The search is on for the next IASH/Traverse Creative Fellow, with applications now officially open for the 2026 residency, a unique opportunity for writers and theatre-makers to develop bold new work at the intersection of research and storytelling.

This prestigious Fellowship invites a playwright or theatre-maker to undertake a flexible 10-month residency (with £12,000 commission) at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. During this time, the Fellow will be supported to explore ambitious ideas and develop a new performance text in collaboration with the Traverse Theatre’s artistic team, gaining access to both the university’s vibrant academic community and the Traverse’s creative resources.

The Fellowship provides a unique space for writers to interrogate urgent social, political or cultural themes through the lens of contemporary theatre, offering dedicated time, dramaturgical support, and opportunities for research, collaboration and public engagement.

To support prospective applicants, a free information webinar will take place on Fri 5 September 2025, 1pm-2pm via Zoom, offering insights into the Fellowship structure, application guidance and reflections from past recipients. Register for the Zoom webinar here: https://iashtraverse2026.eventbrite.co.uk.

For further information, please contact ben.fletcher-watson@ed.ac.uk (Dr Ben Fletcher-Watson), call 0131 651 1171 or visit https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/iashtraverse-creative-fellowship.