Researcher in Residence

Independent research, critical dialogue, and mentorship

The Researcher in Residence programme facilitates independent research that expands the field of visual media ethics. It is open to photographers and those who work with photography.

The Researcher in Residence pursues research, according to their own interests and direction. With mentorship from the Photography Ethics Centre, the researcher engages in critical dialogue, builds connections, and shapes outputs that best suit their research.

The Researcher in Residence programme runs every other year, with the duration of a year. The next term will be 2027.

2027 Researcher in Residence

Applications now open.

The offer: The Photography Ethics Centre offers guidance during the development, execution, and dissemination of the research through regular meetings with Photography Ethics Centre team members. We will connect the Researcher in Residence with relevant experts in our global network, and we will sign post them to opportunities to expand their research through additional funding, publication, and presentation opportunities. The Researcher in Residence will benefit from access to the library of resources we have developed and will be invited to participate in the biennial Photo Ethics Symposium. 

The commitment: The successful applicant should plan to dedicate approximately 40 hours over the residency period to this project, not including attendance at the 2028 symposium.

Our contribution: The Researcher in Residence will receive a £300 honorarium (70% at the beginning of the term and 30% at the end of their term). In addition to this, they will receive continuous mentorship for the duration of the term, in the form of three dedicated meetings and asynchronous contact. There will also be a £200 travel contribution available for attending the symposium in the year following their term.

The output: At the end of the term, the Researcher in Residence and Photography Ethics Centre will discuss 2-3 outputs that suit the nature of the researchers work, for example: an intervention at the 2028 symposium, an interview on The Photo Ethics Podcast, or an article published on our website. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to propose any additional, innovative ideas for disseminating their research, for example through a workshop or exhibition. 

How to apply: Applications are open to photographers and those working with photography (i.e. archivists, scholars). Please send a PDF with your research project proposal (500 words max), a short bio (100 words max), and, if applicable, up to 10 supporting images, to info@photoethics.org with the subject line “Researcher in Residence 2027”.

Deadline to apply: 21 December 2026.