Brandon Research Fellowship 2026 and Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, Cambridge (April 07, 2026)

The Brandon Research Fellowship 2026 offers an elite opportunity for legal practitioners and academic researchers to undertake advanced legal study at the University of Cambridge. This fellowship, hosted by the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL), provides a prestigious base for scholars from across the globe to engage in high-impact research. Consequently, the chosen Fellow joins a vibrant intellectual community, gaining unparalleled access to specialized resources and scholarly networks.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Brandon Research Fellowship 2026-2027
Organizing Institution	Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge
Department	Faculty of Law
Mode of Delivery	Residential (In-person, Cambridge, UK)
Fellowship Tenure	Academic Year 2026-2027

Program Overview

The Brandon Research Fellowship 2026 serves as a cornerstone for international legal scholarship in Cambridge. Specifically, the fellowship aims to support researchers by providing the physical and intellectual space necessary for rigorous academic production. The fellowship is funded through generous contributions from Mr. Michael Brandon and Mr. Christopher Brandon.

While in residence, the Brandon Fellow is expected to participate in the Centre’s active academic life. This includes attending the Friday Lunchtime Lectures and engaging in work-in-progress seminars. Furthermore, the program facilitates interactions between the Fellow and other resident scholars, fostering a collaborative environment for tackling complex international legal issues.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is designed for high-achieving individuals within the legal field. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Background: Open to established academics and dedicated research scholars.
• Professional Experience: Legal practitioners with a focus on international law are encouraged to apply.
• Language Proficiency: All application materials and research must be conducted in English.
• Institutional Affiliation: Applicants should ideally have a connection to a recognized academic or professional legal institution.

Curriculum & Resources

While the program is research-led rather than course-based, the Fellow has access to world-class resources:

• Squire Law Library: Access to one of the most comprehensive legal collections in Europe.
• University Library: Full borrowing and research privileges at the main University of Cambridge Library.
• LCIL Internal Library: A specialized collection of international law texts and reports.
• Collaborative Projects: Exposure to ongoing projects such as the Ukraine Peace Settlement Project and the Customary International Humanitarian Law Project.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in the Brandon Research Fellowship 2026 will achieve several professional milestones:

• Completion of a significant research output or manuscript in international law.
• Development of professional networks with Cambridge faculty and international visiting fellows.
• Enhanced understanding of contemporary legal challenges through active seminar participation.
• Opportunity to present original research to a peer group of international experts.

Registration Details

Item	Details
Submission Email	communications@lcil.cam.ac.uk
Application Deadline	Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Selection Announcement	Within three months of the deadline
Registration Fee	Not applicable (Fellowship Award)
Document Format	PDF only (Non-password protected)

Contact Information

For further details or specific queries regarding the application process, please contact the administrative office:

• Office: Lauterpacht Centre for International Law
• Email: admin@lcil.cam.ac.uk
• Address: 5 Cranmer Road, Cambridge CB3 9BL, UK
• Phone: +44 1223 335 358
• Website: LCIL Official Site

Key Highlights

The fellowship offers more than just library access; it provides a platform for global visibility. Fellows are often at the forefront of discussions involving the International Law Reports and ICSID Reports. Additionally, the proximity to the Faculty of Law ensures that the Brandon Fellow is immersed in the latest legal debates and methodological advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents are required for the Brandon Research Fellowship 2026?
Applicants must provide a completed application form (including a research outline), a Curriculum Vitae not exceeding four pages, and two letters of reference sent directly by the referees.

Can I submit my application in a format other than PDF?
No, the Centre strictly requires all documents to be sent in PDF format only to ensure compatibility and security.

Is there a specific focus for the research proposal?
While the proposal must fall under the umbrella of international law, the fellowship supports a wide range of topics, from human rights violations to customary humanitarian law.

Who should my referees be?
Referees should be individuals capable of commenting on your academic or professional standing and the quality of your proposed research, typically senior colleagues or supervisors.

When is the final deadline for submission?
The deadline for the 2026-2027 fellowship is Tuesday, 7 April 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.