British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships

📖 About the Fellowship

The British Council is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a research partnership between the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh and the British Council.

They are offering two 12-month Fellowships starting in January 2026, open to postdoctoral researchers based in any ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.

• Fellows will spend the first 10 months at IASH, followed by up to 2 months in their home countries, focusing on knowledge exchange and dissemination in collaboration with the British Council.
• The Fellowship includes a bursary, travel expenses, desk space, library access, and academic mentoring as part of a vibrant scholarly community.

🎯 Objectives

Applicants should outline in their cover letter how their Fellowship will support the following British Council objectives:

• Generate new knowledge that complements British Council data, evidence, and expertise.
• Diversify and broaden the British Council’s knowledge base by engaging researchers from under-represented regions and communities.
• Support international capacity building and professional development of emerging research experts.
• Foster long-term connections and partnerships between UK and international researchers and British Council staff.
• Promote academic engagement and professional networking for British Council staff and partners.
• Enhance the visibility and application of knowledge generated through British Council programs.
• Contribute to the UK research and skills agenda, including the UK Research and Development Roadmap and the Research England Knowledge Exchange Framework.

💡 Benefits

The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship provides:

• Research visit at the University of Edinburgh for 10 months, followed by up to 2 months in the Fellow's home country.
• Bursary of £2,500 per month for 12 months.
• Dedicated office space, University email, and library access.
• A University mentor aligned with the Fellow's research interests.
• Weekly Fellows' Lunch to build community.
• Collegial work-in-progress seminar series for testing new ideas.
• A calendar of engaging events at the Institute and College.
• Opportunities to participate in and design funded workshops, colloquia, and more.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be from an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates.
• Have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, typically within the last 7 years (2018–2025).
  • Earlier graduates may be eligible if they have taken significant career breaks.
  • If not yet graduated, applicants must provide proof of successful viva examination and thesis corrections.
• Must not have held a permanent position at a university or a previous Fellowship at IASH.
  • Temporary, recurring, or short-term appointments are eligible.
  • Parental leave or other career breaks will not count towards the eligibility limit.

📋 Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Research and/or professional background relevant to the program's thematic remit.
• A research proposal with clear potential to support the British Council's objectives.
• Demonstrable experience engaging non-academic audiences and stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, practitioners, artists, or public audiences).
• Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination during and beyond the Fellowship.

📅 Application Process

Applications for 2026 are now open.

Required Documents:

1. Application form, CV, and research proposal.
2. A cover letter outlining how the Fellowship will support the British Council's objectives.
3. Two to three confidential references:
   • Referees must email their references to iash@ed.ac.uk by the deadline.
   • References should comment on the research proposal's quality and the applicant's qualifications.
   • One referee must certify the successful viva (defense) and final examination of the applicant's PhD thesis.

Submission:

• Apply via the application form.
• Email supporting documents to iash@ed.ac.uk.

📌 Important Notes

• The Fellowship begins in January 2026 and ends in December 2026. No other start date is possible.
• Fellows must make the Institute their main place of work during the 10-month residential period.
• Fellows are expected to:
  • Be in residence throughout the 10 months.
  • Contribute fully to the life of the Institute.
  • Present at least one seminar and submit a research report at the end of the Fellowship.
• Only fully completed applications will be considered.

For more information about the University of Edinburgh's research scope, visit the Edinburgh Research Explorer.

📅 Key Dates

• Date Published: May 28, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 28, 2025

📧 Contact Information

For any questions, please email: researchglobal@britishcouncil.org

🌐 Useful Links

• Details of the Fellowship
• Application Form

• Research visit at the University of Edinburgh for ten months, followed by up to two months based in their home countries focused on knowledge exchange and dissemination.
• Bursary of £2,500 per month for 12 months.
• Dedicated office space, University e-mail and library access.
• A University mentor from an area relevant to the Fellows' research interests.
• Weekly Fellows' Lunch to build community.
• Collegial work-in-progress seminar series for testing new ideas.
• Calendar of engaging events at the Institute and College.
• Opportunities to participate in and design funded workshops, colloquia, etc at the Institute.