
- Two-year stipend starting at $72,000/year plus benefits.
- Up to $10,000 relocation reimbursement.
- $5,000 discretionary funds.
application requirements
- Application form
- CV and publication list
- Research statement (PhD work: 1 page; proposed research at Penn: 2 pages)
- Letter from a prospective Penn faculty advisor confirming that they:
- Have read your research statement.
- Are willing to serve as your Penn advisor.
- Will provide you with adequate office space.
- Will integrate you into their research group.
- Will submit your visiting appointment and visa request through the appropriate channels.
- Will be responsible for contributing 25% of your annual stipend and benefits coverage.
- One-page community statement detailing contributions to your community in Israel and plans for engagement at Penn with the Jewish or Israeli community.
- Three reference letters sent to brian.englander@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback on individual proposals after selections have been made.
timeline
- Applications due: February 10, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
- Faculty selection committee reviews applications and make the final decision.
- Finalists may be interviewed via Zoom
- Notification: April 15, 2026
- Fellowship Start: 2026
- Selected Fellows are expected to begin their fellowship in 2026
Sabbatical Scholars Program
purpose
Bring established Israeli researchers to spend their sabbatical year at Penn, fostering research collaborations and expanding faculty networks.
Eligibility
- Hold sabbatical-eligible appointments at Israeli research institutions.
- Open to all disciplines.
funding
- Up to $45,000 stipend for living expenses.
- Full medical insurance coverage for the scholar and immediate family.
term
- Full calendar year; in-residence for fall and spring semesters required.
application requirements
- Application form
- CV and publication list
- One-page research statement
- Letter from Penn faculty host
- Have read your research statement.
- Are willing to serve as your Penn advisor.
- Will provide you with adequate office space.
- Will integrate you into their research group.
- Will submit your visitingappointment and visa request through appropriate channels.
- One-page community statement detailing contributions to your community in Israel and plans for engagement at Penn with the Jewish or Israeli community
timeline
- Applications due: February 10, 2026
- Notifications: April 15, 2026
Visiting Fellows Program
purpose
Short-term appointments for distinguished Israeli professors to engage with the Penn community, enhancing collaboration and contributing to campus life.
This program is currently under development: we welcome prospective applicants to check back soon for further details and application instructions for this program.
Donate
Support Penn-Kalaniyot and help sustain transformative research and community-building programs.
Donorship-related inquiries may be directed to the program director, Brian S. Englander, MD, FACR: brian.englander@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
What is the relationship between Penn-Kalaniyot and the University of Pennsylvania?
Penn-Kalaniyot is a faculty-led initiative funded by generous philanthropic donations. Penn Global, the University’s hub for global engagement, administers Penn-Kalaniyot’s exchange program as part of its portfolio of Middle East, research, and faculty engagement initiatives.
I meet all eligibility criteria, but I am not Jewish. Can I apply?
Yes. Penn-Kalaniyot does not consider religion in its selection process.
I’m Palestinian. Can I apply to Penn-Kalaniyot?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you are welcome and encouraged to apply. The program does not consider national origin, religion, or ethnicity in its selection process.
I contacted Penn faculty about hosting me but received no reply. Can Penn-Kalaniyot assist?
Yes. Please contact us with your CV and the names of the faculty you attempted to reach. While we cannot guarantee a response, we will review your situation and assist if possible.
Can I hold a fully remote appointment during the fellowship?
No. Fellows must be in residence at Penn to meaningfully engage with the campus community. Limited travel during the fellowship period is acceptable, but the appointment cannot be remote.
Do references count toward the research statement page limit?
No. A list of references does not count toward the page limit.
Do figures count toward the research statement page limit?
If figures are included, the page limit may be extended by up to one additional page.
Is there a required format for the CV or publication list?
No. You may use any format.
Can I update my application after submission?
No. Once submitted, applications are sent to the selection committee and cannot be modified.
Does the fellowship include health insurance?
Yes. Fellows will receive Penn-provided health insurance.
Does the fellowship program support visa applications?
Yes. If awarded the fellowship, your host department/lab/center will work with Penn Global to guide you through the visa process. Although they are highly experienced, a visa cannot be guaranteed.
What if I am awarded the fellowship but cannot secure a visa?
A valid legal status permitting employment at Penn is required. We will assist as possible, but if you cannot secure a visa, your fellowship may be deferred or revoked.
What is expected in the community statement?
Applicants should describe how their time at Penn could benefit their local community in Israel. Examples include:
- Partnering with existing programs that support Israeli communities.
- Developing new initiatives that highlight Israeli science, technology, or entrepreneurship.
These are suggestions; creative proposals are encouraged.
I am not Jewish. Does my community statement need to address the Jewish community?
No. While Penn has a vibrant Jewish community, fellows are not required to engage with it. Your statement may focus on any local community in Israel, regardless of religious or ethnic identity.
Can multiple candidates contact the same faculty member at Penn to request support?
Yes. A single faculty member may support multiple applicants. If more than one candidate reaches the final review stage, the selection committee will consult the faculty member before making a final decision.
Postdoctoral Fellows FAQs
I am Israeli but completing my PhD outside Israel. Am I eligible?
No. Postdoctoral applicants must be enrolled in—or have recently completed—a PhD program at an Israeli university. The program does not consider national origin, religion, or ethnicity.
Can the Penn-Kalaniyot fellowship be combined with other fellowships?
Yes. Fellows may receive additional funding from other sources. Fellows must disclose all external support to ensure total compensation does not exceed allowable limits.
I already have partial postdoctoral funding. Can I still apply?
Yes. UPenn-Kalaniyot can supplement partial funding.
What if I receive the Penn-Kalaniyot fellowship but later secure full funding from other sources?
You may still be designated a Penn-Kalaniyot Fellow. Selection is based on merit, not funding need.
My university sends PhD theses to external referees, which can delay approval. Which date counts for eligibility—the submission or final approval?
Penn-Kalaniyot accepts either:
- The formal PhD thesis approval date, or
- The thesis submission date, provided the university certifies that all PhD requirements have been met.
Whichever is more advantageous to the candidate will be accepted.
My potential advisor cannot cover the required 25% matching funds. What should I do?
Work with your potential host to explore whether a TA appointment could meet the requirement. If not, your host should explain the challenge in their support letter. The committee will evaluate the application on its merits and, if selected, may help address the shortfall.
I completed my PhD more than one year ago. Can I still apply?
Possibly. Flexibility may be granted for exceptional circumstances such as family-related or health-related career interruptions, using criteria similar to Penn’s tenure-clock extensions.
Sabbatical Scholars FAQs
I am Israeli but my academic appointment is outside Israel. Can I apply?
No. All Sabbatical Scholar applicants must hold sabbatical-eligible academic or research positions at Israeli research institutions.
The sabbatical terms are for “up to one full calendar year.” What does that mean in practice?
Sabbatical Scholars should be in residence for at least the fall and spring terms.
Questions?
Questions regarding the program, the application process, and support finding potential advisors may be directed to the program director, Brian S. Englander, MD, FACR (brian.englander@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)