Part of the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, the Institute of Commonwealth Studies sits at the crossroads of research, policy, human rights practice and international relations.

Our vision is that people around the world, including throughout the modern Commonwealth, live in societies grounded in democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Institute works towards this vision by:

• Facilitating open discussion and knowledge exchange on global challenges;
• Supporting academic institutions, individual scholars, and civil society generally within the Commonwealth and globally;
• Engaging with Commonwealth stakeholders, including its Member States, for the promotion of multilateral solutions to shared problems; and
• Offering ground-breaking education on these themes at diploma, masters and doctoral level.

The Institute strives to achieve its mission through a culture of integrity, professionalism, inclusion, diversity, innovation and collaboration.

INTRODUCTION

The Associate Research Fellowship Programme at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICWS), part of the School of Advanced Study, University of London, offers professional affiliation to researchers and practitioners committed to advancing scholarship and practice related to Commonwealth issues.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals with a demonstrable track record in teaching, research, or professional engagement that aligns with the Institute’s mission. Fellows contribute to the Institute’s academic programmes, policy dialogue, civil society engagement, and broader research community. This affiliation is particularly suited to those working in the areas of research aligned with one or more of the Institute’s key research clusters: 

• Strengthening the rule of law for human rights and development
• Promoting the rights of minorities, Indigenous peoples and stateless persons
• Supporting environmental justice and combatting climate breakdown
• Defending multilateralism and international law

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To apply for Associate Research Fellowship with ICWS, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD from a recognised institution (UK or international) in a discipline relevant to the Commonwealth, or possess equivalent academic, professional, or policy-related experience, particularly in fields such as human rights, international development, governance, or other Commonwealth-focused areas
• Demonstrate high-quality teaching, research, or public engagement in areas relevant to Commonwealth studies

BENEFITS TO ASSOCIATE RESEARCH FELLOWS

• Formal affiliation with the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the University of London
• Membership of a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector community of Fellows
• Access to Senate House Library, which offers extensive resources to support their research. 
• Access to a University of London academic email address
• Opportunities to participate in ICwS seminars, conferences, and policy workshops
• Invitation to ICwS’s regular Fellows’ Meetings, fostering peer exchange and collaboration
• Listing in the SAS Directory of Research and Expertise
• Opportunities for public engagement and, where appropriate, guest teaching

APPLICATION PROCESS

Click on 'apply' to complete your application.

A full application must include:

• Completed ICWS Senior Research Fellowship Online Application Form
• Academic CV (maximum three pages)
• Detailed research proposal (including intended outputs and relevance to ICWS themes)
• Supporting Statements from at least two referees

Applications will be considered by the Academic Planning Committee, and applicants will be notified of the outcome within 1 month.

Further enquiries can be directed to the Institute Manager, Lesley Jones on lesley.jones@sas.ac.uk.