The Jing Brand Scholarships in Chinese Science and Civilisation

The Jing Brand Scholarships in Chinese Science and Civilisation (2026-2027)

The Jing Brand Scholarships in Chinese Science and Civilisation are designed to support research on the history of science and culture in China, in particular the relationship between science, technology, medicine and commerce, and the significance of such research for understanding China’s current and future developments. The scholarship fund generously donated by the Jing Brand Co., Ltd and Mr. Li Yinhui, Chairman of the Qinghai Huzhu Barleywine Co. Ltd. will be used to support 3-6 scholars working at the Needham Research Institute (NRI) for 6 or 12 months. The scholarship funding takes the form of a grant of £1,500 per month to cover essential expenses such as subsistence, plus an allowance towards return international travel.

Applications are invited from scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD degree in a relevant field, and who may visit for periods of either 6 or 12 months from October 2026 onwards in the year during which the scholarship is offered. Fellowship visits should be completed by 30th September 2027.

The assessment process will concentrate on applicants’ research potential and vision. Applicants will be expected to outline ways in which their research could contribute new insights into the interactions between science, technology, medicine and commerce in Chinese history, and how these relationships are of significance for understanding China’s current and future development.

Preference will be given to candidates under the age of 45 who have a good level of spoken English, and who will use part of their time in Cambridge on work intended for publication in a refereed academic journal.

The Jing Brand scholars are expected to play an active part in the academic activities of the Needham Research Institute and the University of Cambridge. On completion of their Scholarship, they will provide a detailed report on the results of their research. Any publication resulting from their visit to the Institute should clearly acknowledge the support of ‘The Jing Brand Scholarship in Chinese Science and Civilisation’.

Candidates are invited to send the following items to the address given below:
1. Curriculum Vitae with a full list of any publications.

2. A research proposal of approximately 1,500 words in length. This proposal should give a clear indication of the source material which the candidate proposes to use in his or her research together with an indication of the methodology to be followed.

3. A copy of a certificate of the level of achievement in spoken and written English (for non-native English speakers).

4. Letters of support from two academic referees.

5. Signed NRI_Data_Protection_Statement without which we will be unable to process the application.

Please note that ALL documentation must be submitted in English, and may be sent electronically as a single .pdf file.

The closing date for 2026-2027 applications will be 31st March 2026.

Address for applications:

The Administrative Manager
Needham Research Institute
8 Sylvester Road
Cambridge CB3 9AF
U.K.
Email: sjb58@cam.ac.uk
Details of the NRI may be found at http://www.nri.cam.ac.uk/