Call for Expressions of Interest – British Academy International Fellowships at the Royal Northern College of Music
The RNCM invites Expressions of Interest from international early‑career researchers for the British Academy International Fellowships 2026. This two‑year scheme supports outstanding researchers based outside the UK to undertake high‑quality, original research at a UK host institution.
We are particularly keen to support proposals related to wind and brass band music, reflecting one of our distinctive areas of performance and research excellence. Ideally suited to support practice- and source-based research, the RNCM has a long tradition of fostering wind music and musicians, including commissioning major composers to write for the medium. The RNCM’s archives preserves substantial collections in this area, including those of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, composer Elgar Howarth, and 50 years of wind ensemble recordings conducted by Howarth, Timothy Reynish, Clark Rundell, and Mark Heron (among others).
Eligibility (British Academy):
Applicants must hold a PhD (completed—including via/defense—before 1 June 2026), have no more than five years of full‑time postdoctoral experience, be working outside the UK, not hold UK citizenship, and have a mutually agreed research plan with a UK-based mentor.
To submit an Expression of Interest, please send:
- A project summary (aims, methods, outcomes, relevance to RNCM; max 2 pages)
- A CV (max 2 pages)
Deadline: 17 February 2026
The RNCM will then work with successful applicants to prepare a full application by the funder deadline of 11 March.
Please email submissions and any enquiries to [email protected].
