Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
The Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship Program at Chatham House offers a 10-month funded fellowship in London for early-to-mid-career professionals of all nationalities. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,365, relocation and research support, and the opportunity to complete an independent research project while building leadership skills and networks in international affairs.
Overview
The Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship Program supports early-to-mid-career professionals who want to deepen their work in international affairs, policy research, and global leadership.
Hosted by Chatham House, the fellowship allows selected participants to spend ten months in London working full-time on a self-designed research project while contributing to the institute’s wider research environment.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship is built around three main components:
- Independent research project
- Contribution to ongoing Chatham House research
- Leadership and professional development
Fellows design and complete a personal research project with guidance from a Chatham House expert. Alongside this, they contribute to ongoing institutional research activities aligned with the institute’s priorities.
The programme also includes a Leadership Masterclass Programme, beginning with an intensive induction week and continuing through thematic discussions on global challenges, leadership workshops, briefings with global leaders, and regular project presentations.
Additional professional development support includes:
- Personal development coaching
- Media training
- Optional career mentoring
Funding and Benefits
Selected fellows receive strong financial and practical support throughout the programme.
Financial Support Includes:
- £2,365 monthly stipend for living expenses in London
- Coverage for:
Additional Support Includes:
- Travel to and from the UK
- Initial accommodation support
- Visa-related expenses
- Relocation logistics
- UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
- Access to the National Health Service (NHS)
- Research-related expenses such as:
- Fieldwork
- Travel
- Conferences
- Dissemination activities
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Applicants must:
- Hold a completed BA degree or equivalent
- Have experience in conducting research
- Be at an early-to-mid stage of their career
- Show strong interest in:
- International affairs
- Their chosen research area
- The mission of Chatham House
Suitable backgrounds may include:
- Academia
- NGOs
- Business
- Government
- Civil society
- Media
There are no age restrictions.
However, fellows must commit full-time and cannot undertake other work or study during the fellowship.
Why This Fellowship Matters
This fellowship is valuable because it combines:
- Time and support for independent research
- Access to a globally respected policy institution
- Leadership and communication training
- Exposure to international policy discussions
- Networking with experts and global leaders
For professionals seeking careers in policy, diplomacy, research, international development, media, or global affairs, it offers both practical experience and professional visibility.
How the Fellowship Works
The fellowship follows a structured full-time model.
Fellows will:
- Begin with an induction week
- Develop and carry out a self-designed research project
- Contribute to ongoing Chatham House research
- Join the Leadership Masterclass Programme
- Present their research and receive feedback
- Take part in coaching, media training, and optional mentoring
By the end of the ten months, fellows gain:
- A completed research project
- Stronger leadership and communication skills
- Expanded international networks
- Deeper exposure to global policy work
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your application:
- Propose a clear and focused research topic
- Show how your project relates to international affairs
- Demonstrate previous research experience
- Explain why Chatham House is the right fit
- Highlight your leadership potential
- Make clear that you can commit full-time for 10 months
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting a vague or overly broad research proposal
- Failing to show clear research experience
- Not linking the project to international affairs
- Ignoring the full-time commitment requirement
- Treating the fellowship as academic only, rather than leadership-focused
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship Program?
It is a 10-month funded fellowship at Chatham House in London for early-to-mid-career professionals who want to complete an independent research project in international affairs.
2. Who can apply?
Applicants of all nationalities can apply if they hold a BA degree or equivalent and have research experience.
3. How much is the stipend?
Selected fellows receive £2,365 per month.
4. What expenses are covered?
The fellowship covers:
- Monthly living support
- Travel to and from the UK
- Initial accommodation support
- Visa expenses
- Relocation costs
- UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
- Research-related expenses
5. Is there an age limit?
No. There are no age restrictions.
6. Can fellows work or study during the programme?
No. The fellowship is full-time, and fellows cannot undertake other work or study simultaneously.
7. What kinds of applicants are ideal?
Ideal applicants are early-to-mid-career professionals from sectors such as academia, NGOs, business, government, civil society, or media, with strong interest in research and international affairs.
Final Thoughts
The Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship Program is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to build expertise in international affairs through a fully supported 10-month fellowship at Chatham House.
With a £2,365 monthly stipend, relocation and healthcare support, research funding, and a strong leadership component, it offers a valuable mix of research depth, policy exposure, and career development.
For more information, visit Chatham House.