CRASSH Visiting Fellowship for Scholars from the Global South 2026 at University of Cambridge
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are a researcher from a Global South institution looking to deepen your academic engagement and build international networks, the CRASSH Visiting Fellowship for Scholars from the Global South 2026 — at the Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CRASSH), University of Cambridge — is an exceptional opportunity. This fully funded fellowship allows you to spend time in Cambridge, access world-class resources, and collaborate with leading scholars in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Host Institution: Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CRASSH), University of Cambridge
Target Group: Scholars employed in higher education or research institutions in the Global South (ODA-listed countries)
Research Theme (2026): Science, Politics, and Justice
Duration:
In‑person term: Lent Term (mid‑January to mid‑March) — ~9 weeks
Digital continuation: 9 months of remote engagement with Cambridge’s online events and resources
Number of Fellowships: Up to three per year from different Global South countries
Application Deadline: 12:00 (midday) UTC on 16 February 2026
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Travel support: Return (economy) airfare from your home institution to Cambridge; visa costs covered if required.
Accommodation: Single ensuite room at Wolfson College; usual membership fee waived; access to college library, gym, and social spaces.
Subsistence Allowance: ~ £175/week (or ~ £140/week according to some sources) to help with living costs in Cambridge.
Office and Research Access: Dedicated desk space, computer access at CRASSH, and full access to Cambridge’s libraries, collections, seminars, and events.
Event Design & Presentation: Fellows collaborate to design an academic event around the 2026 theme, and present their research during their in‑person stay.
Continued Engagement: After the residential term, there is a nine-month digital fellowship, giving continued access to Cambridge’s online academic community.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be currently employed by a higher education institution or research institute in a Global South country, with at least a 50% contract.
PhD obtained at least five years before the application date.
Work primarily in arts, humanities, or social sciences, though interdisciplinary projects are welcome.
Proficiency in spoken English sufficient for active academic participation.
⚠️ Looking for an easy way to create research surveys or thesis questionnaires?
ℹ️ Earns Commission
📝 Application Process
Online Application: Submit via the CRASSH online application system before the deadline.
Required Documents:
Curriculum vitae (CV) including list of publications
Letter of support from your Head of Department (or equivalent) confirming leave will be granted for the in‑person term.
Written responses to three questions:
Why apply for this fellowship? What will Cambridge bring to your work? (max 500 words)
What research will you conduct during the fellowship? Describe your current project and what you plan to do in Cambridge (max 1,000 words).
What ideas do you have for the event that the Fellows will design together, considering the theme? (max 400 words)
Selection: The selection panel includes CRASSH leadership and academics with regional expertise.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview.
Travel & Visa Arrangements: Once selected, Fellows must finalize travel details 5 months before arrival and apply for visas (if needed) at least 4 months before start.
Insurance: Fellows must secure travel insurance on their own.
✨ Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
High-Impact Research: The 2026 theme Science, Politics, and Justice allows scholars to explore critical issues — such as climate justice, colonial legacies in science, medical ethics, and more — in a world-class research environment.
Institutional Access: As a Fellow, you gain access to Cambridge’s rich resources — libraries, collections, and an influential academic community — that might be hard to reach otherwise.
Capacity Building: The fellowship promotes South–North academic exchange and aims to foster longer-term collaborations, not just a short stay.
Professional Visibility: Presenting your research and helping design a public or academic event raises your profile and contributes to global scholarly debates.
Sustained Engagement: The digital continuation ensures you remain connected to Cambridge’s network months after your in-person visit.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Align With the Theme: Make sure your project clearly speaks to the Science, Politics, and Justice theme — think beyond purely technical science to how knowledge and power intersect.
Collaborate with Your Institution: Secure your institution’s support early (for leave and a supporting letter).
Be Strategic in the Event Proposal: Propose a realistic yet engaging event idea that connects your research with broader interests.
Show Long-Term Vision: Highlight how your time in Cambridge will lead to ongoing collaboration or research impact.
Prepare for Remote Engagement: Even after your in-person term, plan how you will attend virtual seminars, contribute to discussions, and use Cambridge’s digital resources.