The British Council and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh have announced the latest round of the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships, a prestigious 12-month postdoctoral programme supporting early-career researchers from Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries.
The fellowship cycle is set for January–December 2027, with applications opening on 5 May 2026 and closing on 31 July 2026 at 17:00 BST. The programme is part of a three-year partnership running from 2025 to 2027.
Overview of the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships
The fellowship is designed to support international postdoctoral researchers conducting work aligned with the British Council’s mission of building trust, cultural relations, and international collaboration.
The programme awards up to two 12-month fellowships annually, providing selected researchers with an opportunity to conduct advanced research at the University of Edinburgh while engaging in global knowledge exchange activities.
Key programme highlights include:
- 12-month postdoctoral fellowship (January–December 2027 cohort)
- Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)
- Open to researchers from ODA-recipient countries
- Focus on international collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and development research
- Strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and policy relevance
Fellowship Structure and Duration
The fellowship is structured in two phases:
- 10 months of residential research at the University of Edinburgh
- Up to 2 months of knowledge exchange and dissemination in the fellow’s home country
Fellows are expected to maintain active engagement with both the University of Edinburgh and the British Council throughout the programme.
Financial Support and Resources
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- Monthly bursary of £2,500 for 12 months
- Travel expenses (as applicable)
- Dedicated office space at IASH
- University of Edinburgh email and library access
- Academic mentoring from a subject specialist
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and research events
Additional benefits include access to:
- Weekly fellows’ lunch and networking sessions
- Interdisciplinary seminars and work-in-progress presentations
- Opportunities to co-design academic and public engagement events
Research Scope and Thematic Priorities
Research proposals must align with the British Council’s strategic priorities, including:
- Arts and culture
- Education and English language development
- International relations and soft power
- Peacebuilding and cultural diplomacy
- International development and global cooperation
Applicants are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary research topics while ensuring outputs contribute to policy relevance and practical knowledge exchange, particularly in their home regions.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers who meet the following requirements:
- Must be based in an ODA-recipient country where the British Council operates
- Must hold a PhD awarded within the last seven years (with allowances for career breaks)
- Must not hold a permanent academic position
- Must not have previously held an IASH fellowship
- Must demonstrate ability to conduct research at postdoctoral level
Eligible countries include a wide range across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, such as:
- Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia
- Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru
- Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco
- Ukraine, Serbia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan
- And many others across ODA-recipient regions
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed by a joint panel from the University of Edinburgh and the British Council based on:
- Academic quality and relevance of research background
- Strength and originality of research proposal
- Potential contribution to British Council objectives
- Experience engaging non-academic stakeholders
- Commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination
- Ability to build international research collaborations
Priority is given to proposals that strengthen global knowledge exchange and contribute to underrepresented research communities.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Generate new research aligned with British Council evidence and strategy
- Expand global research diversity and inclusion
- Strengthen international academic and cultural networks
- Support professional development of emerging researchers
- Enhance collaboration between UK and international institutions
- Improve visibility and use of research outputs in policy and practice
Application Timeline
The key dates for the 2027 fellowship round are:
- Application portal opens: 5 May 2026
- Webinar and information session: 26 May 2026
- Application deadline: 31 July 2026 (17:00 BST)
- Selection results announced: End of September 2026
- Fellowship start date: January 2027
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Cover letter outlining alignment with British Council objectives
- Two to three academic references
At least one reference must confirm completion of the applicant’s PhD viva examination.
All references must be submitted directly to the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities by the deadline.
Significance of the Fellowship Programme
The British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship represents a major international opportunity for emerging scholars to engage in interdisciplinary research, cultural diplomacy, and global knowledge exchange.
By combining academic research with real-world engagement, the programme supports:
- Development of international research careers
- Cross-cultural collaboration between the UK and ODA countries
- Evidence-based policy development
- Strengthening of global humanities and social science networks
Hosted at one of the UK’s leading humanities research institutes, the programme offers early-career researchers a platform to contribute to global academic discourse while building long-term international partnerships.
Call for Actions
The 2027 British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh provide a competitive and fully supported opportunity for postdoctoral researchers from eligible countries to advance their research, expand international networks, and contribute to global cultural and policy dialogue.
With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship, knowledge exchange, and global development impact, the fellowship continues to serve as a key platform for fostering academic collaboration between the United Kingdom and the wider world.
