The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at Loughborough University is inviting applications for its prestigious IAS Residential Fellowships 2026, offering outstanding international researchers the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-month research residency in the United Kingdom.
This fellowship is designed for exceptional scholars across all disciplines and career stages who wish to engage with the vibrant academic community at Loughborough University and contribute to innovative interdisciplinary research collaborations.
The programme supports international scholars, artists, writers, public intellectuals, and policy-makers whose work aligns with Loughborough University’s areas of expertise and research excellence.
About the IAS Residential Fellowship
The IAS Residential Fellowship programme aims to strengthen global academic partnerships, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and create long-term research connections between international scholars and Loughborough University.
Applicants are expected to propose a research project that will contribute to new and emerging areas of scholarship while building meaningful collaboration with Loughborough researchers.
To support this, applicants must either:
- Nominate an academic colleague or research group at Loughborough University they wish to collaborate with, or
- Identify an IAS Research Summit taking place during the academic year that aligns with their research interests
The fellowship particularly encourages proposals that include:
- Joint publications
- Collaborative research grant applications
- Future interdisciplinary research projects
- Long-term international scholarly partnerships
Please note that this fellowship is not open to applicants currently undertaking doctoral research (PhD students).
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Established academics
- Early-career researchers
- Independent scholars
- Artists and writers
- Public intellectuals
- Policy-makers outside academia
Applicants from all disciplines and countries are encouraged to apply, especially those whose work promotes:
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
- Intercultural understanding
- Social responsibility
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Fellowship Benefits
Successful IAS Residential Fellows will receive:
Fully Funded Travel Support
- Return travel to Loughborough, UK
- Visa application support where required
Accommodation
- One-bedroom accommodation at the IAS Flat located in the heart of Loughborough’s Midlands campus, or
- Two-bedroom accommodation at the IAS House located just outside the campus
Applicants travelling with family members should indicate this in their application.
£1,500 Fixed Stipend
A stipend of £1,500 will be provided to cover:
- Subsistence
- Local travel
- Incidental living costs during the residency
Research Support and University Access
Fellows will also receive:
- Flexible working space at International House (home of the IAS)
- Full access to the University Library
- Possible access to specialist research equipment and facilities (case-by-case basis)
- Formal and informal networking opportunities across the university
- Support for seminars, workshops, roundtables, and collaborative events
- One-to-one funding opportunities session with Loughborough University
Responsibilities of Fellows
IAS Residential Fellows are expected to:
- Be physically present at Loughborough University during the fellowship period
- Participate actively in IAS events and activities
- Engage with staff and postgraduate researchers
- Deliver at least:
- One work-in-progress seminar
- One workshop for doctoral researchers
- Attendance at IAS Friends and Fellows Coffee Mornings
- Submit a short report within 3 months after the fellowship ends
- Acknowledge IAS support in resulting publications
- Join the Loughborough IAS Alumni community
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship lasts for one calendar month and can be taken anytime between August and July of the academic year, depending on agreement between the Fellow and the IAS.
Applicants will indicate their preferred month during the application process.
Most fellows will be based on the main Loughborough campus, although where research links to Loughborough’s London campus, the IAS can facilitate stays across both campuses.
Longer or shorter fellowship periods may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ATAS Approval Requirement
Applicants should also check whether they require ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance before traveling.
ATAS approval is required for certain subject areas—mainly in science, engineering, and technology—where research knowledge could potentially relate to weapons development.
Applicants are advised to review the UK government’s ATAS requirements before applying.
Application Deadline
This is an annual call that opens every January and closes in May.
Upcoming Deadlines
- 5:00 PM, Friday 15 May 2026 — for visits between September 2026 and July 2027
- 5:00 PM, Friday 21 May 2027 — for visits between September 2027 and July 2028
- 5:00 PM, Friday 19 May 2028 — for visits between September 2028 and July 2029
How to Apply
The IAS Residential Fellowship is highly competitive, with approximately 12 fellowships awarded each academic year.
Applicants must submit:
- Completed IAS Residential Fellowship Application Form
- CV (maximum 4 pages)
Applications should be sent via email to:
ias.applications@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
Please note that the application form was updated in July 2025, and all future applicants must use the new version.
Final decisions will be announced by July at the end of the academic year.
The IAS Residential Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for international scholars to engage in high-level research, build valuable global collaborations, and experience academic life at one of the UK’s leading universities.
With full travel support, accommodation, stipend funding, and access to world-class research networks, this fellowship is ideal for researchers seeking to expand their international academic impact.
If you are an ambitious scholar looking to advance your research and establish meaningful partnerships in the UK, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.
Discover similar Fellowship opportunities Here.
