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, is offering a significant opportunity for early-career researchers. The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships aim to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange, celebrating the British Council’s 90-year history. This program provides a fully funded 12-month fellowship for postdoctoral researchers from eligible ODA-recipient countries.

This fellowship is designed for individuals looking to conduct advanced research in the humanities and related fields. It combines a substantial period of research at the University of Edinburgh with a phase dedicated to knowledge exchange and dissemination in the fellow’s home country. The initiative supports research that aligns with the British Council’s mission to build peace, prosperity, and international trust.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

The fellowship program spans a total of 12 months, beginning in January 2027. It is divided into two distinct phases to maximize both research impact and local engagement.

Phase 1: Residential Research at the University of Edinburgh

From January to October 2027, fellows will be based at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. This ten-month period is dedicated to independent research, academic collaboration, and engagement with the university’s rich scholarly community. Fellows will have access to office space, library resources, and will participate in seminars and workshops. This phase is crucial for developing research projects and building international academic connections.

Phase 2: Knowledge Exchange in Home Country

Following the residential phase, fellows will spend November and December 2027 in their home countries. This period focuses on disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders, engaging with local British Council offices, and undertaking policy or public engagement activities. This phase ensures that the research conducted has a tangible impact beyond academia and contributes to local development and understanding.

Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship offers extensive support to its participants, covering both financial and academic aspects. This ensures that fellows can focus on their research and professional development without undue financial strain.

Financial Support

Fellows will receive a monthly bursary of £2,500 for the entire 12-month duration of the program. Additionally, the fellowship covers travel expenses for the relocation to Edinburgh and any necessary international research mobility. This financial package is designed to support living costs and research-related travel.

Academic and Professional Development

The program provides fellows with dedicated office space, university email access, and full library privileges at the University of Edinburgh. Academic mentoring from leading scholars is a key component, alongside opportunities to participate in and organize academic events. Networking is encouraged through weekly Fellows’ Lunch sessions and a work-in-progress seminar series, fostering interaction with both university staff and British Council representatives.

Research Environment

IASH offers a historic and stimulating scholarly environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows benefit from quiet research spaces and become part of a vibrant community of visiting scholars. Access to the University of Edinburgh’s world-class research resources further supports the fellows’ academic pursuits.

Eligible Research Themes and Objectives

Research proposals submitted for the fellowship must align with the British Council’s strategic priorities. These themes often include arts and culture, education, English language studies, international relations, cultural diplomacy, international development, peace building, soft power, and humanities research. Projects should demonstrate innovation and an interdisciplinary approach.

Crucially, proposals need to show relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy or practice and outline potential impact within the applicant’s home country or region. Plans for public engagement and dissemination are also highly valued. The fellowship aims to generate new knowledge that supports the British Council’s strategy, expands global research perspectives, builds research capacity, and strengthens international partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be eligible for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships, candidates must meet specific academic and professional requirements. Applicants must hold a PhD, typically completed within the last seven years, though career breaks are considered. Those who have successfully defended their thesis and finalized corrections may also apply.

A key criterion is that applicants must not have held a permanent university position or a previous IASH fellowship. However, temporary or short-term academic employment is permissible. Strong academic achievement, a commitment to knowledge exchange, and the ability to engage non-academic audiences are also expected. Applicants are encouraged to connect with University of Edinburgh researchers before submitting their application.

Application Process and Timeline

The application window for the 2027 fellowships opens on May 5, 2026, with a deadline of July 31, 2026, at 17:00 BST. An applicant webinar is 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.

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 materials should be submitted via email to [email protected].

Key Fellowship Conditions

Fellows must adhere to certain conditions throughout the program. The fellowship strictly begins in January 2027, with no alternative start dates permitted. Fellows are required to reside at IASH during the ten-month residential phase and actively participate in institute activities. This includes delivering at least one seminar presentation and submitting a final research report. Regular teaching duties are not part of the fellowship requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions