University of Cambridge Peace, Conflict and Religion Fellowship 2027: Research Funding Opportunity for Early-Career Scholars

Overview

Early-career researchers can apply for a fellowship opportunity through the Cambridge Interfaith Programme at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. The initiative supports independent research projects exploring the intersections of religion, culture, peace, conflict, and political violence in contemporary societies, specifically focusing on the 1950s onwards. This is a competitive, two-stage process where candidates first undergo internal selection by the Cambridge programme and, if successful, receive support and matching funding from the Faculty of Divinity to apply for a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, subject to final selection by the Leverhulme Trust.

Who can apply

The opportunity is targeted at early-career researchers aiming to develop an independent research agenda, strengthen their academic profile, and contribute to interdisciplinary debates. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship scheme, including having submitted their PhD thesis for viva voce examination no earlier than 18 February 2023, or submitting it before 18 February 2027 if not yet submitted. Additionally, postdoctoral researchers without an existing connection to a UK higher education institution through current employment or previous study are not ordinarily eligible. Those who have not completed a PhD and cannot meet the thesis submission timeline are advised to look into doctoral study opportunities instead.

What you get

Successful candidates in the internal selection process receive support and matching funding from the Faculty of Divinity to apply for a three-year Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, pending final selection by the Leverhulme Trust.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application via email, consisting of specific documentation. The submission requires an academic CV of no more than two sides of A4 detailing academic background, research experience, publications, and achievements. It also requires a list of major publications restricted to one side of A4, organized under headings for in preparation, submitted, and published, as well as a statement of current and previous research.

Key dates

The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Applicants must have submitted their PhD thesis for viva voce examination no earlier than 18 February 2023, or must submit it before 18 February 2027.