The Cambridge Interfaith Programme (CIP), based within the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, has announced a funding opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers interested in peace, conflict and religion. Published on 13 October 2026, the opportunity invites researchers to develop independent projects that contribute to the programme’s research priorities and advance interdisciplinary understanding of conflict, political violence and peacebuilding. The successful candidate will be supported in applying for a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship, with the Faculty of Divinity providing matching funding, subject to the candidate’s selection by the Leverhulme Trust. The fellowship is designed to support substantive new research over three years. About the Cambridge Interfaith Programme The Cambridge Interfaith Programme is a research centre dedicated to interreligious and interdisciplinary inquiry, promoting dialogue between religious communities and secular society. Its strategic focus for 2026–2031 explores how individuals and communities create, experience, contest and sustain peace in contexts affected by conflict and political violence. The programme is particularly interested in the cultural, religious, ethical and lived dimensions of conflict. It examines how people interpret violence, develop moral and political responses, draw on religious and cultural resources, and imagine or establish alternative forms of social and political life. Researchers whose work connects religion, society, politics, justice and peacebuilding may find this opportunity particularly relevant. Research Themes and Areas of Interest CIP welcomes proposals that use ethnographic, anthropological or related interpretive approaches to investigate contemporary societies. Projects should demonstrate a clear contribution to existing scholarship and align with the programme’s research priorities. Priority areas include: Religion, culture and conflict: Examining how religious beliefs, cultural practices and ethical traditions shape understandings of violence, justice, peace and resistance. Religion, politics and society: Investigating how individuals and communities negotiate, challenge or redefine the boundaries between religious life, political authority and social relationships. Peacebuilding and reconciliation: Exploring nonviolent resistance, reconciliation, solidarity, social repair and transformative approaches to resolving conflict. Memory and representations of violence: Analysing how collective memories, narratives and representations of past violence influence contemporary conflicts and possibilities for peace. Projects may focus on diverse geographical, cultural and religious contexts, with particular interest in the Middle East and its related geographical regions. Research should primarily address events from the 1950s onwards. Fellowship Structure and Academic Support The successful fellow will work closely with CIP’s Academic Director, who will provide mentorship throughout the fellowship. The fellow will also contribute to the programme’s intellectual community by participating in seminars, workshops and other academic activities. This environment offers opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, scholarly collaboration and the development of research that connects academic inquiry with wider debates about religion, conflict and peace. Applicants should explain how their proposed projects would benefit from CIP’s research environment and contribute to its academic activities. Application Requirements Applicants must submit the following documents: Academic CV: Maximum two sides of A4. Major publications list: Maximum one side of A4, organised under the headings “In preparation,” “Submitted” and “Published.” Research statement: A maximum 250-word summary of current and previous research. Research proposal: Maximum two sides of A4, outlining the research question, objectives, methodology, planned activities, contribution to existing scholarship, anticipated outputs and a realistic three-year research plan. The proposal must also explain the applicant’s potential contribution to and benefit from CIP’s intellectual environment. Two references: One referee should normally be based outside the University of Cambridge. Referees must submit their references directly to Dr Peter Harland. Applicants should ensure that all documents comply with the specified length limits and clearly demonstrate the originality, feasibility and academic significance of the proposed research. Eligibility Criteria The opportunity is linked to the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship scheme. Prospective applicants must therefore verify that they meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements before applying. For the current application cycle, applicants must have submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination no earlier than 18 February 2023. Candidates who have not yet submitted their PhD thesis must do so before 18 February 2027. The opportunity is intended for researchers who have completed, or are close to completing, their doctoral requirements within the specified eligibility framework. It is not intended for applicants who cannot meet the PhD submission requirements. Individuals seeking doctoral study opportunities should consult the Faculty of Divinity’s website. Application Deadline and Contact Information The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Applications should be submitted by email to the Faculty Manager, Dr Peter Harland, at pjh42@cam.ac.uk. Further information about the fellowship’s funding arrangements and eligibility criteria is available through the Leverhulme Trust website and the University of Cambridge Faculty of Divinity website. Institution: University of Cambridge, Faculty of Divinity Programme: Cambridge Interfaith Programme Address: West Road, Sidgwick Site, Cambridge, CB3 9BS, United Kingdom General enquiries: team@interfaith.cam.ac.uk Conclusion The Cambridge Interfaith Programme fellowship offers an important opportunity for eligible early-career researchers to pursue independent research on religion, peace and conflict through a three-year Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship pathway. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary inquiry, lived experiences, cultural interpretation and peacebuilding provides a strong framework for investigating contemporary conflict and possibilities for social transformation. Researchers considering an application should begin preparing their research proposals and supporting documents early, confirm their eligibility and ensure that their projects align with CIP’s strategic priorities before the November 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. 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