Early career researchers* in history are invited to submit a short (500 word) proposal for a talk on their research at Chalke History Festival 2026. The talk should be designed to be of interest to a wide general audience.
This programme is a partnership between the Royal Historical Society, Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and Chalke History Festival.
Up to two winners will be invited to speak in the ‘Chalke Introduces’ programme of new research at the Festival, and will receive advice and guidance on how to best present their work for a general audience.
Finalists will be invited to give a short talk to a small audience of judges, IHR Fellows and guests at the Institute of Historical Research, London at 5.30pm on Friday 20 March 2026. A presentation over Zoom can be arranged if in-person attendance is not possible. All finalists will be offered two free tickets to the Chalke History Festival 2026.
How to make an application
Please submit the following by 5pm on Friday 6 February 2026:
- One page CV
- Title and 500-word (maximum) abstract for your proposed talk
Who may apply for this programme
- *Early career historians whose PhD viva was held between December 2020 and December 2025.
- Eligibility is limited to those whose PhD was in history, and applicants whose PhD was interdisciplinary but with a demonstrated historical component which will be the focus of the proposed talk.
- Applicants can be graduates of universities within or outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, but must be resident in the United Kingdom in 2025-26.
- A limited number of small bursaries will be available to support travel expenses for those invited to attend the event at the Institute of Historical Research on 20 March 2026.
- Candidates chosen to speak at Chalke History Festival 2026 will have their travel expenses paid.
Further details of this programme are available here: https://bit.ly/4aHckQF
Questions about this programme, prior to an application, may be submitted to administration@royalhistsoc.org.
Pitch my Project: programme with IHR and Chalke History Festival
Early career researchers* in history are invited to submit a short (500 word) proposal for a talk on their research at Chalke History Festival 2026. The talk should be designed to be of interest to a wide general audience.
This programme is a partnership between the Royal Historical Society, Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and Chalke History Festival.
Up to two winners will be invited to speak in the ‘Chalke Introduces’ programme of new research at the Festival, and will receive advice and guidance on how to best present their work for a general audience.
Finalists will be invited to give a short talk to a small audience of judges, IHR Fellows and guests at the Institute of Historical Research, London at 5.30pm on Friday 20 March 2026. A presentation over Zoom can be arranged if in-person attendance is not possible. All finalists will be offered two free tickets to the Chalke History Festival 2026.
How to make an application
Please submit the following by 5pm on Friday 6 February 2026:
- One page CV
- Title and 500-word (maximum) abstract for your proposed talk
Who may apply for this programme
- *Early career historians whose PhD viva was held between December 2020 and December 2025.
- Eligibility is limited to those whose PhD was in history, and applicants whose PhD was interdisciplinary but with a demonstrated historical component which will be the focus of the proposed talk.
- Applicants can be graduates of universities within or outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, but must be resident in the United Kingdom in 2025-26.
- A limited number of small bursaries will be available to support travel expenses for those invited to attend the event at the Institute of Historical Research on 20 March 2026.
- Candidates chosen to speak at Chalke History Festival 2026 will have their travel expenses paid.
Further details of this programme are available here: https://bit.ly/4aHckQF
Questions about this programme, prior to an application, may be submitted to administration@royalhistsoc.org.