The Liberation Collection Visiting Scholar Programme

Cambridge University Library is delighted to announce the launch of the Liberation Collection Visiting Scholar Programme. Generously supported by the Penchant Foundation, this new initiative will enable a Visiting Scholar to spend between two and four months undertaking research focused on the Chadwyck-Healey Liberation Collection held at Cambridge University Library. 

This programme is a collaboration between the University Library Research Institute and Clare Hall, a graduate college located at the heart of the University of Cambridge, renowned for its informal approach to college life and its international diversity. The maximum value of the scholarship is £6000 for UK-based applicants and £7000 for international applicants. Applications have now closed for the 2024 Visiting Scholarship.

Programme Details

The scholarship is available for between two and four months, depending on the nature of the research and the candidate’s preference.  

It includes a requirement to be resident in Cambridge for two months, to be undertaken in a single stint. This is to enable in-depth, in-person engagement with the Liberation Collection. During this period, the Visiting Scholar will be based at Cambridge University Library, where they will have access to the University Library’s physical collections and electronic resources. The awardee will also have access to the University of Cambridge’s Faculty and Departmental Libraries, and will be supported by Dr Irène Fabry-Tehranchi (French Specialist, Cambridge University Library), the University Library Research Institute and via membership of Clare Hall. 

The successful applicant will be required to showcase their findings via a series of posts for Cambridge University Library’s Languages across borders blog and to give a seminar in person at the conclusion of their research highlighting their findings to the research community. They must also be willing to be featured on the University Library Research Institute website. 

Timeline  

• Monday 22 January 2024, 10:00 AM (GMT): deadline for applications to be submitted  
• February 2024: applications are assessed 
• March 2024: award is announced 
• 1 May 2024 to 30 September 2024: scholar undertakes their project. 
• 17 June 2024: earliest date on which the Cambridge residency can start 
• 30 September 2024: latest date on which the Cambridge residency can end 

Eligibility  

Applications are welcome from postgraduate students, early career and experienced researchers who are not currently University of Cambridge staff or students. The minimum requirement for applicants is to have, or be working towards, a master's level degree, or to have equivalent experience. We particularly welcome proposals that are likely to result in new perspectives on the collection, and/or which use innovative methodologies. Full details of the selection process and terms and conditions can be found in the call guidelines.

Funding Available  

Funding is available to support the costs arising directly from the scholar’s research. The maximum amount that can be applied for is £6000 for UK-based applicants and £7000 for international applicants. Costs must be itemised (see application process). Full details of eligible costs can be found in the call guidelines.

Application Process  

Applications are welcome from postgraduate students, early career (including postdoctoral) researchers and experienced researchers. Applications must be made in English, with the exception of letters of support and references, which can be in English or French. 

Applications from postgraduate students and early career researchers should comprise a CV, research proposal and itemised budget, combined into a single PDF and submitted via email to researchdevelopment@lib.cam.ac.uk. A letter of support (from an individual who is familiar with your academic profile) should also be submitted as part of your application or emailed directly to researchdevelopment@lib.cam.ac.uk, by the author by the application deadline.  

Applications from experienced researchers should comprise a CV, publications list, personal statement, research proposal, itemised budget and details of three referees, combined into a single PDF and submitted via email to researchdevelopment@lib.cam.ac.uk. The references themselves can also be submitted as part of your application or emailed directly to researchdevelopment@lib.cam.ac.uk by the referees by the application deadline. Please find a downloadable template for academic references here.

Full details of the application documentation can be found in the call guidelines.