UK University of Brighton International Visiting Research Fellowship 2025
Description
Are you a researcher in design history or material culture seeking to collaborate internationally and expand your research network? The Centre for Design History (CDH) at the University of Brighton invites applications for its International Visiting Research Fellowship (VRF) 2025/26. This prestigious opportunity offers funding support to scholars pursuing innovative and interdisciplinary research aligned with CDH’s core themes.
Application Deadline: 5:00 PM GMT, Friday 10 October 2025
What is the CDH Visiting Research Fellowship?
The CDH Visiting Research Fellowship is a competitive, international research opportunity that allows scholars in the field of design history to spend time at the University of Brighton. Fellows engage with the vibrant research culture at CDH, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to shared research goals related to visual and material culture, design activism, sustainability, and transnational design histories.
The program supports one international research fellow per year and aims to:
- Advance collaborative research in design history
- Foster international academic exchange and networks
- Encourage contributions to CDH’s key research themes
- Support fellows in delivering seminars and publishing collaboratively
Degree Level
UK University of Brighton International Visiting Research Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Brighton.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
- Funding: Up to £1,000 for travel, accommodation, and research-related expenses
- Duration: Flexible (between 1 week and 2 months during the 2025/26 academic year)
- Start Date: To be proposed by the applicant (no earlier than November 2025)
- Support Provided:
- CDH academic sponsor and administrative assistance
- University email and campus access
- Library, computing, and archival resources
- Opportunity to present a research seminar
- Publication opportunity on the CDH blog
Note: No salary or stipend is provided. Applicants must have additional funding to cover personal expenses.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent professional research experience
- Research must align with one or more of CDH’s thematic areas:
- Architectural and spatial histories
- Design activism
- Fashion, dress, and textile histories
- Museums, archives, and exhibitions
- Sustainability in design
- Transnationalism
- Applicants must secure a CDH academic sponsor before applying
- Scholars from underrepresented backgrounds and regions are encouraged to apply
- Applicants must be able to complete all project expenses by 30 June 2026
Application Procedure
To apply for the CDH International VRF 2025/26, submit the following materials in one email to CentreforDesignHistory@brighton.ac.uk by 10 October 2025:
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proposal (500 words max) addressing:
- Contribution to CDH’s research culture
- Alignment with CDH themes
- Collaborative goals and expected outcomes
- Research Outline (approx. 500 words)
- Planned activities and fellowship format
- Preliminary budget (within £1,000 funding limit)
- Preferred start date and duration of stay in Brighton
- Visa requirements (if applicable)
- 200-word support statement from a CDH sponsor
Final selection will be made by October 24, 2025. Candidates selected internally will collaborate with their sponsor to finalize the application for approval by the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange team.
Why Apply?
- Gain international exposure in design history research
- Access to world-renowned design archives and interdisciplinary expertise
- Collaborate with a diverse academic community of over 50 CDH researchers
- Contribute to global discussions on sustainability, decolonisation, and material culture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to reside in Brighton for the entire fellowship year?
No, fellows are only required to visit Brighton for a period between 1 week and 2 months to participate in research activities.
Q2: Can early-career researchers apply?
This call is intended for established researchers. Early-career scholars (PhD awarded within the last 24 months) should apply under the CDH Post-doctoral Visiting Research Fellowship.
Q3: Is use of the University of Brighton Design Archives mandatory?
No, it is optional. However, if you plan to use the archives, you must contact the Archive Director, Sue Breakell, prior to submission.
