Leiden-Birmingham Strategic Collaboration Fund
The Leiden-Birmingham network initiative welcomes applications from colleagues from Leiden University and the University of Birmingham for a research stay at one of the two host institutions.
These fellowships, generously funded by the Birmingham-Leiden Strategic Collaboration Fund, are especially aimed at early career scholars (including PGRs and postdocs), but applications from senior colleagues will also be considered.
These research stays of preferably two to four weeks (shorter periods can be discussed) are intended to carry out a small project related to the theme “Connectivity between East and West” focused on material and manuscript cultures of the Southern Levant from 700 BCE to 700 CE. The application should outline research synergies with the respective host institution and focus areas of potential mentor(s). Examples include the archaeology and manuscript finds from the Dead Sea region in collaboration with Jürgen Zangenberg (Leiden University) and Charlotte Hempel (University of Birmingham) or an exploration of aspects of Byzantine material culture with Dan Reynolds (University of Birmingham) and Joanita Vroom (Leiden University). Other opportunities include the use and study of resources at the Cadbury Research Library in Birmingham or the National Museum of Antiquities, the Papyrological Institute and the Special Collections of the University Library in Leiden. We welcome a broad range of projects and collaborations!
This fellowship is fully funded (providing travel, accommodation, visa) and includes a small budget for a research and networking activity in form of a co-organized workshop, guest lecture or similar initiative organized by the fellow during the stay. The fellow is expected to reside in Leiden or Birmingham and actively participate in the host institution’s academic life. Facilities and benefits provided during the fellowship include use of library resources, office, teaching and conference space and opportunities to present research through guest lectures or printed publications.
The fellowship at the University of Birmingham needs to be taken up between January and July 2026. The fellowship at Leiden University can be awarded between January and December 2026.
Those interested in applying should submit a proposal of max. 500 words outlining their plans for the fellowship, including the topic, projected duration, and expected outputs. Expressions of interests should be submitted by filling in this form by December 31ft at noon. Applications will be considered by a committee, and final decisions will be communicated in January 2026.
For further information about these fellowships, please email Dr Miriam Müller[m.muller@hum.leidenuniv.nl] and Dr Leire Olabarria [L.Olabarria@bham.ac.uk]