The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford have opened applications for the Bodleian Visiting Fellowships in Special Collections for the 2027–28 fellowship year. The deadline for applications is 27 November 2026, at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

The fellowships support research based on the archival, manuscript, and printed book collections of the Bodleian Libraries. Researchers from outside the University of Oxford are invited to pursue their own research projects using these special collections, which are held at the Weston Library in Oxford.

Research visits must last at least one month. During their visits, fellows may be invited to present their work in progress, formally or informally, at the University or the Bodleian Libraries. They are also encouraged to consider publishing their findings in the Bodleian Library Record.

Applicants must complete the online application form and email it to fellowships@bodleian.ox.ac.uk before the stated deadline. Applications must include a curriculum vitae of no more than three pages, a project description of up to 1,200 words, and two letters of recommendation tailored to the proposed research visit. The project description should explain the significance of the research, how access to the Bodleian’s Special Collections will advance the project, the intended outputs, plans for engagement with the research community, and a detailed list of the specific materials to be consulted.

The fellowships are open to independent and academically affiliated researchers undertaking postdoctoral-level research, including those employed by libraries, museums, archives, and other institutions holding collections. Current doctoral students must have submitted their theses before the application deadline and must have been awarded their doctorates before taking up the fellowship. In most cases, priority is given to applicants residing outside Oxford and those who have not recently completed a degree at the University of Oxford.

One of the available research opportunities is the Bahari Visiting Fellowship in the Persian Arts of the Book, which supports research using the Bodleian’s Persian and Islamic Collections. Basic catalogue records for a large part of the Bodleian’s Islamic manuscript collections are available through the Fihrist Website.

Applicants for this fellowship must also submit an article-length sample of their written work alongside the application form and other required documents.

Link:

https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/csb/fellowships/bodleian-visiting-fellowships