The Chevening British Library Southeast Asian Fellowship is calling for applications from mid-career professionals from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand, who have a strong interest in surveying, assessing, and researching rare, printed works.
Successful applicants will undertake a research project on the British Library’s collection of early printed works in Cambodian, Lao, and Thai languages, covering the period from c.1840 to 1950 (c.600-800 items). They will provide metadata-style information in original scripts and Romanisation as the basis for the creation of catalogue records by the supervising curator.
The duration of this fellowship is 12 months, from September 2027 to September 2028
Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Review, identify, and research early printed works in Cambodian, Lao, and Thai languages and scripts
- Create metadata in original scripts and Romanisation to support catalogue creation
- Work with curators, conservation specialists, and digital specialists at the British Library
- Contribute to the understanding of Southeast Asian printing history, book culture, and manuscript traditions
- Write and publish a blog post and/or journal article highlighting project findings
- Organise a show-and-tell session or staff presentation showcasing the collections
- Participate in public engagement activities with heritage communities and wider audiences
- Present findings at a national or international symposium or conference
Each fellowship includes:
- 12-month period of project-based activity at the British Library
- Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
- Return economy airfare
- Allowance package for fellowship-related activities
- Up to 1,000 GBP for approved project-related expenses
