Sir William Luce Fellowships 2027 in UK | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the 2027 Sir William Luce Fellowship. Durham University’s Institute for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies hosts this award. The fellowship honors Sir William Luce’s distinguished diplomatic career and legacy. Scholars, diplomats, and business executives may all apply for this opportunity. Research focuses specifically on Sudan, Yemen, Iran, and Gulf monarchies. The fellowship runs during Durham’s Easter term, April through June 2027.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: Durham University, Institute for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies
• College Affiliation: Trevelyan College, Durham
• Duration: Two months, April 26 to June 25, 2027
• Honorarium: £1,000, paid upon publication submission
• Application Deadline: October 7, 2026

Focus Areas

• Political, social, and economic issues in Sudan and South Sudan
• Gulf monarchies, Yemen, and Iranian affairs
• Historical or contemporary security dynamics regionally
• Middle Eastern and Islamic studies broadly

About the Fellowship

This fellowship honors regions where Sir William Luce dedicated his career. Past fellows have included respected diplomats, academics, and regional specialists. The fellow engages directly with Durham’s exceptional Middle East research resources. This includes the renowned Sudan Archive and extensive MENA documentary collections.

Limited funding also supports visits to Luce’s papers at Exeter University. Throughout the residency, fellows actively participate in the Institute’s academic life.

What the Fellowship Covers

The fellowship covers all travel costs to and from Durham. Accommodation and meals are fully covered throughout the two-month residency. Fellows typically reside at Trevelyan College during their time in Durham. They gain full access to university libraries and computing facilities. Fellows are encouraged to participate actively in college life broadly. This might include delivering an informal seminar to students and fellow academics.

What Fellows Will Produce

Each fellow delivers the annual Sir William Luce Lecture based on their research. This lecture is later published within the Durham Middle East Papers series. Upon submitting their final paper, fellows receive a modest honorarium. This creates a lasting scholarly contribution beyond the residency period itself.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars, diplomats, and business executives alike. Academic and non-academic backgrounds are equally welcome for this fellowship. Applicants should demonstrate genuine expertise relevant to the covered regions.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a two-page CV alongside their fellowship application. A two-to-three-page research proposal outline is also required. Additionally, applicants provide contact details for two academic or professional referees.

How to Apply

Send your complete application via email before the October deadline. Submit materials to #339966;">#339966;" href="mailto:luce.fund@durham.ac.uk">luce.fund@durham.ac.uk directly.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/school-government-international-affairs/research/fellowships/william-luce-fellowship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers a distinguished, fully supported research residency for scholars and practitioners specializing in a historically significant Middle Eastern region. Its blend of prestigious archival access and a public lecture platform makes it especially valuable for those building expertise in Gulf and Sudanese affairs.

Given the Committee’s discretion in selecting a fellow each year, applicants should submit a clearly focused research proposal well before the October 7 deadline.

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