The Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CRASSH) at the University of Cambridge is pleased to announce its Visiting Fellowships program for scholars from the Global South. This initiative provides an opportunity for academics to engage with a diverse research community, access world-class resources, and foster collaborations that can lead to long-term academic partnerships.
Fellowship Theme for 2026: Science, Politics, and Justice
In 2026, CRASSH will partner with the Department of History and Philosophy of Science to explore the theme of Science, Politics, and Justice. The program welcomes research projects examining the moral, ethical, and historical dimensions of science and its intersections with politics and justice. Possible areas of study include:
- Ethical and political aspects of scientific and medical knowledge-making
- Science’s role in movements for anticolonialism, antiracism, and indigenous rights
- Climate and environmental justice initiatives
- Gender equity and reproductive rights
- The impact of science and engineering on crime prevention, policing, and prosecution
- Objectivity, neutrality, and value judgments in socially engaged science
This theme is open to scholars from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: anthropology, archaeology, art history, digital humanities, ecology, environmental studies, history, medical humanities, museum studies, philosophy, science and technology studies, and sociology. Research projects should aim to advance understanding through specific case studies of science in action.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected Fellows will collaborate to design an event on the 2026 theme, to be held during their residency in Cambridge. This event will allow Fellows to present their research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. Additionally, Fellows may have opportunities to present their work at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science.
Who Can Apply?
Preference may be given to applicants who earned their PhD and have pursued their academic careers in institutions located in the Global South.
Fellowship Duration and Timeline
- In-Person Residency: Lent Term 2026 (mid-January to mid-March).
- Digital Fellowship: Nine months following the residency, providing continued access to the University’s online resources and events.
- Application Deadline: 12:00 (midday) UCT on 24 February 2025.
- Notification: Results will be communicated by the end of March 2025.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
CRASSH provides a comprehensive package to support Visiting Fellows during their time at Cambridge:
- Travel: Economy return airfare from the scholar’s home country.
- Accommodation: Single ensuite accommodation at Wolfson College, with waived membership fees. Fellows also have access to the college’s library, gym, and dining facilities (meals at their own expense).
- Subsistence Allowance: £140 per week to help cover the costs of food and local transportation.
- Resources: Desk space and computer access at CRASSH, along with full use of the University’s libraries and collections.
- Events Access: Participation in seminars, workshops, and lectures hosted by CRASSH and other University institutions.
- Visa Support: CRASSH covers visa application costs (if required).
Fellows wishing to bring dependants should note that CRASSH does not cover additional costs. Accommodation arrangements for dependants must be managed independently, with support provided equal to the cost of single accommodation.
Application Process
Interested scholars are required to submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae: Including a list of publications.
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Research Proposal:
- Why do you wish to apply for this Fellowship? How will it benefit your work? (500 words)
- Outline of your current project and its alignment with the theme. Specify the components you aim to complete during the Fellowship. (1,000 words)
- Ideas for a collaborative event on the 2026 theme. Include proposed themes and formats. (400 words)
- Support Letter: From your Head of Department or equivalent, confirming institutional approval for the leave of absence.
No references are required. Applications should be submitted online by 12:00 (midday) UCT on 24 February 2025.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by a panel comprising the Director of CRASSH and academic experts in diverse disciplines and regions of the Global South. Selection will prioritize academic merit, the project’s alignment with the Fellowship theme, and the applicant’s potential for collaboration.
Conditions of the Fellowship
- Fellows must reside in Cambridge for the full eight-week term. Absences for personal or research reasons must be pre-arranged, and subsistence allowances will not be provided for non-academic absences outside the UK.
- Preparatory work for the collaborative event may begin online before the Fellowship starts.
- Fellows must confirm travel arrangements at least five months in advance and apply for a visa (if required) at least four months before the Fellowship begins.
Contact Information
For further details or inquiries, please contact fellowships@crassh.cam.ac.ukor visit the website
Take this opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and contribute to cutting-edge discussions on Science, Politics, and Justice. Apply now!
