University of Brighton Visiting Research Fellowship 2025 (UK) – Apply Now

Are you a design history or material culture researcher seeking international collaboration and academic engagement? The Centre for Design History (CDH) at the University of Brighton is now accepting applications for the International Visiting Research Fellowship (VRF) 2025/26.

This prestigious short-term research opportunity supports innovative and interdisciplinary scholarship that aligns with CDH’s core themes, including design activism, sustainability, and transnational design histories.

Application Deadline: Friday, 10 October 2025, at 5:00 PM GMT

About the Fellowship

The CDH Visiting Research Fellowship is a highly competitive international program that welcomes one scholar annually to engage with CDH’s dynamic research community. Fellows will work alongside over 50 researchers, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to global conversations on design, sustainability, and material culture.

Fellowship Objectives:

• Advance collaborative research in design history

• Foster international academic exchange

• Contribute to CDH’s thematic areas through seminars, blogs, and joint publications

• Strengthen global networks in visual and material culture research

Fellowship Benefits

• Funding: Up to £1,000 for travel, accommodation, and research-related expenses

• Duration: Flexible stay from 1 week to 2 months during the 2025/26 academic year

• Start Date: Proposed by the applicant (must begin after November 2025)

• Support Includes:

  • CDH academic sponsor

  • University email and campus access

  • Use of library, digital resources, and archives

  • Opportunity to present a seminar

  • Publication on the CDH blog

Note: No salary or stipend is provided. Applicants must secure additional funding for personal and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or have equivalent professional research experience

• Align their research with CDH’s core themes, including:

  • Architectural and spatial histories

  • Design activism

  • Fashion, dress, and textile histories

  • Museums, archives, and exhibitions

  • Sustainability in design

  • Transnational design histories

• Secure a CDH academic sponsor before applying

• Be able to complete all project activities and expenses by 30 June 2026

Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and global regions are encouraged to apply.

Available Fields of Study

Open to research across all subjects related to:

• Design History

• Material Culture

• Visual and Spatial Studies

• Sustainable and Transnational Design

How to Apply

Submit the following documents in one email to CentreforDesignHistory@brighton.ac.uk by 10 October 2025:

Required Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2. 500-word Proposal addressing:

   • Contribution to CDH’s research culture

   • Alignment with CDH themes

   • Collaborative goals and expected outcomes

3. Research Outline (approx. 500 words):

   • Proposed activities and timeline

   • Fellowship structure

   • Preliminary budget (max £1,000)

   • Preferred start date and visit duration

   • Visa needs (if applicable)

4. 200-word support statement from a CDH academic sponsor

Final Selection

Decisions will be announced by 24 October 2025. Selected candidates will work with their CDH sponsor to finalize materials for University approval through the Research and Knowledge Exchange team.

Why Apply?

• Gain international research experience in the UK

• Collaborate with a diverse network of design and material culture scholars

• Access world-class archives and university research resources

• Participate in interdisciplinary dialogue on sustainability, decolonization, and design history

• Publish and share your work with a global academic audience

Apply Here