Become a UNESCO Chair
Why Apply?
The UNITWIN Networks and UNESCO Chairs Programme advances research, training and programme development across UNESCO’s work in education, science, culture, communication and information.
Currently made up of more than 850 UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in over 110 Member States, the programme aims to develop inter-university cooperation, collaboration and information sharing to address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of societies.
Our role as the UK National Commission for UNESCO, as directed by UNESCO, is to carefully consider and evaluate proposals for the establishment of new UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in the UK and to select a small number of high-quality proposals each year to put forward to UNESCO.
All UK higher education institutions wishing to apply for the UNESCO Chairs or UNITWIN Networks Programme must submit their application through the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
The Process
Step 1: Contact us
UK institutions looking to establish a UNESCO Chair or lead a UNITWIN Network in the UK must submit a completed Expression of Interest Form to the UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) by 31 January to be considered for that year.
Please make contact with the UKNC at the earliest possible opportunity using the Expression of Interest Form. You will be asked to provide the UKNC with information about the proposed Chair/UNITWIN Network, the name of the lead academic (please note, the lead academic must be a Professor), an outline of the relevant area of research, alongside a working title of the proposed Chair/UNITWIN Network.
Step 2: Preparation
Following submission of your expression of interest, you will receive notification from the UK National Commission for UNESCO to proceed with preparing your application. The guidance below should be consulted in preparation of your application.
1.
UK Handbook
The UK 2024 Handbook provides advice and guidance on the UK application process. It is highly recommended that you read this in advance of commencing your application. It is a step-by-step guide to the UNESCO Programme, our timeline, our review process, and submission to UNESCO, and provides details on the criteria and links to further information.
2.
UNESCO Handbook
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Programme Guidelines and Procedures handbook is produced by UNESCO and provides an overview of the UNESCO Programme, explains what it means to establish a UNESCO Chair or UNITWIN Network, and gives information on reporting mechanisms and renewal procedures. This is also an important document to read before commencing writing your application.
Step 3: Application
Once the UKNC has received the Expression of Interest Form, and confirmed that an applicant can proceed in the process, the applicant is then required to complete a formal Application Form.
Step 4: Review
We have a peer review process to provide support and advice and to ensure only applications of the highest standard are submitted to UNESCO. All applications are reviewed by pro bono experts in the field who will be guided by the criteria and guidelines set out by UNESCO. Applications are reviewed and scored by at least three experts and presented to the UKNC Review Panel for final consideration and decision.
Feedback is provided to applicants. This can help enhance an application for submission to UNESCO. If the application is not successful the feedback can assist applicants on whether to apply in a future cycle. Not all applications at this stage will be successful.
If an application is successful, a letter of endorsement from the UK National Commission for UNESCO will be provided for the application. UNESCO will not accept applications submitted without a letter of endorsement from the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
Step 5: Submission
A review will take place within the relevant sector in UNESCO during the following months, and either acceptance or not will be notified in due course. Not all applications to UNESCO will be successful.
If the application is accepted by UNESCO, they will invite the university to enter into an Agreement to establish the UNESCO Chair or UNITWIN Network over the next few months. Only then will the UNESCO Chair or UNITWIN Network be able to use the UNESCO logo. The initial period is for four years, with a progress report being submitted at the midway point, and a final report being submitted with any renewal request.
Key Information
Make sure you read the important information below before you apply.
You must apply through the UK National Commission for UNESCO. Expressions of interest are welcome.
STATUS: Open for applications
INTEREST DEADLINE: 31 January each year
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 March each year
FOR WHO: Professor at a UK University, higher education or research institution
ESTABLISHED: 1992
ORIGIN: UNESCO
If you have any questions, get in touch with the UK National Commission for UNESCO via our contact form
Accreditation type: Chair