Application Deadline: 7 April 2026. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026/2027 cohort of the Chatham House Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship, established in partnership with Richard and Susan Hayden, is designed to support professionals in the early to mid-stages of their careers by providing a unique opportunity to conduct independent research at Chatham House over a ten-month period.
During their fellowship tenure, recipients engage deeply with the Institute’s core activities, enhancing their expertise through a comprehensive leadership programme and expanding their professional networks within the realm of international affairs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Open to applicants of all nationalities worldwide.
- Educational Background: Candidates must hold a completed bachelor's degree (BA) or an equivalent qualification and demonstrate experience in research methodologies.
- Professional Experience: Ideal applicants are those at the early to mid-career stage, coming from diverse sectors such as academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business, governmental agencies, civil society groups, or the media. A solid understanding of international affairs, commitment to their chosen research topic, and alignment with Chatham House’s mission and research priorities are essential.
- Age: There are no age limitations for applicants.
Fellowship Duration and Location
The fellowship spans ten months, starting in October 2026 and concluding in July 2027. Fellows will be based primarily at the Chatham House headquarters in London, with options for hybrid working arrangements.
Financial Support and Benefits
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,365, intended to cover living expenses in London, including accommodation, utilities, food, transportation, and other essential costs. Additional support provided by the Academy includes:
- Relocation expenses, such as airfare, train tickets, other transportation to and from the UK, accommodation for up to three nights, visas, and shipment of extra luggage.
- Payment of the UK's Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, granting access to the National Health Service (NHS) during the fellowship. (Note: dental, optical treatments, and prescribed medications may incur separate costs.)
- Funding for research-related costs, outreach activities, and dissemination efforts, including fieldwork, travel, conference attendance, publications, roundtables, and events.
Upon successful completion of the fellowship, alumni gain ongoing advantages such as:
- Continuing access to the Academy’s faculty and alumni network.
- A five-year membership to Chatham House.
Fellowship Structure
A fellow’s workload is divided into three main components:
- Personal Research Project (approximately 60%): Fellows design and execute an independent research project, supported by mentoring from a Chatham House expert.
- Contribution to Institute Research (approximately 20%): Participants assist their host research teams and collaborate with other departments to advance ongoing projects that align with Chatham House’s strategic priorities.
- Leadership Masterclass Programme (approximately 20%): This integral element of the fellowship focuses on building leadership capabilities, expanding networks, fostering self-awareness, and equipping fellows with skills to excel as future leaders in international affairs.
Leadership Masterclass Programme Details
All fellows actively engage in the Leadership Programme, which includes the following elements:
- Intensive Induction Week: The fellowship begins with a focused five-day orientation, introducing fellows to the programme’s components, facilitating introductions to their host research team, and conducting an initial personal development coaching session.
- Thematic Sessions: Fellows participate in discussions on pressing international issues, led by Chatham House experts and external specialists. These sessions cover essential substantive and skill-based topics crucial for effective leadership in global affairs. Fellows often have the opportunity to chair these sessions and exchange insights with peers.
- Leadership Skills Workshops: Half-day workshops hone specific leadership skills such as influencing policy, stakeholder analysis, crisis management, and negotiation techniques.
- Leadership Briefings: Informal conversations with influential leaders from sectors including government, business, media, and non-profit organizations provide fellows with personal leadership insights, strategies, and visions. These sessions feature Academy faculty members and guest speakers.
- Project Presentations: Fellows regularly share progress on their research projects, fostering presentation skills, peer feedback, and cross-disciplinary understanding.
- Personal Development Coaching: Each fellow benefits from one-to-one coaching sessions aimed at enhancing self-awareness and setting actionable goals for their professional growth during and beyond the fellowship.
- Media Training: Practical training equips fellows with effective television and radio interview skills, culminating in a simulated interview with constructive feedback on communication style and improvement areas.
- Career Mentoring (Optional): Fellows can choose to be paired with mentors who provide guidance and support to enrich career planning and development.
For additional information and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Chatham House Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship.
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