Sylvia Naish Fellowships and Scholarships in Germanic Studies
Endowed by a generous bequest from the estate of Sylvia Naish, up to two Fellowships or Scholarships are offered annually for research into any area of German language and literature at the ILCS and its Germanic Studies Library and Archives. The awards are designed to assist scholars by providing a contribution to temporary living expenses in London, or enabling those in employment to take leave to further their research. Fellowships/Scholarships should not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
Sylvia Naish Fellowships
Sylvia Naish Research Fellowships provide funding of up to £2,500 and are open to post-doctoral applicants domiciled in the UK or abroad, who wish to spend a minimum of one month at the Institute. Preference will be given to applicants who have a strong publications record.
Visiting Fellows and Scholars currently based at the Institute
Sylvia Naish Scholarships
Sylvia Naish Scholarships provide funding of up to £2,500, and are available to research students in their second or third year who are registered for a doctoral degree in the field of Germanic Studies at a university in the UK or abroad, and who wish to spend a minimum of one month at the Institute.
Visiting Fellows and Scholars currently based at the Institute
Tenure
The Fellowship and Scholarship are tenable for the period stated 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, the Senate House Library, and the libraries of other Institutes within the School of Advanced Study. Fellows/Scholars 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/Scholars Do
Fellows/Scholars 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/Scholars are invited to organise an event either during or resulting from their stay, or otherwise contribute to the work of the Institute. Fellows/Scholars 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 Director. At the conclusion of their stay, Fellows/Scholars are asked to write a short report on the progress they have made in their research.
Financial Arrangements
The awards made are intended to contribute to the costs of accommodation during the Fellow’s/Scholar’s stay in London. Payment is made direct to the award holder’s bank account at the beginning of the tenure of the Fellowship. Should the Fellow/Scholar for any reason not take up the Fellowship/Scholarship, the funding must be immediately returned.
Accommodation
Living accommodation is not provided and Fellows/Scholars should make their own arrangements. A list of hotels and guest houses is on our website, and the University of London Accommodation office may also 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.
Method of Application
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/Scholarship application to be sent by email to reach jane.lewin@sas.ac.uk by the closing date. Please ensure that the subject line reads 'Naish Visiting Fellowship/Scholarship Application 2025-26'.
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 for the 2025-26 round is 6 May 2025.
Application Form
Guidelines [PDF] | Application form [PDF] | Equality and Diversity form [Word]