Durham University has opened applications for the 2027 Sir William Luce Fellowship, a visiting research residency for scholars and experienced professionals working on the politics, society, economy, history and security of the Middle East and adjacent regions. The fellowship will run from 26 April to 25 June 2027 and includes travel, accommodation and meals for the selected fellow.
Key facts
- Applications are open for the 2027 Sir William Luce Fellowship at Durham University.
- The fellowship runs from 26 April to 25 June 2027 during Durham’s Easter term.
- Support includes travel to and from Durham, accommodation, all meals and access to university facilities.
- The deadline is Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
- Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars, academics, diplomats, politicians, business executives and other experienced researchers or practitioners.
What does this mean for researchers and applicants?
The fellowship gives an established researcher or practitioner time in Durham to develop a focused project, use specialist collections and participate in the university’s academic life. It is aimed at people whose work fits the programme’s regional scope, especially projects connected to the Gulf monarchies, Yemen, Iran, Sudan and South Sudan.
The residency also offers publication and lecture opportunities. The fellow is expected to deliver the 2027 Sir William Luce Lecture and produce a final paper for publication in the Durham Middle East Papers series.
Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to candidates working at postdoctoral or equivalent professional level. The list of eligible applicants includes academics, diplomats, politicians, business executives and other appropriately experienced researchers or practitioners. The call does not restrict eligibility to university staff alone.
Applicants are expected to show that their work is relevant to the fellowship’s geographic remit and that they have the expertise to contribute to the programme’s research environment.
What research areas does the fellowship support?
The fellowship focuses on regions associated with Sir William Luce’s career, including the Gulf monarchies, Yemen, Iran, Sudan and South Sudan. Durham says it is particularly interested in proposals that offer fresh perspectives on political, social, economic or security issues in those places.
The programme welcomes both historical and contemporary research. It also highlights Durham’s Middle East and Gulf collections, as well as the Sudan Archive, as relevant resources for successful applicants.
What support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship covers travel to and from Durham, accommodation, all meals and access to Durham University facilities, including research collections and libraries. The memorial fund may also provide limited additional support to consult Sir William Luce papers at the University of Exeter’s Gulf Studies Centre.
In addition, the fellow receives a £1,000 honorarium after submitting the final paper for publication.
How does the residency work in Durham?
The fellowship is hosted jointly by the Institute for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies and Trevelyan College. The selected fellow is expected to take part in the intellectual and collegiate life of the university, including research discussions, seminars, meetings with specialists and college activities.
Durham says the role is designed as an active research residency rather than a private writing retreat, with engagement across the institute and college central to the experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PhD required?
No specific PhD requirement is stated in the call. The fellowship is aimed at people working at postdoctoral or equivalent professional level, and the eligibility list also includes experienced diplomats, politicians and business executives.
What must applicants submit?
Applicants must provide a CV of no more than two pages, a two- to three-page research proposal and contact details for two referees. Applications should preferably be emailed to luce.fund@durham.ac.uk.
