The TORCH Global Visiting Professorship Scheme (previously known as the Humanities and Identities Visiting Professorship Scheme) is a flagship scheme that supports Visiting Professors from global majority countries for one academic term in Oxford. All Souls College will generously host the visiting academic, and TORCH will provide additional logistical support.
TORCH created this opportunity in 2015 with the aim of support Visiting Professorships and Fellowships for academics from countries in the global majority (for the purposes of this scheme, this is defined as the member states of the G77 group). This includes, but is not limited to, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Philippines, Mauritius, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and across Southern Africa and the Caribbean.
The TORCH Global Visiting Professors are valuable in providing academic role models, and are a crucial part of diversity and inclusivity initiatives in the wider University. The scheme builds on and reinforces existing links between Oxford (including TORCH) and universities in the countries named above.
The successful scholar will be hosted in Oxford during Michaelmas Term, 2025. They are invited to conduct their research and to contribute, where possible, to the teaching environment through open and public events. They will also be encouraged to participate in the academic life of All Souls College and the wider university. The scheme brings mutual benefit to the Oxford community of researchers and students and to the Visiting Professor through the fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences.
As part of the package of support, the Visiting Professor will receive accommodation and senior common room membership through the support provided by All Souls College, and a generous allowance to cover travel, maintenance and research expenses. TORCH also provides access to university libraries and the Visiting Professor will have a university card for 1 year, so that they can continue their research and connection to Oxford beyond their stay. There will also be some funding available to facilitate events, workshops and activities while in Oxford, connecting with different audiences.
Application Process
- For expressions of interest from either prospective Oxford hosts or prospective Visiting Professors, please contact the TORCH Operations Manager, Sarah Clay
- Applications are via the IRAMS system and the ‘Case for Support’ form.
- TORCH Global Visiting Professors are put forward by an Oxford academic based in the Humanities Division, and are selected by a panel comprised of members of the TORCH Management Committee.
- In the application, the Oxford Humanities academic should outline why they have selected the researcher and how their research and practice would contribute to the students and researchers in Oxford, as well as how the research and student community can learn from the Humanities and Identities Professor, and develop longer term partnerships.
- The application should include the proposed Global Professor’s CV, and research statement on what they plan to do during their Visiting Professorship. (No more than 1000 words on the 'Case for Support' form).
- There is a generous budget to cover the fellowship, please contact the TORCH International Officer to discuss how this should be entered on the IRAMS application.
Eligibility
Proposed TORCH Global Visiting Professors should be holders of university or related posts in their country, and active in Humanities research areas. Visiting Professorships should ideally hold Assistant Professor or full Professor position, and are not normally offered to candidates with doctorates awarded in the last seven years. This opportunity is not available to individuals holding posts in Oxford or who are already resident in or near Oxford.
Further information on the international activity TORCH supports is available here: https://torch.ox.ac.uk/international-engagement
Data and Privacy Statement
Please read this statement on how your data will be processed as part of this application process
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 12 noon (BST) on Monday 07 October, 2024
All applicants will receive notification of the status of their application within one month of the application closing date.
Contacts
Dr Anbara Khalidi (International Officer) anbara.khalidi@humanities.ox.ac.uk
Please click here to find out more about the TORCH Global Visiting Professorship and Fellowships scheme
