Visiting Research Fellows

Visiting Research Fellowship

Visiting Research Fellowships (VRFs) within the Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences offer scholars the opportunity to pursue a focused programme of research while engaging with Keele’s academic community. The scheme is intended for researchers who wish to work on a clearly defined project and make a meaningful contribution to the Faculty’s vibrant research environment.

VRFs may be held for periods of up to one year (in the first instance) and are open to researchers from other institutions as well as independent scholars. Fellows are encouraged to take part in seminars, workshops and other academic activities, and to develop research that aligns with the Faculty’s strategic priorities.

We greatly value the contribution that Visiting Research Fellows make to Keele’s research community and warmly welcome enquiries from scholars interested in developing research collaborations with our academics.

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences brings together a diverse community of researchers working across three Schools and a broad range of disciplines. Our research contributes to advancing knowledge, enriching culture and society, fostering equality and social justice, encouraging critical thinking and creativity, and addressing some of the most pressing social and global challenges.

The Keele Institute for Social Inclusion (KISI), hosted within the Faculty, is an interdisciplinary and cross-faculty hub supporting research collaboration and knowledge exchange at both international and national levels. It provides a focal point for innovative scholarship and practice.

Honorary and Visiting Fellowships

The Faculty awards Honorary and Visiting Fellowships to individuals of notable academic standing who will be associated with the Faculty (but not employed by it) and who will contribute meaningfully to its research culture. Visiting Research Fellows form an important part of this community, bringing external expertise, new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.

Eligibility and Suitable Applicants

Applications are welcomed from:

Scholars from other universities or research institutes
Independent researchers with an established track record
Researchers with a clearly defined project that aligns with the Faculty’s research themes and strengths
The scheme is not intended for individuals seeking work experience, general exposure to the UK higher education system, or supervision towards a formal qualification

Expectations of Fellows

Visiting Research Fellows are encouraged to:

Work on an agreed programme of research
Engage actively in seminars, workshops and research events
Contribute to the research culture of their host School
Collaborate with Faculty staff where appropriate
Acknowledge Keele University in relevant outputs

Fellows will not be employed by the University and are not expected to undertake teaching or administrative duties.

Affiliation

Applicants may request affiliation with any of the Schools within the Faculty:

Our Schools and academic disciplines

A diverse school comprising history, philosophy, literature, English, sociology, politics, criminology, international relations, education, and the creative arts. The School provides critical insights into culture, society, heritage, communication and human behaviour, while addressing pressing global challenges through both historical and contemporary perspectives and giving all students the opportunity for work-based learning through placements.

Specialising in business studies, management, accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and economics, with a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable business practice. The School also plays a key role in supporting regional economies through research, partnerships, and knowledge exchange, helping to strengthen local innovation, enterprise, and community development while maintaining a global perspective.

Offering comprehensive legal education and research, underpinned by a commitment to justice, ethics, and professional excellence. The School maintains strong links with the legal profession and the wider community through initiatives such as CLOCK (Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele) and the provision of Legal Advice Clinics as part of the Keele in Town project. These initiatives enhance access to justice while providing students with practical, community-based experience in real-world legal environments.

A fee of £150 per month is payable to Keele University for the duration of your visit. Visits of periods shorter than one month are considered and charged at £150. The fee is payable, for the whole period of your visit, prior to your visit commencing.

The fee entitles the Scholar to:

A Keele Card, which enables access to University staff and student facilities such as the library;
A workspace which will be provided within the faculty; alternatively, Fellows are entitled to use space within the University library;
A Keele University email address;
Contact with your Keele University Sponsor, who will be a member of the HUMSS Faculty Academic staff;
Opportunities to host a seminar within the Faculty and present research findings to staff and students before the visit ends

Please complete the following Visiting Research Fellowship application form.

Please also send a copy of your CV to blhumss.research@keele.ac.uk to complete your application.

Applications will be considered by the School Director for Research, Head of School, and Faculty Research Dean.

The outcome of your application will be communicated via email.

If your application is successful, you may be required to apply for an Academic or Business Visitor Visa.

Details of eligibility requirements and the application process can be found on the Home Office website.

University living accommodation is limited, particularly for periods of less than one semester. The accommodation office at Keele University may be able to provide advice on where to find appropriate private accommodation or reasonable bed-and-breakfast hotels, however responsibility for arranging accommodation will lie with the Visiting Research Fellow.

Accommodation Office contact details

Keele University is committed to looking after your data.

Keele University will process your data for the purposes of reviewing your Visiting Research Fellow application.

You have a number of rights with respect to your personal data, including the right to object and to complain.

Please see www.keele.ac.uk/informationgovernance for more details, or contact the Faculty Research Office at blhumss.research@keele.ac.uk.