Expressions of interest invited for British Academy International Fellowships 2026

The Fellowship provides 2 years’ funding for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. Each award is expected to involve a specific and protected research focus with the award holder undertaking high-quality, original research.

This scheme is jointly run by the British Academy and the Royal Society. Please read the guidance on the British Academy website carefully before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have received their PhD within the last 5 years. Applicants who obtained their PhD at a UK institution are not eligible to apply.
• Have no more than 5 years of active full-time post-doctoral experience at the time of application (discounting career breaks, but including teaching experience and/or time spent in industry).
• Be working outside the UK.
• Not hold UK citizenship.
• Be competent in oral and written English.
• Have a clearly defined and mutually beneficial research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher.

Expression of Interest

This is a highly competitive Fellowship and the Department will only support one application. Before submitting an EOI, interested researchers must already have the support a senior member of the Department for their proposed research project, which should align with the Department’s research strategy and strengths.

Applicants should submit an Expression of Interest form together with a short CV (max. 2 sides of A4, font size 11) and a case for support (max. 2 sides of A4, font size 11) by the deadline of midday on 15 January 2026.

All expressions of interest will be assessed against the criteria from the British Academy funding call.

Applicants will receive confirmation from the Department by early February if they are to be invited to submit an application in full to the British Academy. The deadline for applications to the British Academy is 11 March 2026.