Durham University has opened a rare and prestigious door for scholars worldwide: the Slater Fellowship 2026/27, a fully residential three-month academic stay at the iconic Durham Castle. If you’ve been dreaming of uninterrupted research time surrounded by medieval collections, intimate scholarly communities, and a historic academic environment, this is the kind of fellowship that changes everything.
Running during Epiphany Term 2027 (11 January – 19 March 2027), this opportunity is designed for researchers ready to immerse themselves in a deeply enriching intellectual setting.
What This Fellowship Offers?
This fellowship delivers full academic and residential support, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their research. Here’s what the Slater Fellowship provides:
- Fully funded board and accommodation at University College (Durham Castle) for one full term
- Private double en-suite room (usually for single occupancy)
- Membership in the Senior Common Room, enabling close academic engagement
- Access to Durham University Library and Collections, Durham Cathedral Library, Ushaw College, and other regional medieval/early modern collections
- Opportunities to deliver a public lecture or seminar, supported jointly by the College and IMEMS
- Deep integration into the vibrant academic and cultural life of University College and the Institute.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Overview
This fellowship is intended for scholars who are actively contributing to the fields aligned with IMEMS. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Must hold an academic position at a university outside Durham
- Must have research interests relevant to IMEMS, covering medieval or early modern studies in any discipline
- Must be prepared to participate fully in college and Institute life, including academic events and student engagement
- Must be willing to acknowledge both University College and IMEMS in any resulting publications
- Applicants from under-represented groups — including women, researchers with disabilities, and scholars from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds — are strongly encouraged
- Candidates may disclose career breaks or leave periods, which the selection panel will consider sensitively
Submitting Your Application – Step-by-Step
Applying for the Slater Fellowship is straightforward but detailed. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Your CV, outlining academic experience and achievements.
- A one-page project summary describing the research you plan to undertake at Durham.
- A 500-word engagement statement explaining how you will contribute to student and community life within University College.
- A clear explanation of how your project aligns with IMEMS research themes or collaborations.
- Ensure your proposal involves — where possible — Durham’s collections or collaborative work with staff or postgraduate researchers. Applicants are advised to confirm availability of primary sources in partner libraries before applying.
The last date to apply for the Slater Fellowship 2026/27 is 19 January 2026 (midnight UK time).