The Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship is a joint initiative of Chatham House and Richard and Susan Hayden. It brings an early-to-mid-career professional to Chatham House in London for ten months to conduct an individual policy research project.
The fellow also contributes to a Chatham House research team and completes the Leadership Masterclass Programme. The 2026–27 cycle runs from October 2026 to July 2027 and is now closed.
Benefits & funding
- A monthly stipend of £2,565 for London living expenses, including accommodation, utilities, food and transport.
- Covered relocation costs include travel, accommodation support and visa fees; Chatham House can sponsor the required temporary-work visa.
- The programme covers the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and research expenses for fieldwork, outreach, events and publications.
- Fellows receive leadership workshops, media and writing support, coaching or mentoring, Chatham House membership, and five years of membership after completion.
Eligibility
- Applicants of all nationalities may apply, with no age restriction or stated residency requirement.
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have experience conducting independent research.
- Relevant experience in the proposed research field, knowledge of international affairs, leadership experience or potential, and spoken English proficiency are required.
- Chatham House describes early-to-mid-career professionals from academia, NGOs, business, government, civil society and media as the ideal profile rather than a strict sector gate.
- The fellowship is full-time and cannot be combined with other work or study.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
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Application process
- 1Review the current Chatham House research focus areas and choose a policy topic aligned with one of the listed programmes.
- 2Complete the online application and prepare a CV, a research proposal, and the names of two referees.
- 3Submit through the Chatham House recruitment page before the stated deadline.
- 4If shortlisted, attend a Zoom interview with Chatham House senior management and representatives of the relevant research programme; final decisions are sent by email.
Program timeline
Application deadline
17 April 2026, 5:00 p.m. BST
Within four weeks after the deadline
Applicants notified of their status
Program starts
October 2026
Program ends
July 2027