Bithell Fellowship in German Studies
The ILCS is delighted to be able to offer funding for a researcher in the field of German Studies wishing to spend three to six months in the Institute, its Library and Archives, during the academic year 2025-26. The Visiting Fellowship is sponsored by the Bithell Trust, set up in memory of Jethro Bithell and Alice Emily Bithell, generous donors to the Institute of Germanic Studies (forerunner of the ILCS). German Studies includes the literature, language and culture of the German-speaking countries.
The Fellowship is open to any applicant from the UK and overseas. Applicants should have completed their doctorate and have defended the dissertation by the time they take up the Fellowship. Preference will be given to candidates who have published at least one journal article and can demonstrate plans for further academic publications.
An award of up to £7,500 is available which is designed to provide a contribution to temporary living expenses whilst in London and/or enable those in employment to take leave to further their studies.
Visiting Fellows and Scholars currently based at the Institute
Tenure
The Fellowship is tenable for a three to six month-period between 1 October 2025 and 31 July 2026. Extensions to the original period of the Fellowship may be possible but are subject to the same terms and will not attract any additional financial support beyond the amount originally offered.
What the Institute Offers
The Institute offers shared office accommodation with wifi, internet/email, photocopying facilities, and access to the Institute's Germanic Studies Library and archives, the Senate House Library, and the libraries of other Institutes within the School of Advanced Study. Visiting Fellows are offered free access to the Institute's events and are expected to participate as much as possible in the intellectual life of the Institute.
What Visiting Fellows Do
Visiting Fellows contribute to and enhance the scholarly activity of the Institute and the School of Advanced Study. In addition to presenting current work as a seminar or as part of a larger conference or workshop, Fellows are invited to organise an event either during or resulting from their stay, or otherwise contribute to the work of the Institute. Fellows are also invited to place a recent, normally unpublished, piece of work in our open-access repository, SAS-Space, and to contribute to the Institute's blog. Publications resulting from research conducted during the tenure of the Fellowship must acknowledge the Institute and, where appropriate, a copy should be deposited in the Germanic Studies Library or with the Institute. At the conclusion of their stay, Fellows are required to write a short report on the progress they have made in their research.
Financial Arrangements
The award made is intended to contribute to the costs of accommodation during the Fellow’s stay in London. Payment is made direct to the award holder’s bank account in two instalments, the first at the beginning of the tenure of the Fellowship, the second halfway through. Should the Fellow for any reason not take up the Fellowship, the funding must be immediately returned.
Accommodation
Living accommodation is not provided and Fellows should make their own arrangements. A list of hotels and guest houses is on our website, and the University of London Accommodation office may be able to assist.
Visas
Fellows that do not have the right to reside and/or study in the UK will require a visa and must ascertain what category of visa is most suitable for them. You may be eligible to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which permits academics to visit for research purposes for periods of not more than six months.
Applicants should submit the application form by the closing date stated together with
• a statement detailing your research project and intended outputs (no longer than 1,500 words)
• a statement outlining the ways in which you would contribute to the work of the Institute (500 words)
• a curriculum vitae (no longer than 2 pp)
• a publications list (not more than 2 pp)
• the Equality and Diversity form (optional)
and arrange for two academic references specific to the Fellowship application to be sent by email to reach [email protected] by the closing date. Please ensure that the subject line reads 'Bithell Visiting Fellowship Application 2025-26' and is followed by your family name.
Applicants can expect to be notified of the result of the competition by mid-July. Applicants are not called for interview.
Closing Date
The closing date for receipt of applications and references is 6 May 2025.
Application Form
Guidelines [PDF] | Application form [Fillable PDF] | Equality and Diversity form [Word]