IAS Fellowship Nomination - Information and Process

The IAS continues to offer enthusiastic support for major projects, but we also recognise that there is also a need to facilitate more iterative forms of research development. Therefore, as well as aiming at major project proposals for 2022-23, we are also inviting people to propose earlier stage project developments, for example small endeavours to build interdisciplinary research groups and explore new ideas, or ‘starter’ projects aiming to initiate new collaborations. It may be possible for us to fund some smaller developments next year, alongside the 2021-22 major projects, or to consider these for 2022-23. We invite colleagues to submit applications for proposed research developments accordingly (see the full process for project proposals at www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/advanced-study/fellowships-funding/project-proposals/).

All colleagues proposing research developments are warmly encouraged to nominate leading international scholars for IAS Fellowships or as IAS Distinguished Visitors.

This current Fellowship call relates to nominations only specific to the submission of research project proposals or developments.The IAS hopes to reinstitute an open Fellowship scheme in 2022-23 (see here in due course).

The deadline for receipt of IAS Fellowship Nominations in connection with the submission of research project proposals or developments is midday 30 April 2021. The Nomination pro forma is located at the bottom of this page. The pro forma lists in details full completion guidance. Full details of the project proposals can be found using this link.

Fellowships are available for a 3-month period between October 2022 and March 2023. Nominations must fully meet the criteria for the IAS Distinguished Fellowship scheme, as defined in the IAS’s Terms of Reference: i.e. the proposed Fellows should be international, world-leading researchers (or practitioners, such as writers, artists, policy makers etc.). They must have a well-established or strongly emerging international reputation; they must have made major contributions to their field and a substantial publication record (or equivalent achievements); and they must be able to provide substantial evidence of research leadership and/or public impact. They are expected to have played a significant role in shaping their discipline or field through their outputs, achievements and indicators of esteem. In addition, the IAS Fellowship criteria now articulate more explicitly the value of Fellows having direct experience in interdisciplinarity activities.

In accord with the IAS’s remit to establish international collaborations, preference will be given to nominations and applicants from outside the UK.

IAS Fellowships are not available to undergraduate or postgraduate students. A completed PhD with five years’ post-doctoral experience is the minimum requirement for Fellows undertaking a traditional academic trajectory, or they must have an equivalent level of experience and track record in other areas. Applications from early career researchers will only be considered if they demonstrate exceptional promise. Previous recipients of an IAS Fellowship are not eligible for a further Fellowship either by nomination or application.

What the Fellowships offer:

An IAS Fellowship provides recipients with the opportunity to develop their ideas and collaborations in a thriving community of researchers, and through engagement with the University’s Departments, Institutes and Colleges.

All Fellows will be provided with office space. Each will be welcomed into a Durham College where they will be offered accommodation (in a one bedroom flat, or similar), and membership of the College’s Senior Common Room.

The IAS will cover the costs associated with the Fellow travelling to Durham from their home institution (one return fare – economy class), and will provide all Fellows with an honorarium (£3,000 for three months; pro-rata for a shorter stay).

Fellows from Universities who provide study leave are expected to make use of this to take up Fellowships. Academics whose institutions do not make such provision are eligible to apply for teaching buy-out costs of up to £8,000 (for the three month period or pro rata for shorter stays). Similarly, practitioners who will experience a loss of income as a result of accepting an IAS Fellowship are eligible to apply for a contribution towards their salary/earnings of the same amount (up to £8,000).

Fellows’ contribution to the IAS:

Fellows are required to fulfil a number of expectations:

• They will reside in Durham for three months; however, if this is impossible, the IAS may consider alternative arrangements as long as the Fellowship provides significant benefits to Durham’s research community; however a two-month stay is the minimum duration of a Fellowship;
• They will participate in IAS activities, including informal discussions and networking within the IAS community, and engage with staff and research students in relevant Departments, Institutes and Colleges at the University;
• They will present a ‘work in progress’ IAS seminar within the IAS;
• They will deliver a public lecture with a Durham College;
• They will either:
  • establish a collaborative undertaking with a Durham academic: this can be a joint publication; research project; co-convened workshop or conference; exhibition; or other joint research development.
• Or:
  • Contribute to IAS sponsored research projects. In this case the project PI (see projects here) should be asked to peer review their proposal;
• They must acknowledge IAS support in any publications resulting from their Fellowship in Durham;
• They must produce an ‘End of Fellowship’ report of no more than 1,000 words detailing their activities and achievements during their time at the IAS, within two months of completing their Fellowship;

Evaluation

Nominations will be evaluated in accord with the IAS’s established criteria for Distinguished Fellowships : i.e. the proposed Fellows should be international, world-leading researchers (or practitioners, such as writers, artists, policy makers etc.). They must have a well-established or strongly emerging international reputation; they must have made major contributions to their field and a substantial publication record (or equivalent achievements); and they must be able to provide substantial evidence of research leadership and/or public impact. They are expected to have played a significant role in shaping their discipline or field through their outputs, achievements and indicators of esteem. In addition, the IAS Fellowship criteria now articulate more explicitly the value of Fellows having direct experience in interdisciplinarity activities.

All criteria are marked on a scale of 0-5 with the weighting given in brackets below. Please give particular consideration to these criteria when completing this pro forma.

1. International standing and contribution of the candidate to his/her field, as appropriate to the career stage of the candidate. (40%)
2. Quality of proposal for research activities during the IAS Fellowship, and relevance to IAS projects in 2022/23 (see IAS website). (30%)
3. Contribution to the wider scholarly community at Durham and community of IAS Fellows. (20%)
4. Experience and track record in leading/participating directly in interdisciplinary research. (10%)

Contact IAS Manager, Linda Crowe, if you have any questions relating to the nomination process.