The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities offer an exceptional opportunity for international early-career researchers to advance impactful, interdisciplinary research while engaging with global policy, cultural relations, and knowledge exchange. The fellowship programme is hosted by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the British Council as part of a three-year collaboration running from 2025 to 2027. Applications are now open for the latest fellowship cycle covering visits between January and December 2027. The programme supports postdoctoral researchers from eligible ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates, creating opportunities for international collaboration, academic growth, and policy-focused research engagement. Fellowship Overview The fellowship is designed to support emerging scholars whose research aligns with the British Council’s broader mission of promoting peace, prosperity, trust, and international understanding through education, arts, cultural relations, and research collaboration. Up to two fellows will be selected for the 2027 cohort. The fellowship structure includes: Ten months of residential research at the University of Edinburgh Up to two months dedicated to knowledge exchange and dissemination activities in the fellow’s home country Collaboration opportunities with British Council offices and networks Access to academic mentorship and interdisciplinary scholarly communities The fellowship officially begins in January 2027 and concludes in December 2027. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package designed to facilitate high-quality research and international engagement. Benefits include: A bursary of £2,500 per month for 12 months Travel expenses support Dedicated office space at IASH University email and library access Academic mentorship from relevant University of Edinburgh researchers Participation in seminars, workshops, and networking events Opportunities to organise and contribute to funded academic activities Fellows will also become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community that supports collaboration, innovation, and scholarly exchange. Research Focus Areas Applicants are encouraged to propose research projects connected to: Arts and culture Education English language studies International development Cultural diplomacy Peacebuilding International relations and soft power Knowledge exchange and public engagement Research proposals should demonstrate relevance to Official Development Assistance (ODA) priorities and show potential for impact within the applicant’s home country or region. The programme particularly values: Interdisciplinary approaches Innovative methodologies Public-facing research outputs Stakeholder engagement beyond academia Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria: Be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates Hold a PhD qualification or have successfully completed all doctoral requirements before application submission Have completed their doctorate within the last seven years, allowing for career breaks such as parental leave or time away from academia Be an early-career researcher with strong academic potential Not hold a permanent university position Not have previously held a fellowship at IASH Eligible countries include: Kenya Zimbabwe South Africa Nigeria Ghana Uganda Tanzania Zambia Ethiopia Pakistan India Bangladesh Brazil Colombia Egypt And several other British Council operational countries Applicants are encouraged to establish connections with researchers at the University of Edinburgh before applying, as evidence of collaboration potential strengthens applications. Programme Objectives The fellowship aims to: Generate new research and knowledge that supports British Council priorities Diversify global research perspectives and representation Strengthen international research collaboration and capacity building Promote engagement between researchers, policymakers, artists, and public audiences Enhance visibility and application of research findings Build sustainable international academic and professional networks The programme also contributes to broader UK research and development priorities through international knowledge exchange and partnership building. Assessment Criteria Applications will be evaluated jointly by representatives from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council. Selection will be based on: Academic and professional background relevance Quality and originality of the research proposal Potential contribution to British Council objectives Experience engaging non-academic stakeholders Commitment to dissemination and long-term impact Evidence of collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement Strong applications will clearly demonstrate how the fellowship will contribute to both scholarly advancement and practical societal impact. Application Timeline Key dates for the 2027 fellowship cycle include: 5 May 2026 — Application portal opens 26 May 2026 — Online applicant webinar 31 July 2026 — Application deadline End of September 2026 — Selection outcomes communicated January 2027 — Fellowship commencement Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Application Requirements Applicants must submit: Completed application form Updated CV Research proposal Cover letter explaining alignment with British Council objectives Two to three confidential references One referee must confirm successful completion of the applicant’s PhD requirements. Supporting documents should be submitted before the official deadline to ensure eligibility. Why This Fellowship Matters The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship provides a transformative platform for early-career researchers seeking to connect academic scholarship with global development, policy engagement, and international collaboration. Through interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and cross-cultural exchange, fellows gain the opportunity to strengthen their professional profile while contributing meaningful research that supports equitable global partnerships and knowledge production. The programme also creates lasting networks between UK institutions and researchers from underrepresented regions, helping foster inclusive and globally relevant academic dialogue. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.