British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh (£2,500 per month + Travel expenses covered)

In 2024, the British Council marks its 90th anniversary by launching a prestigious new research partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. This initiative aims to foster global research connections and support early-career researchers from around the world.

Fellowship Details

Fellowship Duration and Structure:

• Start Date: January 2025
• Duration: 12 months
• Structure: Ten months at IASH, University of Edinburgh, followed by up to two months in the fellow’s home country for knowledge exchange and dissemination in collaboration with the British Council.

Fellowship Benefits:

• Bursary: £2,500 per month
• Travel Expenses: Covered
• Facilities: Dedicated office space, library access, and academic mentoring
• Community: Access to a vibrant scholarly community with regular seminars, lunches, and events

Research Focus and Eligibility

Subject Focus: Research should align with the British Council’s vision of building a more peaceful and prosperous world through trust and mutual understanding. Relevant areas include:

• Arts
• Education
• English language
• International relations and soft power
• International development and peacebuilding
• Cultural relations and diplomacy

Eligibility Criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates.
• Qualification: PhD completed within the last seven years (allowing for career breaks such as parental leave).
• Engagement: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to engaging non-academic audiences and stakeholders.

Objectives and Assessment Criteria

Fellowship Objectives:

• Generate new knowledge supporting British Council programming and strategy
• Diversify and broaden the British Council’s knowledge base
• Support the professional development of international research experts
• Foster long-term connections and networks
• Enhance the visibility and application of British Council data and insights

Assessment Criteria: Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Alignment with the thematic focus
• Potential to support British Council objectives
• Experience in engaging with non-academic audiences
• Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination

Application Process

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 26 July 2024, 23:59 UK time
• Selection: By end of August 2024
• Fellowship Start Date: January 2025

Application Requirements:

• Form: Complete the online application form here.
• References: Two to three confidential references sent directly by referees to iash@ed.ac.uk by 26 July 2024.
• Cover Letter: Outline how the fellowship will support the British Council’s objectives.

For any further questions, please contact researchglobal@britishcouncil.org.

List of Eligible Countries: