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Virtual Visiting Fellowships Programme 2027

We are delighted to invite applications for the Heritage Institute's Virtual Visiting Fellowship Programme 2027

This prestigious programme offers a limited number of funded fellowships for researchers seeking to advance innovative, interdisciplinary research in heritage related studies. Fellows will join a dynamic international community of scholars investigating how heritage shapes, and is shaped by, the major social, cultural, political, and environmental challenges of our time.

Applications are invited from early career researchers at select partner universities and institutions for the 2027 cohort, with submissions accepted until Friday, 18th October 2026. Fellowships will commence in February 2027 and will run for a period of three to six months.

Programme benefits

  • One-to-one research mentoring from experienced researchers with tailored support in heritage research, analytical approaches and interpretation.
  • Access to specialist training and online research resources, including GIS, Photogrammetry, AutoCAD and visualisation (3D Max), 3D scanning, fieldwork techniques, and documentation methods.
  • Project support funding of up to £1,000 to contribute to eligible project-related expenses (subject to university financial governance and payment restrictions in some countries).

Programme opportunities

  • Professional profile enhancement through international academic engagement, skills development, and opportunities for future research collaboration.
  • International research partnership growth through dedicated virtual collaboration with University of Liverpool academics, mentors, research teams and the 2027 virtual visiting fellows cohort, creating opportunities for future joint research and funding.
  • Global academic network building through engagement with the University of Liverpool's heritage research community, fostering interdisciplinary exchange, knowledge sharing, and lasting academic connections.

Guidance for applicants

The essentials

  • Fellowship start date: Monday 1st February 2027
  • Duration: 3-6 months
  • Location: 100% online, travel to the UK is not required
  • Funding: covers expenses up to £1000 per fellow
  • Application deadline: Friday 18th October 2026

Our research priorities

The Heritage Institute is a catalyst for ambitious, inclusive, and interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing questions about how heritage shapes, and is shaped by, the contemporary world. We understand heritage as a dynamic political, cultural, and social force with the potential to challenge inequality, foster critical innovation, and drive meaningful change.

Our vision is to harness heritage research to advance social and environmental justice, strengthen cultural resilience, and generate impactful knowledge for the future. 

Applicants' research proposals should align with at least one of the Heritage Institute's key research pillars.

We are particularly interested in supporting proposals that:

  • develop new methodologies for generating and measuring social, cultural and heritage value
  • advance Digital Heritage, Data and Creative Innovation
  • examine climate–heritage intersections and the role of heritage in resilience and sustainable development
  • explore trade and oceanic/land heritage, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Peninsula
  • investigate the histories, experiences and enduring legacies of slavery, human trafficking and other forms of unfree labour, including how these are remembered, contested and addressed through heritage, justice and repair
  • explore the impacts of war and conflict on migration and displacement, including the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, and how these are interpreted and preserved through heritage, memory and cultural practice
  • promote community engagement in the identification, management and contestation of living heritage
  • contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • embed collaboration with government, policy-makers and other stakeholders, delivering clear benefits for communities
  • demonstrate tangible outcomes that help shape and improve lives.

Example research projects

Previous virtual visiting fellowships have delivered a diverse range of research projects in previous years.

You can discover the breadth of work made possible by the programme here.

Eligibility criteria

The Heritage Institute welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds and research specialisms within the field of heritage. Before applying, please ensure you meet with the following eligibility criteria:

  • be an early or mid-career stage researcher
  • hold a PhD or demonstrate equivalent post-doctoral research experience
  • be working within the field of heritage
  • be based at one of the partner institutions listed below or an institution with     established   links to the University of Liverpool
  • not be currently undertaking PhD study.

Partner institutions

  • American University in Cairo, Egypt
  • Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
  • Ecole Nationale d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme de Tunis, Tunisia
  • Mysore School of Architecture, India
  • National Institute of Advanced Studies, India
  • University of Ghana
  • University of Lagos, Nigeria
  • Yarmouk Private University, Syria
  • International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of
  • Cultural Property (ICCROM)
  • The Aga Khan Trust for Culture
  • ICOMOS

How to apply

Step 1 – Consider the research project you intend to undertake and the objectives you hope to achieve through the Fellowship.

Step 2 – Identify & approach a potential collaborator or mentor at University of Liverpool to establish whether they will support your application and provide mentorship for the duration of the project.

Step 3 – Prepare a project proposal that clearly describes the research to be conducted, including its background, aims, methodology, intended outcomes and proposed publication output.

The proposal should also explain how the Fellowship and resulting publication will enhance your career development, create value for both you and your institution, enrich the wider academic community at the University of Liverpool, and support longer-term research plans beyond the Fellowship period, for example through future collaborations and funding applications.

All proposals must demonstrate a strong heritage focus, please refer to the guidance provided under ‘Our Research Priorities’.

Step 4 – Secure a statement of support from your proposed University of Liverpool mentor.

Step 5 – Secure a statement of support from your home institution. This should comment on your standing within your field, the quality and impact of your work, and the merit of your proposed research project. It should also outline how participation in the Fellowship would benefit both you and the wider University of Liverpool academic community.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with their home institution in advance to ensure they have the necessary support and time to undertake the Fellowship.

Step 6 – Produce a brief academic CV, including details of your research interests, professional experience, and principal publications to date. (Maximum two pages plus an additional page for publications).

Step 7 - Fill in the online application form & supply your supporting documents here.

Questions or issues

If you have any general questions about the fellowships or experience any difficulties with the online application form, please contact Penelope Arqué, Programme Manager, Virtual Visiting Fellowships at heritage@liverpool.ac.uk

Application check list

Before completing the online application form please ensure you have all the following components ready to submit or we may not be able to accept your application:

  • an overview of your proposed research project highlighting key objectives and outputs (maximum 250 words)
  •  a detailed research project proposal (maximum 700 words)
  •  a statement of support from your proposed University of Liverpool academic mentor (maximum 700 words)
  •   a statement of support from your home institution (maximum 700 words)
  •   a brief CV/resume and list of key publications to date.

Mentoring opportunities

Help shape the future of international research

The Heritage Institute is seeking experienced academics to become mentors for its Virtual Visiting Fellowships Programme.

This rewarding opportunity provides a platform to share your research expertise and support the professional development of emerging scholars from diverse international backgrounds. Through mentorship, you will assist fellows in strengthening their research capabilities, broadening their professional networks, and achieving their academic objectives.

Mentoring offers a meaningful way to give back to the academic community while building valuable international connections and helping to shape the next generation of research leaders.

If you would like to learn more about the role and what is involved, please contact Penelope Arqué, Programme Manager, Virtual Visiting Fellowships at heritage@liverpool.ac.uk for further information and to register your expression of interest.