Cambridge Launches Global South Fellowships for Enslavement Legacy Research

The University of Cambridge is launching a new fellowship program. It targets scholars from the Global South. The focus is on researching the legacies of enslavement.

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program is run by the Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CRASSH). It aims to foster international academic collaboration.

Fellowship Offers Comprehensive Support for Visiting Scholars

Selected scholars will receive significant financial and logistical support. This includes economy return airfare and visa cost coverage. Accommodation at Wolfson College will be provided.

Fellows also get a weekly subsistence allowance. They will have full access to Cambridge’s libraries and resources. The program includes a nine-week to twelve-week in-person stay.

This is followed by a nine-month digital fellowship. This extended access allows for continued research collaboration. According to the official announcement, the goal is to build lasting academic networks.

Research to Explore Historical and Modern Inequalities

The fellowship theme is tied to the University’s Legacies of Enslavement Initiative. Research proposals should be interdisciplinary. They can explore historical or contemporary impacts.

Suggested areas include slavery resistance and its cultural forms. Other topics are the environmental impact of plantations and practices of repair. Projects should aim to speak to a wide audience.

This initiative underscores how past injustices shape current inequalities. It provides a platform for vital research from underrepresented regions. The program hopes to spark new conversations and methodologies.

The new CRASSH Visiting Fellowships represent a significant investment in global scholarly exchange. This program directly addresses historical research gaps. It empowers Global South scholars to lead crucial conversations on enslavement legacies.

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Who is eligible for the CRASSH Visiting Fellowship?

Applicants must be employed at a higher education institution in the Global South. They need to have received their PhD at least five years prior to applying. A strong command of English is also required.

What does the fellowship funding cover?

The funding covers economy airfare, visa costs, and university accommodation. Fellows also receive a weekly subsistence allowance for food and local travel. Full access to Cambridge’s academic resources is included.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The in-person fellowship lasts a minimum of nine weeks. It can be extended up to twelve weeks. This is followed by a nine-month digital fellowship for continued collaboration.

What research topics are prioritized?

The program prioritizes interdisciplinary research on legacies of enslavement. This includes historical and contemporary studies on resistance, environmental impact, and memory. Research on practices of repair and inequality is also encouraged.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is February 16, 2026. The fellowship itself will be held during the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must submit a CV, a letter of support, and answer several essay questions.

Trusted Sources

University of Cambridge Official Announcement, CRASSH Fellowship Guidelines, OECD Official Development Assistance List.