Slater Fellowship 2026/27 at Durham University

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:

1. Your CV, outlining academic experience and achievements.
2. A one-page project summary describing the research you plan to undertake at Durham.
3. A 500-word engagement statement explaining how you will contribute to student and community life within University College.
4. A clear explanation of how your project aligns with IMEMS research themes or collaborations.
5. 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.

Apply: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/medieval-early-modern-studies/fellowships/slater-fellowship-call-for-applications/

The last date to apply for the Slater Fellowship 2026/27 is 19 January 2026 (midnight UK time).