CRASSH Visiting Fellowships for Scholars from the Global South 2027 (Funded)

Applications are open for the Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CRASSH) Visiting Fellowships for Scholars from the Global South 2027, hosted by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The programme supports established scholars working at higher education institutions and research institutes in eligible countries across the Global South.

The fellowships provide an opportunity for academics to spend an extended period at Cambridge, exchange ideas with researchers, access the University's libraries and collections, and develop new research collaborations. The programme combines an in person research residency with a subsequent digital fellowship, allowing participants to maintain academic connections after returning to their home institutions.

About the CRASSH Visiting Fellowships

CRASSH is an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Cambridge that brings together scholars working across the arts, humanities and social sciences. Its Visiting Fellowships for Scholars from the Global South aim to create opportunities for academics based outside the Global North to engage with Cambridge's research community and resources.

The programme is intended to encourage intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary research and future academic collaboration. Visiting Fellows can work with researchers at CRASSH and other University of Cambridge departments while benefiting from access to academic events, specialist collections and research facilities.

The fellowship is particularly valuable for established scholars who want to develop an existing research project, explore new sources and perspectives, or strengthen international academic networks.

Research Theme: Music, Bodies and Ecologies

For the 2028 fellowship theme, CRASSH is partnering with the Faculty of Music to explore the relationship between music, the human body and wider ecological systems.

The call recognises that music has played important roles in celebration, worship, ritual, dance and community life across different cultures. It also invites critical consideration of how music relates to ecological crises and whether musical practices can contribute to more sustainable and regenerative ways of living.

Applications may explore any musical tradition or culture. However, the organisers particularly encourage proposals examining musical practices beyond the Western art music tradition.

Relevant research areas include:

• Music and listening as bodily practices.
• Music and dance.
• Music and ritual.
• Music, bodily presence and shared community experiences.
• Music and the environment.
• Black and Indigenous ecomusicological thought and practices.
• Music and time, including seasonality, deep time and life cycles.
• Music, sound and voice.
• Religious and other cosmologies of music and sound.
• More than human musical practices involving animals, plants and geological environments.
• Music and technological mediation, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
• Music education and the ways musical training shapes the body.

Applicants should develop a focused research proposal that clearly connects their academic interests and previous work to the theme.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Visiting Fellows will receive financial and academic support during their stay at Cambridge.

The fellowship package includes:

• Return airfare: Economy class travel from the scholar's home institution to Cambridge, in accordance with University travel policy.
• Visa costs: Coverage of the cost of a visa where required.
• Accommodation: A single ensuite room at Wolfson College, with accommodation booked and paid for by CRASSH.
• Weekly subsistence allowance: £175 per week to help cover food and local travel expenses.
• College membership: Wolfson College will waive its usual membership fee.
• College facilities: Free access to the college library, gym, social spaces and activities available to members.
• Research workspace: Desk space and computer access at CRASSH.
• University resources: Access to Cambridge libraries, collections and academic events organised by CRASSH and other University institutions.
• Continued academic engagement: A nine month digital fellowship following the residential period, providing continued access to online events and resources.

Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Reside in Cambridge for the full residential fellowship period.
• Participate in the Research Practice seminar at CRASSH during their stay.
• Work with other Visiting Fellows to design an event related to the fellowship theme.
• Present their research at the collaborative event.
• Participate in online preparation for the event before arriving in Cambridge.
• Confirm travel dates at least five months before arrival.
• Apply for a visa, where required, at least four months before the fellowship begins.
• Obtain travel insurance at their own expense.

Eligibility Requirements

The CRASSH Visiting Fellowships are intended for established researchers who meet the following conditions:

1. Employment at an eligible institution

Applicants must currently be employed at a higher education institution or research institute located in the Global South.

2. Employment commitment

Candidates must hold an employment contract of at least 50 percent with their institution.

3. Relevant academic discipline

Applicants should work primarily in the arts, humanities or social sciences.

4. Doctoral qualification

Candidates must have been formally awarded a PhD at least five years before the application date. A copy of the doctoral certificate showing the award date is required.

5. English language ability

Applicants must have sufficient spoken English to participate actively in academic discussions and engage with researchers at Cambridge.

For this fellowship scheme, the Global South is defined using the OECD list of countries eligible to receive Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

1. Cover letter: Explain why you wish to be considered for a CRASSH Visiting Fellowship and what you hope to gain from the experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae: Use the official CRASSH CV template. Applications submitted with CVs in alternative formats will be considered ineligible.
3. PhD certificate: Provide a copy of your doctoral certificate confirming that the qualification has been formally awarded and clearly showing the award date.
4. Institutional support letter: Obtain a letter from your Head of Department or equivalent confirming that your institution will grant leave for the entire fellowship period.
5. Published writing sample: Submit a short piece of previously published work, such as a journal article or book chapter, relevant to your proposed research.
6. Research proposal: Prepare a proposal of no more than 1,500 words outlining the project you intend to undertake at CRASSH.

How to Apply

Interested scholars should submit their applications through the official CRASSH online application system.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the fellowship theme: Ensure that your research interests align with Music, Bodies and Ecologies.
2. Check your eligibility: Confirm that you meet the employment, academic discipline and doctoral qualification requirements.
3. Prepare your documents: Gather your cover letter, CV using the official template, PhD certificate, institutional support letter and published writing sample.
4. Develop your research proposal: Prepare a focused proposal of up to 1,500 words explaining the research you intend to undertake at Cambridge.
5. Access the online application system: Visit the official CRASSH Visiting Fellowships page and follow the application instructions.
6. Submit before the deadline: Complete the online application and upload all required documents by 22 January 2027.