British Academy International Fellowships Programme

The International Fellowships Programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders.

The official call will open in January 2027, but universities can submit only a limited number of applications. We are therefore seeking expressions of interest at this early stage so that we can offer enhanced support to outstanding candidates. Details of the previous International Fellowships scheme, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.

We welcome enquiries from eligible candidates, particularly those related to the research themes in the department or to relevant University Research Centres and Institutes. Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.

Working in partnership with a Durham Theology and Religion Department mentor, candidates should check their eligibility to apply and confirm their intent to submit an application to the scheme by Friday, November 6.

How to apply:

1. Contact a member of the department to determine if they would be willing to act as your mentor should you become a fellow. You must find a mentor in the department before proceeding to the other steps. You can find a list of the department’s members and their areas of specialization here.
2. Receiving feedback from that staff member, complete
3. A CV (two pages)

• • A Research Proposal (two pages)
  • A justification of your choice of host organisation and mentor (one page)
  • A short statement indicating that you fulfil the eligibility requirements, which can be found here.

3. Once this is completed, email this material to the staff member who has indicated their willingness to act as your mentor, and cc that email also to david.janzen@durham.ac.uk.

Final decisions on the candidates Durham is able to support will be made in the week commencing 7 December 2026, after which we will work closely with the successful candidates to develop their applications in advance of the British Academy deadline.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact david.janzen@durham.ac.uk.