Deadline: May 15, 2026
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded 12-month research fellowship in the United Kingdom designed for mid-career professionals and researchers from specific British Overseas Territories. The programme is hosted by the British Library and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for scholars and professionals to conduct in-depth research using the British Library’s extensive collections related to the Caribbean and Atlantic British Overseas Territories. Participants will also contribute to improving access to cultural heritage materials connected to these territories while collaborating with experts and scholars in the UK.
Through this programme, the selected fellow will gain valuable research experience, expand their professional network, and contribute meaningfully to scholarship and cultural preservation related to the Overseas Territories.
About the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is designed to support researchers with strong expertise in the history, culture, heritage, or society of British Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean and Atlantic regions.
The fellow will be hosted within the Eccles Institute for the Americas and Oceania at the British Library. This institute focuses on supporting research relating to the Americas and Oceania and provides scholars with access to rare archival materials, books, manuscripts, and other research collections.
During the fellowship year, the selected fellow will collaborate with various teams within the British Library to explore and highlight materials relating to the Overseas Territories. The programme aims to enhance the visibility and understanding of these territories within the Library’s collections and public engagement activities.
This unique fellowship also promotes cultural exchange, scholarly collaboration, and knowledge sharing between the fellow’s home territory and the United Kingdom.
Fellowship Duration
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship runs for a full year, allowing the selected fellow to undertake a comprehensive research project and participate in a variety of academic and public-engagement activities.
Key timeline details include:
- Programme length: 12 months
- Expected start date: January 2027
- Expected completion: December 2027 or January 2028
During this period, the fellow will be based primarily at the British Library in London and will have access to its world-class collections, research infrastructure, and professional networks.
Fellowship Activities and Responsibilities
The fellow selected for the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship will undertake a series of academic and professional activities throughout the programme.
These activities are designed to produce valuable research outputs while also contributing to the British Library’s ongoing work in documenting and presenting cultural heritage related to the Overseas Territories.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting Independent Research
The fellow will design and carry out an original research project related to one or more British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean and Atlantic. The research will draw on the British Library’s extensive collections, which include historical records, books, archives, newspapers, and digital materials.
Producing a Collection Guide
One of the major outputs of the fellowship will be the creation of a collection guide that highlights relevant British Library holdings connected to the British Overseas Territories or to a specific territory.
This guide will help researchers, students, and historians better navigate the Library’s resources and locate relevant materials.
Writing Research Blog Posts
The fellow will produce two blog posts based on their research findings. These articles will be published on the British Library’s research platforms and will aim to communicate insights from the project to a wider audience.
Delivering Presentations
Public engagement is an important component of the fellowship. The selected fellow will deliver two presentations, including:
- A Researcher Packed Lunch presentation for British Library staff
- A Summer Scholars presentation designed for public audiences
These presentations will allow the fellow to share their research and contribute to discussions about the cultural and historical significance of the Overseas Territories.
Producing a Cultural Landscape Report
Another important output will be a report examining the cultural and educational landscape of the British Overseas Territories. This report will provide insights into current heritage practices, research priorities, and opportunities for future collaboration.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is a fully funded programme, meaning that all major expenses associated with the fellowship are covered.
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package of benefits that allows them to focus fully on their research and professional development.
The benefits include:
Monthly Living Allowance
The fellowship provides financial support to cover living expenses during the fellow’s stay in the United Kingdom.
Return International Travel
The programme includes return economy airfare to the UK from the fellow’s home territory at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
Project Funding
Up to £1,000 is available for approved research and project expenses associated with the fellowship.
Professional Development Opportunities
Fellows will have access to professional development resources, workshops, and networking opportunities within the British Library and the wider Chevening community.
Access to Rare Research Collections
Participants will gain access to the extensive holdings of the British Library, including rare manuscripts, historical archives, books, newspapers, and digital resources related to the Caribbean and Atlantic regions.
Global Recognition
Being selected for the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship places fellows within the prestigious Chevening network of global leaders and scholars.
Eligible British Overseas Territories
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the following British Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean and Atlantic regions:
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Montserrat
- St Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Applicants must demonstrate strong knowledge of the history, heritage, or culture of at least one of these territories.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
These criteria ensure that the fellowship is awarded to candidates with strong academic backgrounds and demonstrated professional experience.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the eligible British Overseas Territories listed above.
Academic Qualification
Candidates should hold a postgraduate qualification or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
Professional or Research Experience
Applicants must have at least five years of professional or academic research experience.
Current Professional Engagement
Candidates should be currently employed or enrolled in a PhD programme outside the UK, EU, or USA.
Research and Communication Skills
Applicants must demonstrate excellent research, writing, and communication abilities, as these skills are essential for producing high-quality fellowship outputs.
Leadership Potential
As with all Chevening programmes, applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing positively to their home territories after the fellowship.
Commitment to Return Home
Successful applicants are expected to return to their home territory after completing the fellowship in order to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the programme.
Research Focus of the Fellowship
A major aim of the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is to improve how the British Library documents and presents materials related to the Overseas Territories.
The fellowship encourages research that explores themes such as:
- Cultural heritage and historical archives
- Representation of the territories in global collections
- Identification of overlooked or under-documented materials
- Historical connections between the territories and the United Kingdom
- Strategies for improving access to archival resources
By focusing on these themes, the fellowship helps strengthen understanding of the Caribbean and Atlantic territories and ensures their histories are better represented within global research collections.
Important Note for International Applicants
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship is a specialised programme designed exclusively for citizens of the listed British Overseas Territories.
As a result, applicants from other countries, including those outside the territories, are not eligible to apply for this specific fellowship.
However, the broader Chevening programme offers many other scholarships and fellowships open to applicants from different countries around the world.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship plays an important role in preserving and promoting the heritage of British Overseas Territories.
Through research, public engagement, and scholarly collaboration, the fellowship contributes to:
- Improving documentation of cultural and historical materials
- Strengthening connections between researchers and global institutions
- Increasing awareness of the heritage of the Caribbean and Atlantic territories
- Supporting academic research and knowledge exchange
For scholars and professionals from these territories, the programme provides a rare opportunity to work at one of the world’s most respected research libraries while contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship must be submitted before:
15 May 2026 (12:00 UTC)
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their research proposals and supporting documents well in advance to ensure a strong submission.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Chevening fellowship platform.
Use the links below to access the official information and begin your application process.
Final Thoughts
The Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for researchers and professionals who are passionate about preserving and exploring the cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Atlantic British Overseas Territories.
With full financial support, access to world-class research collections, and the opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars, the fellowship offers a powerful platform for advancing research while strengthening international cultural connections.
Professionals from eligible territories who have a strong research background and a commitment to heritage preservation are strongly encouraged to apply for the Chevening Overseas Territories in the Atlantic and Caribbean British Library Fellowship before the deadline.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
