The RMO-KNIR Research Internship for BA3, MA and RMA students

Are you a student at one of the six KNIR partner universities in the Netherlands, and would you like to conduct research on material culture first at the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in Leiden and subsequently at the KNIR in Rome? Then you are eligible for an RMO-KNIR internship. 

The internship consists of:

1. Internship allowance of €600 per month during the 6-week internship at the RMO (36 hours per week) (1 November – 15 December 2026); 
2. free lodging at the KNIR for a period of 3-4 weeks (4 January – 1 February 2027);
3. a weekly allowance of €170,- for your general expenses during your internship in Rome;
4. Travel expenses (economy-class flight or second-class train fare) from the Netherlands to Rome and back, with a maximum of €500,-;
5. a one-time reimbursement of €100,- for your travelling expenses in and around Rome.

Application requirements

1. You are a BA3, MA or RMA student enrolled at one of the following Dutch universities: University of Groningen, Leiden University, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, VU University Amsterdam, and Radboud University Nijmegen;
2. You can demonstrate an interest in material culture and one of the research topics presented below.
   
   

Research opportunities in 2026/2027

1. Thirty objects from the Papenbroek Collection dating to the Roman Imperial period and originating from the city of Rome. The group consists primarily of funerary sculpture, numerous inscriptions, and (fragments of) grave monuments, which are now housed at the RMO. The collection was bequeathed by Papenbroek to Leiden University in 1744 and has been stored—and occasionally displayed—at the RMO since 1818. Despite having been in the Netherlands for more than 250 years, the collection has been the subject of little research. This research can be undertaken by two students.
2. Forty-two objects from the Horti Sallustiani in Rome (near the KNIR), dating to the Roman Imperial period and acquired from Mr. Otto Hasenpat of Rotterdam. They were discovered in Rome, in the former gardens of Sallust, and consist of fragments of marble statues, architectural elements, jewelry, glass, and more. One of the tasks is to compare these finds with those from the Horti Lamiani in the new Museo Ninfeo in Rome. This research can be undertaken by two students.
3. More than 350 archaeological finds from Ascoli Piceno, some dating to prehistory but mainly Italic objects from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. They were donated by Mr. G. Allevi, Royal Inspector of Excavations and Monuments in Offida, Province of Ascoli, Italy, and originate from the ancient region of Picenum. This research can be undertaken by two students.
4. Four 16th‑century prints of Rome, created in Rome around 1550 by Antonio Lafreri and around 1620 by Willem Nieuwlandt: 1) Print depicting a river god (with illustrator) and the Forum; 2) Print of the obelisk in the Vatican, RMO, Z 2009/8.2; 3) Print showing the so-called Tomb of Nero, RMO Z 2009/8.3; 4) Print depicting the Arc of Septimius Severus, RMO, Z 2009/8.4. These prints are housed in the RMO. This research can be undertaken by one student. 
5. Eight 19th‑century micro-mosaics, Grand Tour souvenirs depicting the Colosseum, Forum Boarium, and various temples in Rome and its surroundings. The group includes a set of jewellery featuring micro-mosaic decorations set in gold with a Dutch mark (likely assembled in the Netherlands). These objects are housed in the RMO. This research can be undertaken by one student.

These five collections have been little studied, both in terms of the life of the object (agency) and their use and meaning. The intern will therefore actively contribute to interpreting and making the collection accessible. After acceptance, the intern will work together with the RMO and the KNIR to further develop the research, and to make arrangements about the intended outcomes.

The RMO-KNIR internship equals a study load of 15 EC. The student should arrange with their university internship coordinator whether the internship can be a part of their existing curriculum prior to the start. After successful completion of the internship, the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning study load and grade.

If you have any questions about the topics, please do not hesitate to contact one of the supervisors at the RMO: Suzan van de Velde (s.vandevelde@rmo.nl) or Annemarieke Willemsen (a.willemsen@rmo.nl). Questions regarding the stay in Rome can be directed to secretary@knir.it. Since some topics can be undertaken by two people, you may also apply as a pair. 

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026.  You can apply via the form below. You will be asked to provide the following information / upload the following documents (you may use either English or Dutch):

• a letter of motivation (max 1 A4)
• an internship form (to be downloaded here) in which you indicate your preferred and second-choice research topics (see the list of five above) and motivate your interest and affinity
• an updated overview of your study results

• a recent CV (max 2 A4)

The results of the selection process will follow no later than one month after the deadline. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into. If your internship is granted, you are asked to confirm acceptance of the internship and the conditions that come with it within one week.