2023/2024 Bodleian Visiting Fellowships in Special Collections

The Bodleian Visiting Fellowships in Special Collections are awarded to promote research based on archival, manuscript, and printed books collections of the Bodleian Libraries.

Approximately 25 awards are made each year to researchers external to the University of Oxford whose projects require use of these collections. Scholarship pursued within the fellowship research projects generates publications and may also be formally and informally disseminated through presentations or displays in the Libraries. Fellowships may be awarded for a visit of one University of Oxford term, or for a shorter stay of at least one month.

Funding

• Funds of up to £2,200 per month are available to support the eligible costs of research visits. Depending on the method of disbursement and your UK tax status, award funds may be subject to UK tax and National Insurance and the actual amount disbursed may be lower.

Eligibility

• Academic and non-academic researchers may apply. Scholars pursuing postdoctoral research are welcome to apply. Current DPhil students should note that:
  • you must have submitted your thesis before the deadline for Visiting Fellowships applications.
  • you must have been awarded the DPhil before taking up the Fellowship.
• Applications are also welcome from those outside academic study who have relevant experience, for instance three years’ employment in the field of the proposed research.
• On occasion, fellowship opportunities are offered for musical or artistic residencies. These are clearly signposted.

Selection Criteria

In most cases, priority will be given to candidates residing outside of Oxford and to applicants who have not recently completed an Oxford degree.

In every case, the selection committee will consider:

• The demonstrated need to consult specific items or collections within the Bodleian Libraries’ special collections;
• The potential of the candidate to contribute to the research culture of the libraries and the University, and especially the potential for future research collaboration with the Bodleian Libraries; and
• The benefits of the award within the invited Fellow’s research career.

How To Apply

Applications must be sent by email to fellowships@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Applications must include:

• The application form completed online, including the proposed dates of your visit.

In addition, the following documents must sent by email to fellowships@bodleian.ox.ac.uk as separate PDFs:

• Your curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages.
• The project description, not to exceed 1,200 words, to include:
  • the significance of the research project in your field of study or activity
  • a detailed explanation of how research in Bodleian Special Collections will advance the project
  • an indication of intended outputs, such as publication, exhibition or another publicly accessible form
  • a detailed list of the specific Bodleian Libraries materials to be consulted (not included in the word count)
• Two letters of recommendation: these must be tailored to your individual application for a funded research visit to the Bodleian Libraries. Recommendations may be sent directly from the referees to the Bodleian Libraries at fellowships@bodleian.ox.ac.uk, but in all cases the applicant’s name must be in the subject line.

Your application will be forwarded to the appropriate selection committee by decision of the Bodleian Libraries.

For more information, visit Bodleian Visiting Fellowships.

Application Deadline: December 2, 2022

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