Global Majority Fellowships at University of Edinburgh

About the Fellowship

The Global Majority Fellowships 2025–2026 at the University of Edinburgh offer early-career researchers from racially minoritised communities the opportunity to undertake a short, funded research residency in Edinburgh. Hosted by the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Designing Responsible Natural Language Processing (CDT), these fellowships focus on responsible NLP and digital cultural heritage. Fellows will work on independent research while contributing to an inclusive academic community that prioritises fairness, ethics, and cultural awareness in AI development. This initiative supports equitable access to global research infrastructures and enables scholars to advance interdisciplinary projects that bridge AI technologies and heritage studies. Fellows will benefit from mentorship, collaboration with local partners, and professional development, making it a valuable platform for long-term academic growth.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Global Majority Fellowships in Responsible NLP and Digital Cultural Heritage
Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
Administering Body / Funding Agency: UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Designing Responsible NLP
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Research Field(s): Responsible Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Cultural Heritage, Digital Humanities, Computational Linguistics
Fellowship Type: Short-Term Visiting Fellowship
Level: Early-career researchers (within 8 years of PhD or 6 years of first academic appointment)
Fellowship Duration: 2 to 3 months
Expected Start Date: January–March 2026
Working Hours: Full-time, as per institutional norms
Funding/Compensation: Up to £2,500/month stipend, plus £1,000 travel allowance and visa support
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD (completed or nearing completion) or equivalent professional research experience

Supported Research Fields / Areas

This fellowship supports interdisciplinary work across the following areas:

Responsible NLP
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computational Linguistics
Digital Humanities
Cultural Heritage and Archives
Library and Information Science
Science and Technology Studies
Media and Communication
Philosophy and Ethics of AI
History (Digital/Public)
Anthropology
Sociology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must self-identify as part of the Global Majority: Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, Indigenous to the Global South, or racialised as an ethnic minority
Must be an early-career researcher (within 8 years of PhD award or 6 years of first academic appointment, career breaks considered)
Conduct research relevant to responsible NLP or digital cultural heritage
Available to undertake the fellowship in Edinburgh between January and March 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

Interdisciplinary research experience
Strong interest in equitable AI, ethics, or cultural representation in technology
Experience working with archives, heritage organisations, or communities

Not Eligible:

Applicants not from Global Majority backgrounds
Researchers already in senior or tenured positions
Current PhD students (unless near completion with equivalent research experience)

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Monthly stipend: Up to £2,500 for 2–3 months
Travel allowance: £1,000 for travel to/from Edinburgh
Visa support: Full coverage of visa fees for fellow and dependants
Relocation support: Included
Research allowance / Professional development support: Available
Access to resources: Office space, library, mentorship, and institutional networks

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent research in responsible NLP and/or digital cultural heritage
Engage with the UKRI CDT community and participate in training or events
Collaborate with local researchers, heritage institutions, or digital archives
Present findings through a seminar, blog post, or public engagement output
Contribute to building inclusive and ethical AI research practices