The British Academy’s Visiting Fellowships program offers outstanding international academics the chance to be based at a UK higher education or research institution. Open to scholars at any career stage in the humanities and social sciences, this program aims to foster international academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Eligibility
The program is open to postdoctoral or equivalent-level scholars from any country. Candidates must be based outside the UK at the time of application. Both permanent and fixed-term contract holders are eligible, provided their contracts do not end before the fellowship. Independent scholars are also welcome to apply.
Duration
The fellowships last between 3 to 6 months. Applicants can choose their preferred start date between March and August 2025.
Funding
The program offers up to £40,000 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. This financial support ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their research without financial concerns.
Program Goals
The British Academy Visiting Fellowships aim to:
- Enhance Global Academic Links: Build new connections between international scholars and UK institutions.
- Foster Collaborative Research: Encourage partnerships that advance humanities and social sciences research.
- Support Professional Development: Enable international academics to develop their careers with UK-based resources.
- Strengthen UK Research: Contribute to the UK’s research capacity in the humanities and social sciences.
Application Process
The application process is competitive and involves several steps:
- Research Proposal: Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal, demonstrating how their project will benefit from the UK-based resources and academic environment. The proposal should outline the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Assessment Criteria: Applications are assessed based on the quality and significance of the proposed research, the applicant’s previous research achievements, and the potential for collaboration with UK-based researchers.
- Host Institution: Applicants must secure a UK host institution before applying. The British Academy does not assist in locating or facilitating contact with potential host institutions.
Engagement with Host Institution
Visiting fellows are expected to actively engage with their host institution’s academic community. This involvement can include:
- Lectures and Seminars: Giving talks and seminars to share their research and insights.
- Workshops: Participating in or organizing workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange.
- Collaboration: Working with other researchers on joint projects, publications, or conferences.
This engagement not only enriches the host institution’s academic environment but also provides the fellow with valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
Benefits of the Program
The British Academy Visiting Fellowships offer numerous benefits:
- Financial Support: The fellowship covers travel, accommodation, and living expenses, allowing fellows to concentrate on their research.
- Research Development: Fellows have access to UK-based resources, including libraries, archives, and research facilities, which can significantly enhance their research projects.
- Professional Growth: The program provides opportunities for fellows to develop their research skills, publish their findings, and expand their professional networks.
- Cultural Exchange: Fellows gain a deeper understanding of UK academic culture and practices, which can inform their future research and teaching activities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The British Academy encourages applications from a diverse range of UK host institutions and welcomes applicants from historically and structurally disadvantaged groups, low-income countries, and female researchers. This commitment to diversity ensures that the program benefits a broad spectrum of scholars and contributes to a more inclusive academic community.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the British Academy Visiting Fellowships is October 23, 2024. Applications must be submitted online via the British Academy’s Grant Management System, Flexi-Grant®.
How to Apply
To apply for the British Academy Visiting Fellowships, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: For detailed information on the program and application process, visit the British Academy’s official website.
- Create an Account: Use the Grant Management System (Flexi-Grant®) to create an account and start your application.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your research proposal, proof of academic qualifications, and confirmation of your host institution’s support.
Conclusion
The British Academy Visiting Fellowships program underscores the UK’s commitment to international academic collaboration. By offering a supportive environment for scholars to pursue their research, the program enriches the global academic landscape, fosters lasting partnerships, and enhances the professional development of participating researchers.
This initiative not only strengthens the UK’s research base but also promotes a vibrant and inclusive academic community worldwide.