The University of Edinburgh is an uncompromising mix of tradition and innovation; heritage with forward thinking; excellent academic credentials with an open friendly culture, all in one of Europe's most exciting cities. 

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has some of the oldest and most prestigious academic departments in the world, including, for example, the world's first English literature department. 

The university is situated in the heart of Scotland's capital, a cosmopolitan city with national museums, theatres and galleries to rival the best in Europe. 

Famed for its ancient castle, medieval centre and elegant Georgian architecture, Edinburgh has become known as the Athens of the North. The entire city centre, which includes many University buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The annual Edinburgh Festival is the largest arts festival in the world, and is just one of many annual festivals held in the city. Visitors soon feel at home in Edinburgh which, in a recent national survey, was voted the friendliest city in the UK. 

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is the largest of the three Colleges in the University of Edinburgh and has 12 schools. While they will be based at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) for the duration of their visit, the Distinguished Scholar is expected to nominate a host school from the following list: 

• Business School 
• Centre for Open Learning
• Divinity
• Economics
• Edinburgh College of Art
• Health in Social Science
• History, Classics and Archaeology
• Law
• Literatures, Languages and Cultures
• Moray House School of Education and Sport
• Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences
• Social and Political Science 
• We especially welcome interdisciplinary applications in Decoloniality, the Medical Humanities, Environmental Humanities, Digital Humanities or Gender and Sexualities Studies. 

The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities was established in 1969 to promote interdisciplinary research in the arts, humanities and social sciences at the University of Edinburgh. It provides an international, interdisciplinary and autonomous space for discussion and debate. Since its foundation, more than 1,500 scholars from 75 countries have held Institute fellowships; and up to 28 Fellows are in residence at any one time. Housed in a secluded 19th-century courtyard overlooking the Meadows, the Institute is adjacent to most centres of University activity.  

In addition to conducting academic research, the University would expect the Distinguished Scholar to participate in lectures, research seminars and staff seminars at both the host School and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.  

Informal interaction with students and staff and participation in regular research seminars could extend throughout the academic year. Award holders may wish to contribute to relevant workshops and colloquia and give lectures and seminars, such as a Master's class for graduate students in the arts, humanities or social sciences.