Applications for the Institute of Advanced Studies flagship Residential Fellowship programme more than quadrupled for the 2026/2027 academic year.

For the third year running, application numbers have increased for the Residential Fellowship programme. The IAS Residential Fellowship programme offers outstanding international researchers the opportunity to undertake a month-long research residency at Loughborough University. Open to scholars from all disciplines and career stages, the programme is designed to bring leading international researchers into the University’s vibrant research community to develop new collaborations, exchange ideas and explore innovative research directions through interdisciplinary research.

Since Professor Songchun Moon arrived as the Institute’s first Residential Fellow from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in October 2022, the Institute of Advanced Studies has hosted 47 Residential Fellows from 22 different countries from every continent except Antarctica. This has resulted in fellows spending a combined total of 1,733 days in residence at Loughborough University. To date, the IAS has hosted Residential Fellows from world leading academic institutions like UC Berkley and Monash University as well as from corporations such as Google and British Embassy Kathmandu.

This year, the IAS received over 300 applications for the 2026/2027 residency coming from 67 countries, up from 69 applications in the previous year. Each year, the IAS appoints 10 to 15 Residential Fellows, who, during their residency, collaborate with Loughborough academics and expand their Loughborough networks on both campuses, helping to foster meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the Fellowship period. This leads to lasting legacy through joint publications, collaborative funding applications and future research projects, creating an enduring impact of international scholarly exchange.

Reflecting on the continued success of the Residential Fellowship Programme, the Director of the IAS Professor Ksenia Chmutina states:

“It’s really exciting to see our IAS being recognised as a destination for Residential Fellowships – it is attracting academics from all disciplines and from all around the world! This is only possible thanks to the wonderful and meaningful research that our colleagues do and the support that the IAS receives from the University. It’s wonderful to see our international community grow – and we look forward to welcoming the new cohort of 15 Residential Fellows to Loughborough.”

The sharp rise in applications reflects the growing international reputation of both Loughborough University and the Institute of Advanced Studies and its Residential Fellowship programme.

A map showing the global outreach of the Loughborough Institute of Advanced Studies Residential Fellowship Programme.

Dr Maali D. Alshamarri reflected on her Residential Fellowship in July 2025 by stating: “My time as a Residential Fellow… was a rewarding opportunity to step beyond institutional boundaries and engage with a vibrant, interdisciplinary academic community.”

As a result of the competitive application process, the Institute looks forward to welcoming 15 Residential Fellows in the 2026/2027 academic year. For more information on the Residential Fellowship programme, including how to apply for the 2027/2028 academic year, as well as other opportunities, please visit the IAS website using the button below.

Will Norriss – IAS Doctoral Leader