University of Brighton UK International Visiting Research Fellowship 2025-26

International Visiting Research Fellowship 2025-26

The Centre for Design History (CDH) at the University of Brighton, UK, invites applications for its International Visiting Research Fellowship (VRF) 2025/26. This prestigious program supports international scholars conducting innovative and interdisciplinary research in the fields of design history and material culture.

What is the CDH Visiting Research Fellowship?

The International Visiting Research Fellowship (VRF) is a competitive opportunity that allows one international scholar each year to spend time at the University of Brighton. The fellowship encourages contributions to transnational design history, sustainability, and design activism, while enhancing the collaborative academic environment at the CDH.

Objectives of the Fellowship:

• Promote international academic collaboration in design history

• Advance interdisciplinary research within CDH’s core themes

• Support fellows in publishing and presenting their work

• Strengthen global networks in material and visual culture studies

Available Subjects

This fellowship is open to researchers working in all subject areas related to design history, particularly within the following CDH research themes:

• Architectural and Spatial Histories

• Fashion, Dress, and Textile Histories

• Design Activism

• Museums, Archives, and Exhibitions

• Sustainability in Design

• Transnationalism

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Funding Support: Up to £1,000 to cover travel, accommodation, and research expenses

• Flexible Fellowship Duration: From 1 week to 2 months, based on proposed research

• Start Date: To be proposed by the applicant (must be after November 2025)

Additional Institutional Support:

• Sponsorship by a CDH academic mentor

• Access to library, computing, and archival facilities

• Use of university email and campus services

• Opportunity to present a research seminar

• Possibility of publication on the CDH blog

Note: The fellowship does not include a salary or stipend. Applicants must arrange additional funding to cover personal living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or demonstrate equivalent professional research experience

• Have research interests that align with one or more of the CDH’s thematic areas

• Secure a CDH academic sponsor prior to applying

• Be international applicants from any country

• Be able to complete the project and funding by 30 June 2026

• Scholars from underrepresented backgrounds or regions are strongly encouraged to apply

Application Process

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents in one email to:
[email protected]
Deadline: 10 October 2025

for more details visit: University of Brighton Official webpage.

Required Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2. Proposal (max 500 words):

   • Contribution to CDH’s research environment

   • Alignment with CDH’s core themes

   • Goals for collaboration and expected outcomes

3. Research Outline (approx. 500 words):

   • Planned research activities

   • Proposed structure and format of the fellowship

   • Preliminary budget (within the £1,000 funding cap)

   • Preferred start date and duration of stay

   • Visa information (if applicable)

4. Support Statement:

   • A 200-word endorsement from a CDH academic sponsor

Selection Timeline:

• Final decisions will be announced by 24 October 2025

• Selected candidates will work with their sponsor to finalize the submission for the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange team

Why Apply?

• Engage with 50+ researchers at CDH in a vibrant academic setting

• Contribute to discussions on decolonisation, sustainability, and visual culture

• Access internationally recognized design archives and scholarly resources

• Publish and present your work through University of Brighton platforms

• Strengthen your academic profile and global research collaborations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Visiting Research Fellowship?

International scholars with a PhD or equivalent professional experience in design history or related fields are eligible to apply.

2. Is this fellowship only open to researchers in design history?

While the focus is on design history and material culture, the fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary proposals that align with CDH’s research themes.

3. What costs are covered by the £1,000 funding?

The funding can be used for travel, accommodation, and research-related expenses. It does not cover personal or living costs.

4. Is a stipend or salary included in the fellowship?

No, the fellowship does not include a salary. Applicants must arrange their own funding for personal expenses.

5. Do I need to secure a CDH academic sponsor before applying?

Yes, applicants must obtain a support statement from a CDH faculty member as part of their application.

6. Can I choose the start date of my fellowship?

Yes, applicants can propose a preferred start date, provided it is after November 2025 and completed by 30 June 2026.

7. How long can the fellowship last?

The duration can be anywhere from 1 week to 2 months, depending on your research plan and proposed activities.

8. What are the main themes supported by CDH?

Themes include design activism, sustainability, transnationalism, fashion and textile history, spatial and architectural studies, and more.

9. Are scholars from underrepresented regions encouraged to apply?

Yes, the University of Brighton strongly encourages applications from scholars in underrepresented regions and backgrounds.

10. When will applicants be notified of the results?

Final selections will be made by 24 October 2025, with notifications sent shortly afterward.