We are delighted to have been able to offer a number of bursaries and fellowships to support neurodivergent scholars to present at our up-coming Critical Neurodiversity Studies Conference (24–26 June 2025) and to support them towards publication.
Our conference seeks to harness the momentum of the new generation of neurodivergent scholar activists working collectively towards a critical turn in neurodiversity theory and research. However, we recognise that the Higher Education (HE) sector is not accessible for many neurodivergent researchers. Many leading scholars in the field are not currently employed in the HE sector, are currently in precarious employment, and may not have access to the same resources and opportunities to connect as other researchers.
Our Fellowship Scheme, which was open to PhD students, ECRs and Independent scholars without a current HE affiliation, has been developed to address some of these inequities.
We have awarded ten ‘Critical Neurodiversity Studies Fellowships’ to support people participating at the forefront of critical neurodiversity studies research who are facing barriers engaging with the academic system. Two of these Fellowships were specifically focused on supporting Black Neurodiverse scholars. An additional five ‘Global Critical Neurodiversity Studies Fellowships’ have been awarded to excellent scholars from Lower- and Middle-Income countries.
The Fellowship Scheme provides access to Durham University Library facilities and membership of an online peer network of Critical Neurodiversity Studies researchers. It will support Fellows to develop networks of contacts within the field, help them to develop their papers for the conference and for publication, and provide profile raising opportunities through writing for The Polyphony. For scholars who wish to attend the conference in person, the fellowship also contributes towards travel and accommodation costs.
We understand that for many, accessibility needs being met can be a major factor when considering engaging with or attending an event. The Critical Neurodiversity Studies Conference is committed to providing a space that has the highest standard of accessibility and inclusivity. For a full list of our commitments, please see our conference website: Access and inclusion commitments.
For more information about the conference, including confirmed speakers and how to register to join us online or in-person, please see: Critical Neurodiversity Studies Conference 2025 – ND Hums.
