IASH Fellowship Overview
Applications are now invited by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh for its Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–27 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. This fully funded programme is designed to support international scholars who engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research within the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The fellowship programme comprises both general postdoctoral fellowships and targeted thematic fellowships, thereby accommodating a wide range of research interests:
- General IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships – open to researchers across all areas of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
- Targeted Fellowships – for scholars focusing on specific disciplines or themes, including:
- Public Engagement Fellowship – for scholars developing outreach and knowledge exchange skills
- Daiches-Manning Memorial Fellowship – for 18th-Century Scottish Studies
- Digital Scholarship Postdoctoral Fellowship – for digital arts, humanities, and social sciences
- IASH-Alwaleed Postdoctoral Fellowship – for contemporary Islam and Muslim culture
- IASH-CTPI Duncan Forrester Fellowship – for public theology, peacebuilding, migration, environmental ethics, and law & justice
- Heritage Collections Research Fellowship – focusing on underexplored University collections
- IASH-National Museums Scotland Fellowship – for collections at the National Museum of Scotland
- GENDER.ED Postdoctoral Fellowship – independent scholarship in gender and sexuality studies
- RACE.ED Stuart Hall Foundation Fellowship – research inspired by Stuart Hall
The programme brings together researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and academics who collaborate on innovative research themes while developing their individual projects within an international academic environment.
Fellows enjoy a 3–10 month research residency at IASH, with access to seminars, workshops, archives, and multidisciplinary research networks. During this period, fellows focus primarily on research, producing high-quality publications and collaborative outputs, while benefiting from a global network of scholars.
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Fellowship Details
- Fellowship Name: IASH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–27
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)
- Location: Edinburgh
- Country: United Kingdom
- Research Field(s): Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (interdisciplinary projects welcome)
- Career Level: Early-career researchers
- Duration: 3–10 months
- Expected Start Date: August 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time (main focus on research; optional teaching up to 0.4 FTE)
- Funding / Compensation: Bursary up to £20,000 (can supplement existing postdoctoral funding; contributes to living expenses; no mandatory teaching)
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD awarded (normally within the last three years, 2023–2026; exceptions for career breaks apply)
This fellowship provides a supportive research environment, mentorship, and access to Edinburgh’s rich cultural and academic resources, ideal for advancing early-career scholars.
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Research Area
The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–27 welcome applications in a wide range of disciplines within the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, including but not limited to:
- History and Historical Studies
- Literature and Cultural Studies
- Philosophy, Ethics, and Theology
- Digital Humanities and Digital Arts
- Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Migration, Peacebuilding, and Public Policy
- Contemporary Islam and Muslim Cultures
- Archival and Heritage Studies
- Race, Identity, and Media Studies
- Environmental Humanities and Ethics
- Arts, Performance, and Creative Practice
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, interdisciplinary, or collaborative research projects that align with IASH’s mission to foster intellectual exchange and high-impact scholarship.
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Awarded a PhD by the time of application (or able to provide a transcript/letter of completion)
- Normally graduated within the last three years (2023–2026), exceptions allowed for career breaks
- No previous permanent university position or prior IASH Fellowship
- Willingness to make IASH the primary workplace during the fellowship
- Ability to submit a complete research proposal, supporting documents, and 2–3 references
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong academic record and publications relevant to the proposed research
- Interdisciplinary and innovative research approach
- Experience in public engagement, knowledge exchange, or outreach activities
- Evidence of contact with University of Edinburgh researchers or relevance of proposed project to the Edinburgh research community
- Ability to contribute to seminars, workshops, and the broader intellectual community at IASH
Candidates who meet these criteria will be well-positioned to thrive in a highly collaborative, international scholarly environment.
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Fellowship Benefits
- Research Support: Dedicated office space, University email, and library access
- Bursary / Funding: Up to £20,000 for living expenses or to supplement existing funding
- Mentorship: Guidance from a University of Edinburgh mentor in a relevant research area
- Networking Opportunities: Weekly Fellows’ Lunches and seminars with peers and senior scholars
- Professional Development: Participation in workshops, colloquia, and work-in-progress seminar series
- Community Engagement: Opportunities for public outreach and knowledge exchange
- International Exposure: Work alongside researchers from over 65 countries, forming global connections
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent postdoctoral research aligned with the proposed project
- Participate in weekly Fellows’ Lunches, seminars, and Institute events
- Give at least one seminar presentation during the fellowship tenure
- Optional participation in workshops, colloquia, or teaching (up to 0.4 FTE)
- Submit a final research report at the conclusion of the fellowship
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to IASH’s intellectual community
Application Process
Submit the application form along with all required documents via the online portal
Required Documents
- Completed application form via the IASH portal
- Research proposal outlining project objectives and methodology
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic qualifications and publications
- Supporting documents, e.g., transcripts or proof of PhD completion
- 2–3 confidential reference letters submitted directly by referees
- Optional: Evidence of public engagement or interdisciplinary collaboration
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 24 April 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Interview: TBC
- Final Results Notification: July 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: August 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: University of Edinburgh
- Department / Research Group Information: Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)
- Official Job Announcement: IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–27 – Job Profile
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
📧 Contact for Queries
- Email: iash@ed.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4671
This fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded research support, mentorship, and advanced postdoctoral opportunities in the United Kingdom.
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