British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships: A Deep Dive
The British Council, in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh, has opened applications for its 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships. This program offers a significant opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers from specific ODA-recipient countries to conduct advanced research. The fellowship spans twelve months, with ten months at the University of Edinburgh and two months dedicated to knowledge exchange in the fellow’s home country. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration, build research capacity, and promote knowledge exchange, aligning with the British Council’s mission to build peace, prosperity, and international trust.
Understanding the Fellowship Structure
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships are designed with a clear two-phase structure to maximize research impact and dissemination. The program begins in January 2027 and lasts for a full year.
Phase 1: Residential Research at the University of Edinburgh
The initial ten months, from January to October 2027, are spent at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. During this period, fellows engage in independent research, collaborate with academic peers, and participate in various scholarly activities. This includes attending seminars and workshops, networking with leading researchers, and interacting with British Council teams. The goal is to immerse fellows in a vibrant academic environment and facilitate deep research work.
Phase 2: Knowledge Exchange in Home Country
Following the residential phase, fellows dedicate November and December 2027 to knowledge exchange activities in their home countries. This phase focuses on disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders, engaging with local British Council offices, and undertaking policy or public engagement activities. This structured approach ensures that the research conducted has a tangible impact beyond academia and contributes to the fellow’s home country or region.
Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides substantial financial and academic support to ensure fellows can focus on their research and professional development. These benefits are designed to cover living expenses, research needs, and professional growth opportunities.
Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive a monthly bursary of £2,500 for the entire 12-month duration of the fellowship. Additionally, the program covers travel expenses necessary for the fellowship, including the journey to and from the UK, and supports international research mobility. This financial package aims to alleviate the economic pressures that might otherwise hinder research pursuits.
Academic and Professional Development
Fellows are provided with essential academic resources, including dedicated office space, access to a University of Edinburgh email account, and full library privileges. They will benefit from academic mentoring by experienced scholars and participate in seminars and workshops. The program also offers opportunities to organize funded academic events, further enhancing their professional profiles.
Networking and Research Environment
A key aspect of the fellowship is the extensive networking opportunities. Weekly “Fellows’ Lunch” sessions and a “Work-in-Progress” seminar series foster a strong sense of community and provide platforms for sharing research. Fellows will interact with leading scholars and British Council staff, opening doors for international academic collaborations. The IASH itself offers a historic and interdisciplinary scholarly environment, providing quiet research spaces and access to world-class resources within a vibrant visiting fellows community.
Aligning Research with Program Objectives
Research proposals submitted for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships must align with the British Council’s strategic priorities. These priorities include fostering peace, prosperity, international trust, cross-cultural understanding, and global cooperation. Eligible research themes span a wide range, including arts and culture, education, English language studies, international relations, cultural diplomacy, international development, peace building, soft power, and humanities research.
Projects should demonstrate relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice and show potential for impact in the applicant’s home country or region. Applicants are also encouraged to outline plans for public engagement or stakeholder dissemination. The fellowship aims to generate new knowledge that supports the British Council’s strategy, expands global research perspectives, builds international research capacity, and strengthens UK-international research partnerships.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be eligible for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships, applicants must meet specific academic and employment criteria.
Academic and Employment Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD, with the doctorate normally completed within the last seven years. Career breaks, such as parental leave, will be considered. Those who have successfully completed their viva examination and finalized all thesis corrections may also apply, provided they can offer proof of completion. Crucially, applicants must not have held a permanent university position or a previous IASH fellowship. However, temporary or short-term academic employment is permissible.
Application Process and Timeline
The application portal opened on May 5, 2026, with a deadline of July 31, 2026, at 17:00 BST. An applicant webinar was scheduled for May 26, 2026, to provide further details and answer questions. Selection results are expected by the end of September 2026, with the fellowship commencing in January 2027. No alternative start dates are permitted.
Required application documents include a completed application form, a CV, a research proposal, a cover letter, and two to three confidential references. One referee must confirm the successful completion of the PhD. All supporting documents should be submitted via email to [email protected].
Eligible Countries and Research Themes
The fellowship is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates. A comprehensive list of eligible countries is provided, including nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe and the Middle East.
Research proposals should align with the British Council’s mission and strategic priorities. This includes areas such as international development, cultural diplomacy, peace building, international relations, soft power, arts and humanities research, and educational development. Innovative and interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, particularly those that demonstrate a clear potential for impact and knowledge exchange within the applicant’s home country or region. The selection criteria will assess the academic and professional background, the quality of the research proposal, its relevance to program themes, and the potential impact and dissemination plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration and structure of the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships?
The fellowship lasts for 12 months, with 10 months of residential research at the University of Edinburgh and 2 months for knowledge exchange in the fellow’s home country.
What financial support is provided to the fellows?
Selected fellows receive a monthly bursary of £2,500, plus coverage for necessary travel expenses.
What are the main eligibility requirements for applicants?
Applicants must hold a PhD completed within the last seven years, not have held a permanent university position, and be from specific ODA-recipient countries.
When is the application deadline and when does the fellowship start?
The application deadline is July 31, 2026, and the fellowship is set to commence in January 2027.
