Skip to main content
Institute of Advanced Study
External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosin's Hall
The Fellowship has not only been hugely productive, but it has had a profound effect on me. It has reminded me why I am an academic and has restored the love I have for the job.
Dr Pete Coe (Epiphany 2024 Fellow)
University of Birmingham (March 2024)

IAS Fellowships

The Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) was launched in October 2006 to mark the 175th anniversary of the foundation of Durham University. The IAS is a home for growing big ideas.  The IAS supports, promotes and grows new and creative interdisciplinary ideas that transform our perspectives in challenging and provocative ways. It provides time, space, and resources to exchange and integrate ideas, knowledge and skills. This IAS is a home to an inclusive, diverse and supportive community of scholars from Durham University and across the world.

The IAS Fellowship welcomes world-leading researchers to Durham, providing the time and space to work on projects and build future collaborations. IAS Fellows will come to Durham each year to work with its scholars to spark new investigations and participate in a varied programme of activities.

Each year, the Institute sponsors several major interdisciplinary projects and a range of other research developments. Fellows are expected to collaborate with Durham colleagues carrying out such activities. 

Fellowships are usually available for a 3-month period between October - December, and January - March each year.

IAS fellowships are available based on nominations by Durham academics in conjunction with IAS Major Project applications. Fellows come from across the disciplinary spectrum and from across the globe. IAS Fellowships include an honorarium, funds for travel, and accommodation within a Durham College.

Durham offers Fellows time and freedom to think, away from the demands of their everyday professional lives. By recruiting Fellows from all around the world, the IAS also fosters an exciting intellectual environment in which thinkers from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds can exchange ideas.

Our Call for Nominations for Fellowships will open in April 2025 for Fellowships in 2026/27. These nominations can only be made in conjunction with an awarded IAS Major Project led by Durham academics. These projects will be confirmed in April 2025. Open Fellowship applications will not accepted for 2026/27.