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Heritage Collections Research Fellowships

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The University of Edinburgh offers Heritage Collections Research Fellowships for postdoctoral scholars in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This funded residency supports research utilizing the university's extensive heritage collections, including archives, rare books, and

Provider
IASH
Host country
United Kingdom
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Region
Europe
Official source Track this application

Topics

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.
Funding
Partial Funding
Study level
Postdoc
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Key eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial Funding

About the Heritage Collections Research Fellowships (2026)

## Overview The University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections Research Fellowships offer an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral scholars to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse Heritage Collections of one of the world's leading universities. Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), this fellowship is designed to support innovative, collections-based research across the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Fellows will gain unparalleled access to a wealth of resources, including archives, manuscripts, rare books, art, musical instruments, and other culturally significant materials spanning four centuries, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment and contributing to global knowledge. ## Benefits This fully funded fellowship provides comprehensive support to ensure researchers can focus entirely on their work. Successful applicants will receive: * A generous £2,000 monthly bursary. * Up to £500 to cover international travel expenses, if required. * A funded research residency lasting between 3 to 6 months. * Dedicated office space within the IASH, fostering a collegial and productive atmosphere. * Full access to the University's extensive library resources and email services. * Privileged, hands-on access to the renowned Heritage Collections and the cutting-edge Digital Scholarship Centre. * An assigned academic mentor from the Centre for Research Collections (CRC) or a relevant academic School to provide guidance and support. * Opportunities for weekly Fellows’ lunches, engaging seminars, and invaluable networking events with peers and senior academics. ## Eligibility To be considered for this prestigious fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Hold a PhD, normally awarded within the last five years. Exceptional circumstances for a more extended period may be considered, but applicants should clearly justify this in their application. * Be a postdoctoral researcher from any country worldwide. This includes both independent researchers and those currently employed by a university. * Not have previously held an IASH fellowship, ensuring new scholars have the opportunity to benefit from this program. * Research proposals must demonstrate clear relevance to and intended use of the University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections. * All applicants must comply with UK immigration regulations for the duration of the fellowship. ## Required documents While the article specifies that an online application form needs to be completed and all required documents submitted, it explicitly mentions: * A comprehensive research proposal clearly outlining the intended engagement with a specific Heritage Collection. * Detailed proposed engagement activities. * 2–3 confidential references. It is strongly advised to visit the official award webpage for a complete list of all necessary supporting documentation that must accompany your application. ## Application steps The application process is straightforward and designed to capture your research potential: 1. Access the official award webpage through the provided link. 2. Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information. 3. Carefully specify the particular Heritage Collection you intend to work with and elaborate on your proposed research and engagement activities. 4. Ensure that 2–3 confidential references are submitted on your behalf by the application deadline. It is your responsibility to inform your referees of the deadline. 5. Submit all required documents by the stated deadline. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** 24 April 2026 (by 17:00 GMT) * **Fellowship Duration:** 3 to 6 months, to be undertaken between August 2026 and July 2027. ## Selection criteria The selection committee employs a rigorous process to identify the most promising candidates. Key criteria include: * **Academic Excellence:** Demonstrated high-quality academic achievements and research potential. * **Quality and Originality of Research Proposal:** The innovative nature and scholarly rigor of your proposed project. * **Relevance to University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections:** A clear and compelling justification for how your research will utilize and benefit from the specific collections. * **Publications Record:** Evidence of a strong track record in publishing scholarly work. * **References:** Strong endorsements from academic referees. * **Demonstrated Engagement:** Evidence of prior engagement with relevant University researchers and collections, or a clear plan for future engagement. ## Tips * **Thorough Collection Research:** Before applying, delve deeply into the University of Edinburgh's Heritage Collections. Identify specific archives, manuscripts, or artifacts that are directly relevant to your research interests. Make this connection explicit in your proposal. * **Craft a Compelling Proposal:** Your research proposal should be clear, concise, and articulate the originality and significance of your project. Emphasize how accessing the Heritage Collections is integral to its success. * **Connect with Mentors:** If possible, reach out to potential academic mentors within the University of Edinburgh whose expertise aligns with your research area. Mentioning these connections, if established, can strengthen your application. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail. * **Start Early:** Give yourself ample time to complete the application, gather all required documents, and secure your references before the deadline. ## Official source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, and to access the application portal, please visit the official University of Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) website: [https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections-research-fellowships](https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections-research-fellowships)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial Funding

Heritage Collections Research Fellowships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.

Heritage Collections Research Fellowships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Heritage Collections Research Fellowships 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections-research-fellowships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Heritage Collections Research Fellowships deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

      Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Editorial verification note

    Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.
    Last checked 5/21/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Heritage Collections Research Fellowships?+

    Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.

    What funding does the Heritage Collections Research Fellowships offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial Funding. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections-research-fellowships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last five years; if you have not yet graduated, you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/eligibility to graduate as part of your application. You should not have held a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/or short-term appointments are eligible to apply.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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