University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowships 2027 in the UK: Up to £2,500 Research Funding for International Scholars
The University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowships 2027 offer researchers from around the world an opportunity to undertake original research using the university’s internationally significant library collections and archives in Scotland.
The programme provides financial support of up to £2,500 towards eligible travel, accommodation, subsistence and research expenses. Successful applicants will spend between two and four weeks in Glasgow during 2027, conducting research using the university’s unique historical and academic resources.
The fellowship is open to scholars across different academic disciplines, including independent and emeritus researchers. Applications are particularly encouraged from academics whose research projects demonstrate a clear connection to the University of Glasgow Library’s collections.
Application deadline: 5 January 2027.
1. About the University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowships
The University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowship scheme supports scholars interested in exploring the university’s extensive historical, cultural and academic collections.
The library holds an exceptional range of research materials, including medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, rare printed books, historical archives, literary collections and business records.
Its collections include more than 10,000 books printed before 1601, an institutional archive dating back to the 13th century, and the Scottish Business Archive, which contains more than 400 collections covering business history from the 18th century to the present day.
Through the fellowship, visiting researchers can access these resources to develop original research, strengthen academic publications and contribute to wider scholarly discussions.
The programme also offers up to three fellowships supported by the William Lind Foundation specifically for research into Scottish business history.
2. Fellowship Benefits and Funding
Successful applicants can receive financial support of up to £2,500 to undertake their research visit in Glasgow.
Eligible expenses include:
- International and domestic travel expenses.
- Accommodation during the research visit.
- Subsistence costs.
- Other reasonable research-related expenses.
The fellowship supports research visits lasting between two and four weeks during the 2027 calendar year.
Applicants should note that the award is intended to contribute towards eligible expenses rather than provide an unrestricted personal stipend. Researchers are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
All costs must comply with the University of Glasgow’s travel policy. Applicants should pay particular attention to accommodation restrictions, Airbnb bookings and UK domestic flight requirements.
3. Eligibility Requirements
The University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowships are open to researchers from different academic disciplines and career backgrounds.
Applicants are expected to hold a completed PhD. However, consideration may also be given to individuals with a demonstrable academic research record, including peer-reviewed publications.
Eligible applicants include:
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- University academics and established scholars.
- Independent researchers with a strong academic track record.
- Emeritus researchers.
- Researchers working across different academic disciplines.
The most important requirement is that the proposed research project must relate directly to the University of Glasgow Library’s collections.
International applicants are welcome to apply, making this an opportunity for researchers based outside the United Kingdom to access valuable historical and academic resources.
4. Research Areas and Available Collections
The fellowship does not restrict applicants to a specific academic discipline. Researchers are encouraged to develop proposals that make meaningful use of the university’s collections.
Relevant research resources include:
- Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts: Historical manuscripts of international academic importance.
- Rare Books: More than 10,000 books printed before 1601.
- Institutional Archives: Historical records documenting the university’s development since the 13th century.
- Scottish Business Archive: More than 400 collections covering Scottish business and economic history.
- Art and Literature Collections: Resources relating to visual arts, literature and cultural history.
- Performing Arts Collections: Historical materials supporting research into music, theatre and performance.
Applicants should identify specific collections or individual items relevant to their proposed research and include catalogue references or links in their applications.
5. Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the official University of Glasgow Library online application form.
Applicants will be required to provide the following information:
1. Personal and Institutional Details
Provide your first name, surname, institution and contact email address.
2. Research Proposal
Submit a research proposal of between 500 and 1,000 words, subject to a maximum character limit of 6,000 characters.
The proposal should explain the research project’s objectives, scope and academic significance. Applicants must also demonstrate why the University of Glasgow’s collections are important to the proposed research.
3. Relevant Collections
Identify the library collections, archival materials or specific items that will support your research. Include relevant references and catalogue links where available.
4. Public Engagement
Explain any potential public engagement opportunities arising from the research, such as presentations, lectures, exhibitions or other activities.
5. Research Budget
Provide an estimated budget in pounds sterling (£), outlining anticipated travel, accommodation, subsistence and other eligible research expenses. The maximum award is £2,500.
6. Curriculum Vitae
Upload a brief CV in PDF format. The file must follow the naming convention: Surname_CV.pdf.
6. Selection and Fellowship Expectations
Applications will be assessed through a competitive peer-review process involving a panel of University of Glasgow academics.
Successful applicants will be expected to undertake their research visits during 2027 and acknowledge the fellowship in publications arising from their funded research.
Fellows must also submit a short report of their research findings for possible publication on the University Library website or through other university publications.
Applicants are expected to notify the university of their acceptance of the travel policy and comply with its requirements when arranging and claiming expenses.
7. Application Deadline and How to Apply
The closing date for the University of Glasgow Library Visiting Research Fellowships 2027 is 5 January 2027.
Interested researchers should:
- Review the university’s research collections and identify relevant materials.
- Prepare a research proposal of 500–1,000 words.
- Identify the specific collections supporting the project.
- Prepare a realistic budget of up to £2,500.
- Update their CV and save it as a PDF.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
- Read the privacy notice and travel policy before submitting the application.
Applicants are expected to be notified of the selection decisions by the end of January 2027.
Researchers interested in archival studies, history, literature, business history and interdisciplinary scholarship are encouraged to explore this opportunity.
