British Council is recruiting early-career researchers for the 90th Anniversary Fellowship

Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)

The British Council is pleased to announce two prestigious 12-month Postdoctoral Fellowships beginning January 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh.

These Fellowships are targeted at early-career researchers based in ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates.

They aim to support research that aligns with the British Council’s strategic priorities, including international relations and soft power, international development and peacebuilding, and cultural diplomacy.

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 12 months (January to October 2026)
• Location: 10 months at IASH, University of Edinburgh, plus up to 2 months in the Fellow’s home country or region for knowledge exchange activities

• Stipend: £2,500 monthly bursary
• Additional Support: Travel expenses, desk space, library access, and academic mentoring
• Engagement: Fellows will participate in knowledge exchange and dissemination activities in collaboration with the British Council, both in the UK and in their home region

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates (see full list below).
• Within 7 years of completing their PhD at the time of application.

• Postdoctoral qualification required; candidates with minimal UK or non-ODA postgraduate education are especially encouraged.
• Research topics should relate to arts, education, English language, or cross-cutting interests like international relations, soft power, development, peacebuilding, and cultural diplomacy.

• Proposals should include outputs relevant to ODA policy/practice and aim to advance knowledge or stakeholder engagement in the Fellow’s home region.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be from ODA-recipient countries where the British Council operates, including but not limited to:

Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Application Components

• Online application via the IASH website (detailed guidelines available there)
• Cover letter: must outline how the Fellowship supports the British Council’s objectives, including building connections, supporting peace and prosperity, and diversifying knowledge exchange
• Research proposal demonstrating alignment with thematic priorities and potential impact

Objectives of the Fellowship

Applicants should demonstrate how their research will:

• Generate new knowledge aligned with British Council data, insights, and strategy
• Support diversity in research perspectives and underrepresented regions
• Build international capacity and professional development of emerging researchers

• Foster long-term networks between UK and international researchers and British Council staff
• Promote visibility and application of research findings within policy and practice contexts

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council, considering:

• Research background and academic record
• Clarity and relevance of the research proposal to British Council objectives
• Experience in engaging non-academic audiences (policy-makers, practitioners, artists)
• Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination beyond the fellowship period

Important Dates

• Application window opens: April 29, 2025, at 10:00 UK time
• Q&A webinar: May 23, 2025, 13:00 – 14:00 UK time (via Zoom; recording available)
• Application deadline: July 28, 2025, 23:59 UK time
• Selection notification: End of August 2025

• Fellowships commence: January 2026
• Fellowship period: January – October 2026
• Knowledge exchange activities: November – December 2026

Further Information & Application

Please visit the IASH website  for full application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and details about bursaries and support.

Questions can be directed to: Researchglobal@britishcouncil.org

Interested in shaping impactful research that promotes peace, development, and cultural understanding?

Apply now and join a vibrant community of scholars contributing to a more prosperous and connected world.

Join the British Council for a live Q&A webinar with the British Council and IASH on Friday, 23 May 2025, 13:00 – 14:00 UK time via Zoom.

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