CHASM International Visiting Research Fellowship 2026 and University of Birmingham, UK (February 23, 2026)

The CHASM International Visiting Research Fellowship 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for global scholars to collaborate with the Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM) at the University of Birmingham. This fellowship is designed to foster innovative research that addresses critical issues in financial security, asset distribution, and economic inequality. Consequently, visiting fellows benefit from a vibrant academic environment while contributing to policy-relevant research that has a tangible impact on society.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	International Visiting Research Fellowship Scheme
Organizing Centre	CHASM, University of Birmingham
Duration	Minimum of 2 weeks on-site
Funding Value	Up to £5,000
Application Deadline	Monday, 23 February 2026
Location	Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Program Overview

CHASM’s mission is to provide rigorous academic research that informs policy regarding household financial security. The 2026 fellowship continues this tradition by inviting international researchers to spend time in residence at the University of Birmingham. During their stay, fellows work alongside core CHASM members to advance projects that align with the Centre’s strategic goals. Furthermore, the scheme emphasizes long-term partnerships, with expectations for joint research activity to continue well after the physical visit concludes.

Core Research Themes

Applicants must demonstrate that their research interests fall within one of CHASM’s primary focus areas:

• Wealth, Assets, and Inequality: Examining the distribution of capital and its long-term social impacts.
• Poverty, Precarity, Saving, and Debt: Understanding the financial struggles of low-income households.
• Risk and Financial Wellbeing in Later Life: Focusing on pensions, elderly care, and financial resilience in retirement.

Fellowship Expectations

Successful candidates are integrated into the academic life of the University and are required to fulfill specific professional obligations:

• Research Collaboration: Co-author at least one high-quality academic output with a CHASM member within 12 months.
• Seminar Delivery: Present current research findings as part of the CHASM seminar series or at a dedicated Centre event.
• Knowledge Exchange: Write a policy-relevant blog post for the official CHASM website to engage a broader public audience.

Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship provides financial assistance to ensure that international scholars can focus entirely on their research during their residency.

• Covered Expenses: Up to £5,000 to cover economy airfare, accommodation, and specific research-related costs as outlined in the proposal.
• Facilities: Provision of dedicated office space and access to the University of Birmingham’s IT infrastructure.
• Exclusions: Please note that subsistence costs, such as food, beverages, and local commuting, are not covered by the award.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the CHASM International Visiting Research Fellowship 2026, applicants must submit the following documents via email:

• Letter of Application: Outlining the research area, anticipated publications, and a clear timeline for the visit.
• Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive record of academic positions and publications.
• Research Proposal (Max 1 Page): Detailing the specific work to be undertaken and its potential practical impacts.
• Outline Budget: A preliminary breakdown of estimated travel and accommodation costs.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by a panel of senior CHASM academics based on:

1. The quality and feasibility of the research proposal.
2. The applicant’s track record as evidenced by their CV.
3. The potential for the project to contribute significantly to CHASM’s ongoing research priorities.

Contact Information

• Email for Applications: CHASM@contacts.bham.ac.uk
• Institution: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
• Phone: +44 (0)121 414 3344

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum duration for the on-site visit?
Fellows are expected to spend at least two weeks at the University of Birmingham campus.

Does the fellowship cover meals and local travel?
No, subsistence costs like food, drink, and local transportation are the responsibility of the fellow and are not covered by the £5,000 grant.

Is there a specific timeframe for the visit in 2026?
While the application deadline is in February, the visit must be completed before the end of the 2026 calendar year.

Can I apply if my research is purely theoretical?
CHASM prioritizes work that is “policy-relevant,” meaning it should have potential practical applications or impact on financial legislation and social wellbeing.

Who should I contact if I want to discuss a potential collaboration?
You are encouraged to reach out to core CHASM members before applying or send an inquiry to the official program email.