URBAN STUDIES FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS

Applications are invited to the USF’s International Fellowships for urban scholars from the Global South. Each award will cover the cost of a sabbatical period at a university of the candidate’s choice, worldwide, for the purpose of writing-up the candidate’s existing research findings in the form of publishable articles and/or a book. The proposed work should be completed under the guidance of a chosen mentor in the candidate’s field of study. Funding is available for a period ranging between 3-9 months, and eligible research may cover any theme pertinent to a better understanding of urban realities in the Global South.

Information about current and previous (see Alumni) International Fellows can be found on the ‘About > People‘ section of this website.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be early-to-mid career urban scholars with a PhD awarded within the preceding 10 years (by the submission deadline) who currently work in a university or other research institution within the Global South. Candidates must also be nationals of a country in the Global South, defined as any country on the present OECD list of ODA recipients (2023).

REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must make suitable arrangements to be mentored by a senior urban scholar at their chosen research institution. Eligible research institutions may be anywhere worldwide, and Fellowships based in Global South regions are equally encouraged. Further Particulars are available to download below and must be consulted before applying to the scheme. Guidelines for prospective mentors are also available to download below.

TERMS

The financial support attached to the fellowship will meet accommodation and subsistence needs while staying at the host university, return travel, and assistance towards some research costs. There is also a small budget available for the mentor to assist the Fellow to meet their intended research aims should this be appropriate. Short-listed candidates may also apply for a small supplemental grant if they have extra-ordinary costs arising during the fellowship that result from either: (a) caring responsibilities for dependent persons (e.g. childcare), or (b) disability. Fellowships should begin no earlier than twelve weeks following the deadline for applications, and no later than one year after the application deadline (i.e. by 20th June 2024). Candidates are normally expected to be notified of an outcome within eight-to-twelve weeks of the application deadline.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates must complete the online application form below no later than 20th June 2023 (by 23:59 GMT, UK time).

A link to the online application form can be found below, along with an application template (.docx) that may be used for offline preparation beforehand (recommended).

The application must include:

  • Applicant information including: contact details, recent education, recent academic roles, a short career statement, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. Both referees should be prepared to submit letters of recommendation to the Urban Studies Foundation upon request.
  • Proposed fellowship information including dates, mentorship and host institution arrangements.
  • A draft budget with main cost items, and suitable evidence for any items above GBP 500.
  • A proposal that includes: an outline of the planned research (1200 words maximum), intended outputs (300 words maximum), designation of the host institution (300 words maximum), and a statement of how the candidate’s chosen mentor will support and facilitate the proposed research (300 words maximum).
  • Proof of applicant’s nationality and therefore eligibility for the award.
  • Applicant CV listing academic achievements and publications (3 pages maximum). Applicants must NOT list “Submitted” or “Forthcoming” publications on their CV unless listed separately on the CV and they append evidence of the publication’s acceptance to their CV (maximum one page per publication).
  • Mentor CV, including any previous mentoring experience (3 pages maximum).
  • Supporting letter from the prospective mentor stating their willingness to act as a mentor to the fellow, indicating the suitability of the host institution for the proposed sabbatical study, and agreeing to meet the responsibilities outlined in the mentorship and host institution guidelines (2 pages maximum).

All applicants will be requested to complete an anonymous Equality & Diversity monitoring survey after submitting their application. The survey and any information volunteered with it is anonymous and entirely separate from individual applications (it is not used in the assessment process). It is used only for monitoring who applies to USF awards on aggregate, so that the USF may regularly assess and improve how it advertises and administers its grant funding.

Decisions will normally be made within eight-to-twelve weeks of the closing deadline for this award, and all applicants will be contacted regarding their application outcome. The USF regrets that it cannot offer any feedback on applications, and all decisions are final. Further information on the standard administration of all USF awards can be found in the USF Code of Practice.

Further questions regarding the International Fellowship award and application process should be addressed to the Urban Studies Foundation via email: grants@urbanstudiesfoundation.org

Before contacting the USF, candidates should ensure they have consulted all documents below, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

DOCUMENTS AND APPLY NOW

Prospective applicants should ensure that they have carefully consulted the Further Particulars for this award (see below), which contains further information on the award terms and application requirements.

Further Particulars (.pdf) (2023 call)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (.pdf) (2023 call)

Mentorship & Host Institution Guidelines (.pdf) (2023 call)

Application template (.docx) (2023 call)

Apply here now! (2023 call)

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