The Centre for Book Cultures and Publishing of the University of Reading welcomes proposals from suitably qualified applicants for the Newton International Fellowships scheme (deadline: 16 March 2022). The Scheme aims to attract the most promising early career postdoctoral researchers from overseas in the fields of natural sciences, physical sciences, medical sciences, social sciences and the humanities.

The Centre welcomes applications based on projects exploring the history and business of publishing (the Anglosphere, France and la francophonie, Spain and Latin America, Italy, German & Austrian publishing), translation, typography.

A direct link with the University of Reading’s world-leading Special Collections would be an advantage.

Aims

The aims of the Newton International Fellowships scheme are to:

  • Support the development and training of postdoctoral researchers at an early stage of their career from any country outside the UK, by providing an opportunity to work at a UK research institution for two years.
  • Ensure the best postdoctoral researchers across all relevant disciplines from around the world are supported in the UK.
  • Foster long-term relations between NewtonInternational Fellows and the UK research base through the establishment of an alumni programme for former Fellows of this scheme.

Eligibility requirements

The applicant must:

  • Have a PhD, or applicants in the final stages of their PhD will be accepted provided that the PhD will be completed (including viva) before the start date of the Fellowship. Confirmation of award of the PhD will be required before any Fellowship award is confirmed
  • Applicants should have no more than 7 years of active full time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (discounting career breaks, but including teaching experience and/or time spent in industry)
  • Be working outside the UK
  • Not hold UK citizenship
  • Be competent in oral and written English
  • Have a clearly defined and mutually-beneficial research proposal agreed with a UK host researcher.

Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes.

Value and duration

Newton International Fellowships last for two years. Funding consists of £30,000 per annum for subsistence costs, and up to £8,000 per annum research expenses, as well as a one-off payment of up to £3,500 for relocation expenses. Awards include a contribution to the overheads incurred, at a rate of 50% of the total award to the visiting researcher. Applicants may also be eligible to receive follow on Alumni funding following the tenure of their Fellowship to support networking activities with UK-based researchers.

Application process

Actions for applicants due by 16 February 2022 at the latest:

Applicants should submit expressions of interest to Nicola Wilson (n.l.wilson@reading.ac.uk) and Daniela La Penna (d.lapenna@reading.ac.uk )

Expressions of interest should include:

  • a suggested University of Reading host researcher
  • your CV and publication list
  • a paragraph describing adherence to eligibility criteria
  • list of referees as required by the scheme
  • a 100-word abstract
  • a brief outline (2 pages maximum) of the research proposal, including intended publications and how the proposed research mutually benefits the Centre and researcher.