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The AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin provides updates on the latest funding opportunities and training events available to researchers interested in applying for a research grant. The Bulletin is sent out to researchers via Chairs of Faculties, Departmental Administrators, and RGAs.
Archived Bulletins
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
February 2025
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- Pre-announcement: Proof of Concept (03 March 2025) UKRI
- International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025 (13 March 2025) AHRC and ESRC
- AHRC BRAID DOT: responsible AI collaborations with US researchers (20 March 2025) AHRC
- Welsh Election Study 2026 (01 April 2025) UKRI
- Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowship (02 April 2025) UKRI
- Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
- LUCIA-Local Government Association (LGA) ECR fellowship programme (10 April 2025) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: UKRI Metascience AI early career fellowships (10 April 2025) UKRI
- Pre-announcement: UKRI Creating Opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity (06 May 2025) UKRI
- P2R: increasing UK policymaker engagement with research (06 May 2025) ESRC
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- Latest updates and opportunities for SAH and SHSS
- ERC Advanced Grant (28 August 2025)
- ERC Proof of Concept (18 September 2025)
Charity Funding
- Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU Partners 2025 (05 March 2025)
- British Academy International Fellowships (18 March 2025)
- Nuffield Foundation Research, Development and Analysis Fund (01 April 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (03 April 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards (08 April 2025)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships (01 May 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (22 May 2025)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- Language Sciences Incubator Fund (09 February 2025)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (10 March 2025)
- HEIF 2025-2020 Call 1: Non-Schools Institutions KE activity (20 March 2025)
- HEIF 2025-2030 Call 2: School KE activity (20 March 2025)
- HEIF 2025-2023 Call 3: KE Training and Development activities (20 March 2025)
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund (21 March 2025)
Training
- Consultancy 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 01 April
- Venture Building 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 07 May 2025
Pre-announcement: Proof of ConceptSummary: The UKRI Proof of Concept funding opportunity aims to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes, and services arising from research activities at eligible UK research organisations, for example, universities, research institutes, facilities and centres. The UKRI Proof of Concept funding opportunity supports early-to-mid stage commercialisation activities that validate the development of concepts that arose from research. This is to support and enable the commercial application of existing research along varied commercialisation pathways such as licensing or company creation (spinouts or social ventures) or any other commercialisation routes. Applications are welcomed from across all research disciplines and research councils’ remit (AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC and STFC) including cross and multi-disciplinary approaches. Award: The FEC of your project can be up to £250,000 with a minimal amount of £100,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. The duration of this award is a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months from project start date. Projects must start by 1 September 2025. Funder Deadline: 03 March 2025, mandatory intention to submit deadline; 20 May 2025, full application deadline. Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025Summary: We’re looking to fund eligible PhD students and early career researchers to complete a research fellowship at an international cultural institution for two to six months.
Your fellowship must be based on your area of current research (including your doctoral research if you are a PhD student). The proposed research activities and outputs from your fellowship should complement, strengthen, or build on your current area of research. You will need to propose a distinct package of research in your application and explain how this project relates to both your current research and the collections and expertise of your prospective host institution. Funder Deadline: 13 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Your department Research Grants Administrator |
AHRC BRAID DOT: responsible AI collaborations with US researchersSummary:The aim of the funding is to further UK-US collaborative humanities-led research on AI by:
Research must be driven by a humanities approach and cannot include the development of new AI technologies, tools or algorithms. Projects should focus on one or more of the following areas:
Award: Funding is available for projects lasting up to two years. The UK-US team can apply for up to £150,000 or $75,000 (individuals), or £150,000 or $150,000 (teams). US researchers will be funded via the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Funder Deadline: 20 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Welsh Election Study 2026Summary: The aim of this funding opportunity is to deliver data collection for the study of the Welsh devolved election to meet the needs of the research and user community. ESRC’s objectives for the successful applicant will be to:
These studies have made a major contribution to the understanding of political attitudes and behaviour at particular points in time, as well as of change over time. The data provides an important resource for researchers and political and policy communities. The WES is a key resource in facilitating comparative research and international collaborative research. This should be considered by applicants when designing the next WES. Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,250,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC (exceptions including subcontracted social surveys are funded at 100% FEC). The project should last approximately 48 months, in alignment with the Senedd election cycle. Funder Deadline: 01 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowship Round 10Summary: UKRI has pre-announced their Future Leaders Fellowship Round 10 call. This scheme aims to support the most talented early career researchers and innovators who are transitioning to or establishing research independence. The number of applicants that the University of Cambridge is permitted to submit is capped at 10 for this round and the call will therefore be managed according to the University’s restricted calls policy. Award: There is no minimum or maximum project cost Funder Deadline:
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and RSO at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk |
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)Summary: The Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK. The LUCIA programme objectives are:
The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities. It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned. Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants. Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026. Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
LUCIA-Local Government Association (LGA) ECR fellowship programmeSummary: This fellowship funding opportunity, in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA), will enable an early career researcher (ECR) to build strong collaborative partnerships across the cultural policy ecosystem and to enhance research and career experience in the equitable partnerships space, through the wider Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme. This fellowship will be hosted by the LGA (as a secondment opportunity) and is expected to support partnership building between LUCIA programme networks and policymakers, ensuring networks can effectively address key urban cultural challenges which are obstacles to community cohesion and civic discourse. This might include, but is not limited to, challenges around:
Award: £135,000 FEC funded at 80%. The fellowship is expected to start on 1 April 2026 and last 12 months. Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: UKRI Metascience AI early career fellowshipSummary: The UK Metascience Unit will fund a cohort of early career fellows to build our understanding of:
Award: Fellowships can be up to £260,000 full economic cost (FEC) for up to two years. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC. Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activitySummary: A record number of people are registered as economically inactive across the UK, with a significant proportion not in local labour markets because of ill-health, disability, and informal caregiving responsibilities. This has profound implications for individuals, households, and local communities, as well as for the UK’s economy and society as a whole. Funding is for a single innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative project to identify ways of supporting good quality, sustainable economic activity in places experiencing high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK. The project will develop a deeper contextual understanding of place-based economic inactivity in the UK, with a focus on:
In this opportunity, we are interested in informal caregiving as it relates to working age adults providing unpaid care for adult relatives, friends, and neighbours. Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,200,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is for a single award. The project must begin by 12 January 2026 and run for 24 months. Funder Deadline: 06 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
P2R: increasing UK policymaker engagement with researchSummary: P2R enables direct connections between public and civil servants and research organisations. P2R is part of a wider approach to policy engagement that aims to build trusted relationships between public and civil servants and academic researchers in order to support the creation of effective evidence-informed public policy. This 42-month Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) investment in a P2R infrastructure will enable policymakers to enhance their transferable skills and understanding of research, evidence and data by engaging in relevant activities in an academic setting. The infrastructure will increase the number and range of opportunities for UK public and civil servants, at all career stages, to engage with the UK research community through various formats, such as professional development, training, immersive workshops, placements, and networking. The aim of this investment is to help build an inclusive ‘connective infrastructure’ that facilitates impactful, sustained collaboration between research and policy stakeholders. This investment will enhance public and civil servant’s transferable skills and understanding of how to access and apply research evidence. It will build stronger connections between research and policy communities. Through these initiatives, this investment will support the development of effective public policy based on robust evidence and the expertise of the UK’s world leading research organisations. Award: The maximum full economic cost (FEC) of your project is £3.8 million. ESRC’s maximum contribution will be £3 million. The 42-month project must start by 2 February 2026. Funder Deadline: 06 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility UpdateHorizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) |
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered. Transformative Innovations in global health Smart airports, airports as multimodal nodes and passenger experience
Deadline: 16 September 2025 |
Latest Updates and Opportunities for SAH and SHSSPlease find here an information note on Horizon Europe Programme prepared for School of Arts and Humanities (SAH) &Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). It includes latest updates on Horizon Europe, including funding opportunities available under 2023-2024 Work Programmes, how to apply and useful links. The content of the information note is as follows:
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ERC Advanced GrantSummary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions. Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities. Funder Deadline: 28 August 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
ERC Proof of ConceptSummary: The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects. Frontier research often generates radically new ideas that drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges. The ERC PoC Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to PIs whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research. Proof of Concept Grants aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC funds, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Award: A lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months. Funder Deadline: 18 September 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU PartnersSummary: This programme is providing pump priming funding to seed collaborations for applications to specific Horizon Europe topics in Pillar 2. The aim is to build collaborative activity between UK and EU/Associated Countries’ entities in Pillar 2 where the major consortia building type of applications in Horizon Europe are centred. This will help UK-based entities overcome the barriers to collaborative engagement with EU/Associated Countries’ partners to maximise the opportunities Horizon Europe presents. For the purpose of this call, Associated Countries include those countries in the process of associating as listed on the Europa website. Third country partners, such as Switzerland, can also be considered as appropriate, but projects and proposed consortia must provide confidence that they will address necessary eligibility and impact criteria. The call is focused solely on Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness. Funder Deadline: 05 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
British Academy International FellowshipsSummary: The International Fellowships programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. Each award is expected to involve a specific and protected research focus with the award holder undertaking high quality, original research. The overarching aim of the International Fellowships programme is to attract and retain emerging talent in the UK and build a globally connected, mobile research and innovation workforce. The objectives are to:
Award: The Fellowship supports salary for 24 months. Applicants may apply for research expenses of up to £12,000 and relocation costs of up to £8,000. Funder Deadline: 18 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Nuffield Foundation Research, Development and Analysis FundSummary: Our main focus is on Education, Welfare and Justice but many of our projects cut across and go beyond these broad domains. In particular, we are interested in funding research that takes account of the trends that are shaping today’s increasingly complex society, such as those set out in our 2017-2022 strategy:
Award: Up to £750,000. Please note, the majority of grants we award are less than £300,000. For funding applications that are larger in scale and address our core areas of interest, we will consider awards towards the higher end of the current funding scale, providing applications can demonstrate a strong case and value for money. Funder Deadline: 01 April 2025, Outline application deadline Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Career Development AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. Funder Deadline: 03 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Discovery AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. Research questions should generate knowledge that leads to a shift in understanding or delivers new insight into how human life and health work. We welcome proposals that may have a clinical or societal impact or have translational potential, but the focus should be on discovery research. We fund research into the:
Award: The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million. Applications above £5 million will be subject to additional scrutiny. Awards can be up to 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and may be longer if held on a part-time basis. The average duration of a Discovery Award is 7 years, although we have supported awards from 3 to 8 years. Funder Deadline: 08 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Leverhulme Trust Visiting ProfessorshipsSummary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research. Funder Deadline: 01 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Early-Career AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis. Award: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. Funder Deadline: 22 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Large Grant Contribution FundSummary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible. Funder Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline. Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk |
REF Impact FundingSummary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team. Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
Award: Up to £10,000. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team |
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025Summary: :Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls. Award: Varies. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman |
Language Sciences Incubator FundSummary: The Language Sciences Incubator Fund is an opportunity to:
We particularly welcome projects which:
Travel costs, event or workshop organisation are not supported by this scheme. API or computation fees for commercial tools (e.g. API access for large language models) will not be funded under this scheme unless it is clearly explained why existing university resources (e.g. the HPC cluster) or freely available models (e.g. hugging face) are insufficient or inaccessible. Award: £10,000 in total for projects related to the core aim of the Language Sciences IRC of "strengthening research collaborations across disciplines"; £27,000 in total for projects related to our AI@Cam project “Improving language equity and inclusion through AI”. Funding of up to £5,000 is available per project but we would consider larger funding requests for exceptional AI-focused projects. Funder Deadline: 09 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: contact@languagesciences.cam.ac.uk |
Cambridge Humanities Research GrantsSummary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application. The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution. Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later. Funder Deadline: 10 March 2025; 28 April 2025; 16 June 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk |
HEIF 2025-2030 Call 1: Non-School Institutions KE activitySummary: Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) allocations are made on an annual basis by Research England to support knowledge exchange between higher education providers and the wider world that benefits society and the economy. In our new 2025 approach, three open calls will be made available for projects with the potential for HEIF support in either non-school institution or school structures, for long term investment or for time limited projects. In this call, non-school institutions are given opportunity to apply for funding for core KE related projects up to 5 years in length. Those already receiving funds through HEIF are invited to apply for an amount consistent with current budget envelopes (with inflationary increases considered). Any significant increases to current projects will be assessed with new activity and judged in relation to the portfolio as a whole. Funder Deadline: 20 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: heif@admin.cam.ac.uk |
HEIF 2025-2030 Call: School KE activitySummary: Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) allocations are made on an annual basis by Research England to support knowledge exchange between higher education providers and the wider world that benefits society and the economy. In our new 2025 approach, three open calls will be made available for projects with the potential for HEIF support in either non-school institution or school structures, for long term investment or for time limited projects. In this call, Schools are invited to coordinate HEIF applications from within their departments/ faculties. Funder Deadline: 20 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: heif@admin.cam.ac.uk |
HEIF 2025-2030 Call 3: KE Training and Development activitiesSummary: Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) allocations are made on an annual basis by Research England to support knowledge exchange between higher education providers and the wider world that benefits society and the economy. In our new 2025 approach, three open calls will be made available for projects with the potential for HEIF support in either non-school institution or school structures, for long term investment or for time limited projects. Projects that are focussed on the training and development of skills, knowledge and expertise in KE which sit across the University are encouraged to apply through this call. Those already receiving funds through HEIF are invited to apply for an amount consistent with current budget envelopes (with inflationary increases considered). Any significant increases to current projects will be assessed with new activity and judged in relation to the portfolio as a whole. Funder Deadline: 20 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: heif@admin.cam.ac.uk |
Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research FundSummary: The Cambridge-Africa programme is pleased to announce the opening of the call for proposals to the Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund. We welcome applications from pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge and African institutions looking to establish and/or strengthen research collaborations that address key challenges in climate resilience and sustainability. The fund is not limited to science departments and encourages applications from all disciplines and departments. Multi-disciplinary and inter- disciplinary applications are particularly welcomed as are innovative approaches. Award: Applications can be made for a Research Catalyst Grant for up to £20,000 or a Workshop Grant for up to £50,000 regardless of discipline and dependent on justification for funding requested. Funder Deadline: 21 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Please direct any queries to cresusrf@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk |
Consultancy 101
01 April 2025, 9:30 to 14:00 (including lunch) Are you considering becoming a consultant? Perhaps you are already consulting but want to find out how to work more effectively. Cambridge Enterprise is delighted to offer a half-day training course to academics and researchers of the University. They will share expertise on best practices, tips on making life easier and troubleshoot some of the key issues consultants encounter. What the workshop covers:
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Venture Building 101
07 May 2025, 13:00 to 17:30 (including lunch) Are you looking to start a company or social enterprise? Perhaps you are already working with Cambridge Enterprise on the development of your idea and are considering spinning out a company? This half-day, interactive, workshop is open to staff and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge who are considering or are in the process of commercialising their research and expertise. It will provide helpful tools to assist in the process of starting a company or social venture. The session focusses on the three core pillars of what experience tells us it takes to create a viable spin out: Technology, People and Funding. |
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
January 2025
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Expression of Interest (16 January 2025), ESRC, Cambridge internal deadline
- New Generation Thinkers 2025 (28 January 2025) AHRC
- Collaborate with German partners on arts and humanities research (19 February 2025) AHRC
- International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025 (13 March 2025) AHRC and ESRC
- Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: UKRI Creating Opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity (06 May 2025) UKRI
- Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowship - round 10 (18 June 2025) UKRI
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- Latest updates and opportunities for SAH and SHSS
- ERC Proof of Concept (13 March 2025 and 18 September 2025)
- ERC Advanced Grant (28 August 2025)
Charity Funding
- British Academy Conferences (29 January 2025)
- Leverhulme Trust Philip Leverhulme Prizes (12 February 2025) internal restricted deadline
- ISRF Early Career Fellowship (14 February 2025)
- British Academy Evidence-informed policymaking grants (19 February 2025)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: International Crisis Group (19 February 2025)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: Conciliation Resources (19 February 2025)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: C20 2025 (19 February 2025)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: The Igarape Group (19 February 2025)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships (Remote) (19 February 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (25 February 2025)
- Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU Partners 2025 (05 March 2025)
- Nuffield Foundation Research, Development and Analysis Fund (01 April 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (03 April 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards (08 April 2025)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships (01 May 2025)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (27 January 2025)
Training / Other
- Cambridge Zero Interactive Research Database (ongoing)
- NCACE Evidence Cafe 14: Artists and Universities (22 January 2025)
ESRC Postdoctoral FellowshipSummary: Your actual programmes or proposed programme of activities should reflect your prior knowledge and experience and be designed to support your longer-term research career aspirations. Activities could include but are not limited to:
Expressions of Interest Interested researchers are invited to submit an expression of interest to CAM-DTP via a short online form. The submission at this stage asks only for
Researchers are also required to complete a Contextualisation Survey as part of the Expression of Interest stage by the same deadline. The application form and contextualisation survey are open NOW. An example of a successful EOI application from a previous year is available upon request by emailing cam-dtp@admin.cam.ac.uk. Funder Deadline: 16 January 2025 (CAM-DTP internal deadline) Research Facilitation Contact: cam-dtp@admin.cam.ac.uk |
New Generation Thinkers 2025Summary: This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio. If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers. Funder Deadline: 28 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Collaborate with German partners on arts and humanities researchSummary: The funding opportunity will be open to applications addressing any research topic where there is significant potential to advance knowledge through collaborative research. It brings together arts and humanities researchers in the UK, whose research falls within the remit of AHRC, and humanities researchers in Germany. For this funding opportunity, the field of humanities is defined by the AHRC’s remit, not by the DFG’s classification of humanities. Award: The full economic cost of your project can be up to £420,000. Your project can last for 24 to 36 months. Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025Summary: We’re looking to fund eligible PhD students and early career researchers to complete a research fellowship at an international cultural institution for two to six months.
Your fellowship must be based on your area of current research (including your doctoral research if you are a PhD student). The proposed research activities and outputs from your fellowship should complement, strengthen, or build on your current area of research. You will need to propose a distinct package of research in your application and explain how this project relates to both your current research and the collections and expertise of your prospective host institution. Funder Deadline: 13 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Your department Research Grants Administrator |
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)Summary: The Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK. The LUCIA programme objectives are:
The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities. It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned. Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants. Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026. Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activitySummary: A record number of people are registered as economically inactive across the UK, with a significant proportion not in local labour markets because of ill-health, disability, and informal caregiving responsibilities. This has profound implications for individuals, households, and local communities, as well as for the UK’s economy and society as a whole. Funding is for a single innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative project to identify ways of supporting good quality, sustainable economic activity in places experiencing high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK. The project will develop a deeper contextual understanding of place-based economic inactivity in the UK, with a focus on:
In this opportunity, we are interested in informal caregiving as it relates to working age adults providing unpaid care for adult relatives, friends, and neighbours. Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,200,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is for a single award. The project must begin by 12 January 2026 and run for 24 months. Funder Deadline: 06 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowships, round 10Summary: Future Leaders Fellowships are personal awards to support fellows to develop as impactful and influential research or innovation leaders. You are encouraged to think broadly about the type of activities you may pursue as part of your research or innovation objectives. This could include:
You should also consider what career development support opportunities are appropriate. This could include mentoring and professional training and development, and relevant training courses that will underpin your future career ambitions and learning. A clear programme of skills development is an essential component of this fellowship. For this scheme there are match funding requirements for the fellow's salary and a commitment to an open ended position at the end of the Fellowship. Early career academics already in a permanent position can apply, provided they can show they need funding to "transition to research independence". Award: There is no minimum or maximum project cost Funder Deadline: TBA internal restricted deadline; 18 June 2025 funder deadline Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility UpdateHorizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) |
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered. Industrialisation of sustainable and circular deep renovation workflows (Built4People Partnership) Mobility Management Plans and Behavioural Change The objective of this topic is to explore, analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of mobility management schemes (influencing behavioural change, travel demand and travel supply) in achieving a decarbonised and energy-efficient urban mobility system. |
Latest Updates and Opportunities for SAH and SHSSPlease find here an information note on Horizon Europe Programme prepared for School of Arts and Humanities (SAH) &Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). It includes latest updates on Horizon Europe, including funding opportunities available under 2023-2024 Work Programmes, how to apply and useful links. The content of the information note is as follows:
|
ERC Proof of ConceptSummary: The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects. Frontier research often generates radically new ideas that drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges. The ERC PoC Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to PIs whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research. Proof of Concept Grants aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC funds, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Award: A lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months. Funder Deadline: 13 March 2025 and 18 September 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
ERC Advanced GrantSummary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions. Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities. Funder Deadline: 28 August 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
British Academy ConferencesSummary: The British Academy Conferences scheme presents an exceptional opportunity for UK-based scholars to run a landmark event featuring leading-edge research as part of the Academy’s events programme. The scheme includes a strand of British Academy/Wellcome Conferences, designed to foster discussion and debate on health and wellbeing related themes. Successful conferences will bring together scholars from around the world to present and discuss new research in the humanities and social sciences. Events can be held at the British Academy’s own premises in London, at other British venues, online, or at one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRIs) outside of the UK. These landmark events will offer students, scholars and specialists an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in their subject areas and to expand their academic networks. Award: Up to £20,000 per conference is available for British Academy/DSIT conferences. For conferences on health and wellbeing under the British Academy/Wellcome scheme, the upper limit of awards is £30,000. Funder Deadline: 29 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Leverhulme Trust Philip Leverhulme PrizesSummary: The Philip Leverhulme Prizes are awarded to researchers at an early stage of their careers whose work has had international impact and whose future research career is exceptionally promising. The funding should be used for any purpose related to the advancement of the research or artistic practice of the Prize Winner, provided that the items of expenditure fall within the categories classically eligible for the support of the Trust. Funding is available over 2 to 3 years and is paid in two equal instalments to the Prize Winner’s employing institution. Prizes can be taken up on the first of a month between 1st December 2025 and 1st November 2026. Eligibility
Subject areas 2025
Two areas are always excluded because substantial funding is available from other sources for applied medical research, and the Trust’s priority is to support investigations of a fundamental nature:
University Internal selection:
Internal Assessment Criteria:
Award: Each prize is worth £100,000. Funder Deadline: 12 February 2025, internal restricted deadline; 14 May 2025, funder deadline. Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk |
ISRF Early Career FellowshipSummary: The Independent Social Research Foundation wishes to support independent-minded researchers to explore and present original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems. Award: The amount of an award depends on the nature of the work proposed and individual circumstances – the ISRF expects applications for grants up to a maximum of £67,500 to buy-out the cost of all teaching and associated administration in the applicant’s home institution for up to 12 months. Within that sum, reasonable support for research expenses may be considered on a matched-funding basis with the host Institution. Should buy-out funding not be administratively viable or appropriate, non-UK based applicants should contact ISRF to discuss other ways that a Fellowship award could be administered in the context of their local academic/administrative requirements. Funder Deadline: 14 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy Evidence-informed policymaking grantsSummary: The aim of this call is to support ODA-eligible international collaborations between researchers, policymakers and practitioners in the UK and those in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries on evidence-informed policymaking. Applications that are not considered ODA-eligible will not be taken forward through the assessment process. Evidence-based policymaking is an ideal outcome for any policymaking efforts, however, policy is more usually informed by research and evidence if at all. This is often not at the right moments in the policymaking cycle and only when those involved in the generation of evidence and the formulation and delivery of policy act to ensure this is the case. The idea behind informing policymaking through quality evidence and research from the beginning of the policymaking cycle, what scholars call ‘framing’ or ‘ideation’, through to policy design and implementation and learning, is that it can enhance decisionmakers’ understanding of issues, helping to positively inform policy formation and creation, and service delivery, as well as supporting strategic planning and policy and programme improvements. There is considerable interest in evidence-informed policymaking with much research aiming directly or indirectly to inform policy. This is supported by a broad field of evidence on how to foster the use of research evidence in specific conditions. There is, however, further work required on the effectiveness of interventions to develop, embed and sustain evidence-based policymaking. This call is therefore aiming to respond to questions, such as the following:
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration. Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship: International Crisis GroupSummary: The objective of the ODA (Official Development Assistance) Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the ODA Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development. Applications must have a contextual focus on Africa in countries where the International Crisis Group has ongoing work and are eligible foci for this call. These are Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
Award: The Academy is offering up to four one-year fellowships to work with the International Crisis Group. These are offered as awards for up to £120,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80 per cent). Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: Conciliation ResourcesSummary: Conciliation Resources is an international organisation committed to stopping violent conflict and creating more peaceful societies. For 30 years it has been bringing together communities torn apart by violence and mistrust, helping people resolve their differences. They connect the views of people on the ground with political processes, and share learning so others can find alternatives to violent conflict. They build connections between those who would not normally meet, breaking down barriers between divided groups. They encourage marginalised people to speak out about the conflicts which affect them, and work to ensure they have the space to do that, and most importantly, ensure the people directly impacted by conflict are leading initiatives to respond to the violence. The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and Conciliation Resources, with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective. Applications must have a contextual focus on places where Conciliation Resources peacebuilding programmes operate and are eligible foci for this call. These include the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, the Philippines / Mindanao, and the Solomon Islands. Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
Award: The Academy is able to offer awards of up to £120,000 (with Full Economic Costing at 80 per cent). Awards are for a 12-month period. Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: C40 2025Summary: Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using an inclusive, science-based and collaborative approach to cut their fair share of emissions in half by 2030, help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C, and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. C40 supports mayors to do this by:
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and C40, with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective. Award: The Academy is offering up to one to two one-year fellowships hosted in C40,’s office in London. These are offered as awards for up to £120,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80 per cent). Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: The Igarape GroupSummary: This call is offering opportunities for ODA Global Innovation Fellowship award holders to embed themselves with Igarape, in their Brazil office. Igarapé Institute is an independent think and do tank focused on the areas of public, climate and digital security and its consequences for democracy. Its objective is to propose solutions and partnerships for global challenges through research, new technologies, communication and influence on public policies in the areas of public, digital and climate security. The Institute works with governments, the private sector and civil society to design data-based solutions. It is a non-profit, independent and non-partisan institution, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro with partnerships and projects in over 20 countries. The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and Igarapé Institute, with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective. Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
Award: The Academy is able to offer awards of up to £150,000 (with Full Economic Costing at 80 per cent). Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy ODA Global Fellowships (Remote)Summary: This is the latest call for this ODA strand of the programme, offering opportunities for Global Innovation Fellowship award holders to work closely for a year with a partner organisation through a dedicated programme of activity and visits. That being the case, in this call there is no requirement, expectation or funding for the award holder to relocate internationally to be based in the partner organisation. Instead, the applicant and the partner organisation are to develop a programme of activity together that can be undertaken remotely with funding available for visits to the partner organisation and limited research costs such as workshops in the country of the partner organisation. The partner organisation must be based in any of the following countries: Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Türkiye, Thailand, Vietnam and any country from this list of Least Developed Countries. Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
Successful candidates will be selected on the basis of the quality and interest of the activity or range of activities and outputs proposed in the application. Award-holders will be expected to play a role in promoting the approaches and methods that are the focus of their award, and consider the potential for engagement between academic and non-academic environments. Eligible activities and outputs can involve, but are not limited to:
Award: The Academy is able to offer awards of up to £120,000 (with Full Economic Costing at 80 per cent). Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Early-Career AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis. Award: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. Funder Deadline: 25 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU PartnersSummary: This programme is providing pump priming funding to seed collaborations for applications to specific Horizon Europe topics in Pillar 2. The aim is to build collaborative activity between UK and EU/Associated Countries’ entities in Pillar 2 where the major consortia building type of applications in Horizon Europe are centred. This will help UK-based entities overcome the barriers to collaborative engagement with EU/Associated Countries’ partners to maximise the opportunities Horizon Europe presents. For the purpose of this call, Associated Countries include those countries in the process of associating as listed on the Europa website. Third country partners, such as Switzerland, can also be considered as appropriate, but projects and proposed consortia must provide confidence that they will address necessary eligibility and impact criteria. The call is focused solely on Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness. Funder Deadline: 05 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Nuffield Foundation Research, Development and Analysis FundSummary: Our main focus is on Education, Welfare and Justice but many of our projects cut across and go beyond these broad domains. In particular, we are interested in funding research that takes account of the trends that are shaping today’s increasingly complex society, such as those set out in our 2017-2022 strategy:
Award: Up to £750,000. Please note, the majority of grants we award are less than £300,000. For funding applications that are larger in scale and address our core areas of interest, we will consider awards towards the higher end of the current funding scale, providing applications can demonstrate a strong case and value for money. Funder Deadline: 01 April 2025, Outline application deadline Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Career Development AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. Funder Deadline: 03 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Discovery AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. Research questions should generate knowledge that leads to a shift in understanding or delivers new insight into how human life and health work. We welcome proposals that may have a clinical or societal impact or have translational potential, but the focus should be on discovery research. We fund research into the:
Award: The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million. Applications above £5 million will be subject to additional scrutiny. Awards can be up to 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and may be longer if held on a part-time basis. The average duration of a Discovery Award is 7 years, although we have supported awards from 3 to 8 years. Funder Deadline: 08 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Leverhulme Trust Visiting ProfessorshipsSummary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research. Funder Deadline: 01 May 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Large Grant Contribution FundSummary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible. Funder Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline. Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk |
REF Impact FundingSummary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team. Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
Award: Up to £10,000. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team |
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025Summary: :Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls. Award: Varies. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman |
Cambridge Humanities Research GrantsSummary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application. The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution. Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later. Funder Deadline: 27 January 2025; 10 March 2025; 28 April 2025; 16 June 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk |
Cambridge Zero Interactive Research DatabaseCambridge Zero has created an interactive database featuring 231 current climate and nature-related research projects at the University of Cambridge. If you have current climate or nature-related research projects that are not on there yet, please get in touch to have them featured on this new tool for showcasing your work. All requests for changes or additions to the database should be emailed to comms@zero.cam.ac.uk, and we will action these as soon as possible. |
NCACE Evidence Cafe 14: Artists and Universities |
AHSS Research and Impact Bulletin: December 2024
UK Research Council Funding
- New Generation Thinkers 2025 (28 January 2025) AHRC
- Curiosity Award (30 January 2025) AHRC
- Catalyst Award (30 January 2025) AHRC
- Collaborate with German partners on arts and humanities research (19 February 2025) AHRC
- International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025 (13 March 2025)
- Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowship - round 10 (18 June 2025) UKRI
EU/International Funding
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- Latest updates and opportunities for SAH and SHSS
- ERC Proof of Concept (13 March 2025 and 18 September 2025)
- ERC Advanced Grant (28 August 2025)
Charity Funding
- ISRF Flexible Grants for Small Groups (10 January 2025)
- Academic Jewish Studies Grant Programme: Research Consortia (13 January 2025)
- Academic Jewish Studies Grant Programme: Postdoctoral Fellowships (13 January 2025)
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and The British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Symposium (15 January 2025)
- British Academy International Writing Workshops (25 January 2025)
- British Academy Conferences (29 January 2025)
- Evidence-informed policymaking grants (19 February 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (25 February 2025)
- Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU Partners 2025 (05 March 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (03 April 2025)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- Trinity Programmes Collection-based Research in the Humanities (10 January 2025)
- Trinity Programmes Project Completion Grants for Mid-Career Researchers in Humanities (10 January 2025)
- Improving Research Community Builder Award (14 January 2025)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (27 January 2025)
Training
- Policy Engagement Training Programme (UKRI) 04 December, registration deadline
- Writing a Narrative CV (internal) 05 December 2024
- Professional Development Boot Camp (Postdoc Academy) 16 December 2024, registration deadline; 29-30 January 2025, event dates
New Generation Thinkers 2025Summary: This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio. If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers. Funder Deadline: 28 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
AHRC Curiosity AwardSummary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas. The funding opportunity celebrates the full diversity of the arts and humanities. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks, and solo researchers. Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary. Practice-based and practice-led research is supported by this funding opportunity. Award: Up to £100,000 funded at 80% fEC. Funder Deadline: 30 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
AHRC Catalyst AwardSummary: Catalyst awards support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, unlocking their potential and building leadership and convenor experience through the delivery of ambitious or complex projects. The scheme takes a people-centred approach with funding available to support the development of researchers and their research ideas. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers. Development is at the core of this scheme; projects must clearly articulate how the funding will contribute to the development of all those involved through the way that the project has been designed and will be managed, with appropriate support structures in place. Award: Between £100,000 and £300,000 funded at 80% fEC. Funder Deadline: 30 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Collaborate with German partners on arts and humanities researchSummary: The funding opportunity will be open to applications addressing any research topic where there is significant potential to advance knowledge through collaborative research. It brings together arts and humanities researchers in the UK, whose research falls within the remit of AHRC, and humanities researchers in Germany. For this funding opportunity, the field of humanities is defined by the AHRC’s remit, not by the DFG’s classification of humanities. Award: The full economic cost of your project can be up to £420,000. Your project can last for 24 to 36 months. Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
International Fellowships for PhD and Early Career Researchers 2025Summary: We’re looking to fund eligible PhD students and early career researchers to complete a research fellowship at an international cultural institution for two to six months.
Your fellowship must be based on your area of current research (including your doctoral research if you are a PhD student). The proposed research activities and outputs from your fellowship should complement, strengthen, or build on your current area of research. You will need to propose a distinct package of research in your application and explain how this project relates to both your current research and the collections and expertise of your prospective host institution. Funder Deadline: 13 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Your department Research Grants Administrator |
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)Summary: The Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK. The LUCIA programme objectives are:
The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities. It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned. Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants. Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026. Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowships, round 10Summary: Future Leaders Fellowships are personal awards to support fellows to develop as impactful and influential research or innovation leaders. You are encouraged to think broadly about the type of activities you may pursue as part of your research or innovation objectives. This could include:
You should also consider what career development support opportunities are appropriate. This could include mentoring and professional training and development, and relevant training courses that will underpin your future career ambitions and learning. A clear programme of skills development is an essential component of this fellowship. For this scheme there are match funding requirements for the fellow's salary and a commitment to an open ended position at the end of the Fellowship. Early career academics already in a permanent position can apply, provided they can show they need funding to "transition to research independence". Award: There is no minimum or maximum project cost Funder Deadline: TBA internal restricted deadline; 18 June 2025 funder deadline Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility UpdateHorizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) |
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered. Industrialisation of sustainable and circular deep renovation workflows (Built4People Partnership) Mobility Management Plans and Behavioural Change The objective of this topic is to explore, analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of mobility management schemes (influencing behavioural change, travel demand and travel supply) in achieving a decarbonised and energy-efficient urban mobility system. |
Latest Updates and Opportunities for SAH and SHSSPlease find here an information note on Horizon Europe Programme prepared for School of Arts and Humanities (SAH) &Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). It includes latest updates on Horizon Europe, including funding opportunities available under 2023-2024 Work Programmes, how to apply and useful links. The content of the information note is as follows:
|
ERC Proof of ConceptSummary: The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects. Frontier research often generates radically new ideas that drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges. The ERC PoC Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to PIs whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research. Proof of Concept Grants aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC funds, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Award: A lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months. Funder Deadline: 13 March 2025 and 18 September 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
ERC Advanced GrantSummary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions. Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities. Funder Deadline: 28 August 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
ISRF Flexible Grants for Small GroupsSummary: The ISRF regularly offers support to small groups of scholars working collaboratively. Generally speaking, ISRF small group awards are intended as enabling one or more short periods of face-to-face joint group work such as workshops, working-in-pairs, or short academic visits (e-working, video-conferencing or Skype expenses are not included). Award: Up to the limit of £7,100. Funder Deadline: 10 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Academic Jewish Studies Programme: Research ConsortiaSummary: Support is available for universities to establish research consortia, which link scholars at different institutions working on shared research projects. We welcome applications for digital humanities projects, as well as applications which include an Israeli partner institution. These grants are intended to serve as seed funding for recipients to develop a larger project proposal for a national or EU-funding body. The ability for Jewish Studies to win substantial grants from such funding bodies will ensure the future of Jewish Studies in 21st-century Europe. Award: Maximum £40,000 per annum for three years. Funder Deadline: 13 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Academic Jewish Studies Programme: Postdoctoral FellowshipsSummary: Support is available for institutions who wish to employ a post-doctoral fellow in Jewish Studies. Institutions should be able to make a case that the post-doctoral fellow will make a significant contribution to their department and conduct ground-breaking research during their fellowship. The fellowship programme includes online seminars and workshops designed to foster networking and collaboration between our fellows. These events include skills based workshops and opportunities to present work-in-progress. Recipients are expected to participate in these events throughout their fellowship. Award: Maximum £35,000 per annum for two years. Please note: the funder is aware this is not enough to cover a full-time post-doctoral fellowship in some countries, and we expect universities to contribute to the cost of the fellowship. Funder Deadline: 13 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and The British Academy Knowledge Frontiers SymposiumSummary: The symposium aims to incentivise and establish international engagement and collaboration between early career researchers based in Germany and the United Kingdom. This symposium’s theme is belonging, highlighting connections between space, place and identity and addressing: what does it mean to belong to a community, a society or a state? How is this sense of belonging – or exclusion from it – produced, maintained, expressed and represented? This symposium will seek to bring a highly interdisciplinary lens to this work, exploring ideas of belonging and identity in relation to borders and boundaries, both physical and ideological. It is expected that the symposium will include a series of sessions focusing on:
Participants, consisting of approximately 15 early career researchers from each country (within ten years of PhD completion), will have opportunities for in-depth discussions, networking, and collaborative project development. Seed funding will be available for international collaborations formed during the symposium. Award: The symposium covers travel, accommodation, and visa costs. Participants are expected to attend the entire symposium and travel on designated dates. Funder Deadline: 15 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
British Academy International Writing WorkshopsSummary: The intention of the Writing Workshops is to cultivate professional networks and mentorship and provide access for early career researchers in developing countries to the academic requirements of journals, including international journals, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to publish in these journals. Award: Awards are set at a maximum of £30,000. Funding must be used in the direct delivery of the workshops, and can cover travel and related expenses, subsistence costs, clerical assistance and consumables, childcare support (including for participants), networking, meeting and/or conference costs. Funder Deadline: 25 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
British Academy ConferencesSummary: The British Academy Conferences scheme presents an exceptional opportunity for UK-based scholars to run a landmark event featuring leading-edge research as part of the Academy’s events programme. The scheme includes a strand of British Academy/Wellcome Conferences, designed to foster discussion and debate on health and wellbeing related themes. Successful conferences will bring together scholars from around the world to present and discuss new research in the humanities and social sciences. Events can be held at the British Academy’s own premises in London, at other British venues, online, or at one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRIs) outside of the UK. These landmark events will offer students, scholars and specialists an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in their subject areas and to expand their academic networks. Award: Up to £20,000 per conference is available for British Academy/DSIT conferences. For conferences on health and wellbeing under the British Academy/Wellcome scheme, the upper limit of awards is £30,000. Funder Deadline: 29 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Evidence-informed policymaking grantsSummary: The aim of this call is to support ODA-eligible international collaborations between researchers, policymakers and practitioners in the UK and those in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries on evidence-informed policymaking. Applications that are not considered ODA-eligible will not be taken forward through the assessment process. Evidence-based policymaking is an ideal outcome for any policymaking efforts, however, policy is more usually informed by research and evidence if at all. This is often not at the right moments in the policymaking cycle and only when those involved in the generation of evidence and the formulation and delivery of policy act to ensure this is the case. The idea behind informing policymaking through quality evidence and research from the beginning of the policymaking cycle, what scholars call ‘framing’ or ‘ideation’, through to policy design and implementation and learning, is that it can enhance decisionmakers’ understanding of issues, helping to positively inform policy formation and creation, and service delivery, as well as supporting strategic planning and policy and programme improvements. There is considerable interest in evidence-informed policymaking with much research aiming directly or indirectly to inform policy. This is supported by a broad field of evidence on how to foster the use of research evidence in specific conditions. There is, however, further work required on the effectiveness of interventions to develop, embed and sustain evidence-based policymaking. This call is therefore aiming to respond to questions, such as the following:
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration. Funder Deadline: 19 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Wellcome Trust Early-Career AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis. Award: Awards are set at a maximum of £30,000. Funding must be used in the direct delivery of the workshops, and can cover travel and related expenses, subsistence costs, clerical assistance and consumables, childcare support (including for participants), networking, meeting and/or conference costs. Funder Deadline: 25 February 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Horizon Europe Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU PartnersSummary: This programme is providing pump priming funding to seed collaborations for applications to specific Horizon Europe topics in Pillar 2. The aim is to build collaborative activity between UK and EU/Associated Countries’ entities in Pillar 2 where the major consortia building type of applications in Horizon Europe are centred. This will help UK-based entities overcome the barriers to collaborative engagement with EU/Associated Countries’ partners to maximise the opportunities Horizon Europe presents. For the purpose of this call, Associated Countries include those countries in the process of associating as listed on the Europa website. Third country partners, such as Switzerland, can also be considered as appropriate, but projects and proposed consortia must provide confidence that they will address necessary eligibility and impact criteria. The call is focused solely on Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness. Funder Deadline: 05 March 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner |
Wellcome Trust Career Development AwardsSummary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. Funder Deadline: 03 April 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik |
Large Grant Contribution FundSummary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible. Funder Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline. Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk |
REF Impact FundingSummary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team. Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
Award: Up to £10,000. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team |
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025Summary: :Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls. Award: Varies. Funder Deadline: Rolling basis Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman |
Trinity Programmes Collection-based Research in the HumanitiesSummary :Collections, libraries, archives and galleries are the ‘laboratories’ of humanities scholars. Collegiate Cambridge has a wealth of such collections, large and small, as well as collections within collections that may not be well known to scholars or whose research potential is yet to be fully appreciated and realised. While most repositories welcome new research and scholarship of their holdings, they are often limited in supporting such research because of staff shortage or limited funds for conservation.
Each proposal must be based on a collaboration between at least two UTOs/CTOs/ Research Fellows/Curators working in the humanities. Award: The total maximum grant is £5,000. Funder Deadline: 10 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk |
Trinity Programmes Project Completion Grants for Mid-Career Researchers in HumanitiesSummary: INT is pleased to announce new awards, made possible by a donation by Trinity College, offering support for mid-career researchers to complete their second monograph, or other substantial piece of research that qualifies for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). In most subjects in the humanities, monographs are an important output for career progression and are weighted substantially in the REF. Trinity College recognises the challenges faced by mid-career scholars who take on major administrative duties in departments and colleges amidst growing care responsibilities and has provided funding specifically to enable the research output of such individuals.
Award: Grants are payable to the Department/ Faculty and/or College of the applicant, for teaching and administrative buyout, as follows:
Funder Deadline: 10 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk |
Improving Research Community Builder AwardSummary: The Improving Research Community Builder Award will support Pre-PhDs, PhDs, and Postdoctoral Researchers who want to host local events focused on improving research practices and culture at their universities. These events can be diverse, and we will consider many different initiative, regardless of whether they are small and preliminary, or already well established. For example, you can apply for the award to pay for snacks during a casual monthly journal club, host coffee get-togethers, or a larger lecture series Award: Between £200 and £800 Funder Deadline: 14 January 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: For enquiries, email dmh-group@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk. |
Cambridge Humanities Research GrantsSummary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application. The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution. Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later. Funder Deadline: 27 January 2025; 10 March 2025; 28 April 2025; 16 June 2025 Research Facilitation Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk |
Policy Engagement Training Programme
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Writing a Narrative CV
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Professional Development Boot CampRegistration deadline: 16 December 2024 Who is the boot camp for? What will be covered?
Day 2
How do I apply? In addition to some basic background information, you will be asked to provide brief (no more than 200 words each) statements, describing:
Submit your application here by Monday 16 December 2024. You will be notified of the outcome of your application before the Christmas holidays. Please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk if you have any questions about this event. |
AHSS Research and Impact Bulletin
October 2024
Highlight Notice
Cambridge University Libraries Research Skills sessions for Michaelmas 2024
As term begins, please see the Research Skills training from Cambridge University Libraries. There are sessions and workshops covering a range of research skills and practices. Topics cover referencing, copyright, literature searching, data management, publishing and more. These sessions are for anyone engaging in research or supporting research. Please visit Research Skills 2024-2025 for further information and to book your place.
If you have questions, please contact ResearcherDevelopment@cam.ac.uk
UK Research Council Funding
- World Values Survey 2025 to 2027 (12 November 2024) ESRC
- UKRI DRI: Championing knowledge exchange for UK computational science (12 November 2024) UKRI
- UKRI DRI: digital research infrastructure skills hubs for accelerate compute (12 November 2024) UKRI
- Driving Urban Transition (DUT) partnership 2024 (14 November 2024) ESRC, AHRC and EPSRC
- Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) 2024-2025 Round Four (04 December 2024) Innovate UK
- AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- UKRI-NSF-SBE lead agency: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers (10 December 2024) AHRC
- AHRC responsive mode: standard research grant: round six (10 December 2024) AHRC
- Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work (12 December 2024) ESRC and AHRC
- Transforming global evidence: AI-driven evidence synthesis for policymaking (12 December 2024) ESRC
- Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
EU / International Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme
- ERC Synergy Grant (06 November 2024)
- ERC Consolidator Grant (14 January 2025)
Charity Funding
- BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening (30 October 2024)
- Independent Social Research Foundation First Book Grant (01 November 2024)
- British Academy Small Research Grant (06 November 2024)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship (06 November 2024)
- Leverhulme Trust International Fellowships (07 November 2024)
- Leverhulme Research Fellowships (07 November 2024)
- British Academy Senior Research Fellowship (13 November 2024)
- Isaac Newton Trust match-funding for Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships (15 November 2024)
- British Academy Innovation Fellowships - Route B Policy-led (Digital Society) (20 November 2024)
- British Academy Academic Research Project (22 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (26 November 2024)
- ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: C40 (27 November 2024)
- ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) (27 November 2024)
- British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led (FCDO) (27 November 2024)
- British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (27 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (03 December 2024)
- BA International Writing Workshops (25 January 2025)
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (25 February 2025)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- AI-deas funding call for education and cultural heritage (07 October 2024)
- Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research (20 October 2024)
- CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding (21 October 2024)
- RD Enhanced Funding Scheme (28 October 2024)
- Postgraduate Researcher Development Researcher-Led Events Funding (28 October 2024)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (11 November 2024)
- Improving Research Community Builder Award (14 January 2025)
Training / Other
- Accelerate Programme AI Clinic (internal) ongoing
- UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit newsletter (UK Parliament) ongoing
- Postdoc Academy Professional Development Programme (Postdoc Academy) various dates
- Postdoc Academy Cross-Institutional Courses and Events (Postdoc Academy) various dates
- Invitation to new Research Grant Application/Contracts System for Academic Staff in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Non-Schools (internal) 04 October 2024
- SYNC 1.0 BETA: new talent accelerator programme (Cambridge Enterprise) 09 October 2024
- Ideas to Reality Workshops (Cambridge Enterprise) 15 October 2024 and 19 November 2024
- Department of Work and Pension Area of Interest Workshop (CSaP) 16 October 2024
- Designing a Digital Research Project (CDH) 17 October 2024
- TV Festival (AHRC + TV Foundation) 06 November 2024
- Cambridge Awards for Research Impact and Engagement (internal) 08 November 2024)
World Values Survey 2025 to 2027
Summary: The aim of this funding opportunity is to ensure continuity of data collection and participation of Great Britain in the World Values Survey (WVS) to meet the needs of the social science research and user community. ESRC’s objectives for the successful applicant will be to:
- produce high-quality data meeting the needs of the UK and international research and policy communities, building on the existing cross-national and time series data, and ensure those communities have timely access to the data
- collaborate across the WVS association to deliver UK interests on data collection, facilitating high quality international research on life in Great Britain and enabling the UK research community to fully utilise WVS data
- promote the value and potential of the data to the UK research and user community as well as the wider public laying the foundation for potential future engagement activities
Award: Up to £1,027,780 FEC. ESRC is expecting up to around £800,000 of this funding to be spent on data collections, depending on the chosen methodology. Funding is available from 1 February 2025 to 31 July 2027
Deadline: 12 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI DRI: Championing knowledge exchange for UK computational science
Summary: Through this funding opportunity, the UKRI DRI programme aims to enhance the application of large-scale computational science knowledge and broaden the engagement and participation of a diverse user base in computational science practices, while showcasing UK strengths internationally, to ensure more people benefit from scientific advancements.
The objectives of this funding opportunity are to:
- ensure co-ordination of the existing large-scale compute software community as well as integrating new communities in computational research
- ensure effective knowledge exchange across the communities
- provide leadership and maximise the opportunities for collaboration between national and international initiatives
Award: Up to £1,875,000 FEC, UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC at £1.5 million. The award duration is three years.
Deadline: 12 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI DRI: digital research infrastructure skills hubs for accelerated compute
Summary: Through this funding opportunity, the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme aim to support the development of career pathways for digital RTPs, through bespoke training, development of strong professional skills and building capability in the UK, enabling world-leading computational science and development for accelerated compute.
The objectives of this funding opportunity are to:
- enable, ensure and future-proof the skills development for digital RTPs in accelerated and large-scale compute, including development of a robust training curriculum and formalised recognition
- enable, ensure and future-proof career pathways for digital RTPs in accelerated compute
- ensure that current and future UK Compute investments are utilised fully and optimally
- provide a talent pipeline that can bridge the gap between data, software and hardware development and optimisation
- foster engagement with UK and international initiatives that deliver or use digital research infrastructure, or both, for the benefit of computational science
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, digital RTP is intended to be an inclusive umbrella term which includes several job titles such as research software engineers, infrastructure engineers, data stewards, DevOps, SysOps, computational researchers, systems administrators, and technical support for digital research infrastructures.
Award: Up to £3.75 million FEC, UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. The award duration is three years.
Deadline: 12 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) partnership 2024
Summary: The DUT partnership focuses on three critical urban sectors (and their interrelationships) which are laid out in its roadmap as Transition Pathways.
Since urban transition issues are intrinsically interconnected, proposals that address topics from more than one Transition Pathway are encouraged. However, each proposal needs to choose one topic in a Transition Pathway that is closest to their subject as a guide. The proposal will be evaluated against the scope of its main Transition Pathway. Crosscutting characteristics will be considered in the assessment.
To make our cities more liveable, inclusive and climate-neutral, the focus is set on 15-minute neighbourhoods that recognise different urban contexts. The focus lies on knowledge creation, transferability and implementation. Multiple, diverging pathways are necessary for reaching sustainable mobility and transport in different contexts, applying place-sensitive approaches.
This funding opportunity aims to motivate efforts to extend beyond typical scenarios, encouraging projects that enhance experimentation and practical application. It seeks to address challenging obstacles in implementing the 15-minute City concept, and related fields of policy for urban mobility transitions.
It underscores the need to acknowledge diverse starting points for cities and adaptability among various social groups. It emphasises the significance of considering lifestyles, inclusiveness, social cohesion and social justice within the proposed ideas and proposals.
Award: £400,000.
Deadline: 14 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) 2024-2025 Round 4
Summary: The KTP partnership brings new skills and the latest academic thinking into the business partner to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. The knowledge base partner recruits the ‘associate’ to work on the project. The associate has the opportunity to lead a strategic development within the business, developing new skills and gaining valuable experience.
Guidance on how to apply for a KTP is available.
Each application must be led by a knowledge base, working with a business partner and supported by a knowledge transfer adviser.
Award: £8,500 per month. Projects must be between 12 and 36 months.
Funder Deadline: 04 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Tina Basi
AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
UKRI-NSF-SBE lead agency: round three
Summary: Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and US National Science Foundation, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Directorate (NSF-SBE).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers
Summary: Apply for funding to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC responsive mode: standard research grant: round six
Summary: Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work: Stream two
Summary: ESRC, AHRC, SSHRC and CIHR have partnered on this funding opportunity to support research that will foster a deeper understanding of the state of knowledge about the global challenge of envisioning governance systems that work.
Stream two
Stream two is reserved for applications jointly submitted by two applicants, one based in Canada and the other in the UK, who are associated with eligible institutions in their respective countries. Up to 27 projects may be jointly funded by SSHRC, ESRC and AHRC. Projects are not required to cover both AHRC and ESRC remits but must be relevant to at least one council’s remit.
The resulting knowledge syntheses will:
- identify roles that the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors could play in promoting more inclusive and equitable societies
- inform the development of effective tools and technologies, robust policies, and sustainable practices required to support the path toward a diverse and inclusive future for all
- Knowledge syntheses are comprehensive analyses of literature and other forms of knowledge on a particular question or issue. All types of knowledge synthesis approaches, tools and protocols, such as scoping reviews, systematic reviews and narrative syntheses, are encouraged under this funding opportunity.
Knowledge synthesis grants are not intended to support original research. Rather, they are intended to support the synthesis of existing research knowledge and identify knowledge gaps. This funding opportunity is particularly focused on the state of research produced over the past 10 years.
Award: Funding is available for one-year projects. The UK-Canada teams can apply for up to C$ 30,000 from SSHRC and ESRC or AHRC. Budgets cannot exceed a maximum 60% and 40% split across the two agencies (for example, 18,000 Canadian dollars (CA$) and £10,517 or £7,011 and CA$ 12,000). ESRC or AHRC will fund 80% of the UK budget’s full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Transforming global evidence: AI-driven evidence synthesis for policymaking
Summary: This funding opportunity aims to support the development of a transformative global infrastructure capable of providing the latest, relevant, high-quality evidence to national and international policymakers to address key policy challenges and accelerate delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will harness the potential of AI and build the capability of researchers to produce faster, more relevant and more cost-effective evidence syntheses. The opportunity also aims to accelerate the use of evidence to inform decision-making by policymakers, including through capacity strengthening.
Award: Up to a maximum of £11.5 million FEC; ESRC will fund up to £9.2 million. The project will start by 1 September 2025 and fund for five years.
Funder Deadline: 12 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)
Summary: This Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK.
The LUCIA programme objectives are:
- to develop collaborative research networks to actively engage local communities in widening access to cultural expression
- to understand local cultural complexities, barriers and enablers, with a view to improving wellbeing in communities throughout the UK
- to converge data and learning from a range of local and regional models to inform the spread and adoption of collaborative cultural policy across the UK
- The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities.
It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned.
Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants.
Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026.
Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
HORIZON-MISS-2024-CIT-01-02
Cities are concerned by various types of pollution, including air, water, soil and noise pollution, and their negative impacts on human health and the environment. Many of these pollutants emanate from the same sources as greenhouse gas emissions being tackled in the context of the EU Mission Climate-Neutral Smart Cities, so it is clear there are potential environmental co-benefits from reducing GHG emissions. Applicants should propose projects that deliver better and innovative local measures against pollution through, among others, improved knowledge on the exposures of citizens to pollution and improved health impact assessments and strategies to reduce health impacts related to air, water, soil and/or noise pollution.
Deadline: 10 February 2025
Rethinking urban spaces towards climate neutrality
HORIZON-MISS-2024-CIT-01-01
With our cities being overly populated and dense, the scarcity of urban public space requires smart urban design, planning, management and prioritisation in urban space allocation to different uses, amenities, and services. From the reallocation of the urban public space to more sustainable forms of transport and energy generation and use, intermodal hubs, and interchanges to the dynamic management of the street profile and curb side, and the integration of suburban/peripheral areas in the general urban fabric and patterns, current and future research should aim to make urban public spaces more liveable while enabling better a connectivity, accessibility, social interaction, inclusion and transit in the context of a changing climate.
The proposal should address the question on how to deal with limited urban public space and conflicting demands for it between transport and other users, considering social and climate goals and the need to shift towards more energy efficient and sustainable modes of transport, decarbonisation of the heating and cooling infrastructures.
Deadline: 10 February 2025
HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme 2023-2025
This document is designed to help potential proposers find SSH-related topics across the different parts of Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-25.
To assist SSH researchers in identifying funding opportunities, the European Commission (EC) has established a search engine within its online Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Certain topics with substantial SSH aspects have been “flagged” by the EC as SSH-relevant, and the search engine offers the option to quickly search for the specific priority ‘Socio-economic science and humanities’. It also allows for keyword and full-text search.
ERC Synergy Grant
Summary: The aim is to provide support for a small group of two to four Principal Investigators to jointly address ambitious research problems that could not be addressed by the individual Principal Investigators and their teams working alone. Synergy projects should enable substantial advances at the frontiers of knowledge, stemming, for example, from the cross-fertilization of scientific fields, from new productive lines of enquiry, or new methods and techniques, including unconventional approaches and investigations at the interface between established disciplines. The transformative research funded by Synergy Grants should have the potential of becoming a benchmark on a global scale.
Award: A maximum of € 10 million for a period of 6 years (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). An additional € 4 million can be requested in the proposal in total to cover eligible 'start-up' costs for Principal Investigators moving to the EU or an Associated Country from elsewhere as a consequence of receiving an ERC grant and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 06 November 2023
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Consolidator Grant
Summary: The ERC Consolidator Grant is for researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD. This programme is for PIs who will consolidate their own independent research team or programme. PIs must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal.
Award: up to € 2 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 14 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening
Summary: The primary intended outcome of this programme is to enhance the capabilities of institutions in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries and UK-based institutions to overcome systemic barriers of working across borders and to embed the resulting best practise within the institutions to support sustained, equitable, international research collaboration. Emphasis is placed on activities that enable sustainable change that continues well beyond the life of the award in institutions, including the development and implementation of policy frameworks or training programmes, for both UK and overseas institutions bearing in mind that these are likely to need to reach beyond research offices. It is understood that needs of partner institutions might differ, and projects should reflect this.
Awards are expected to involve significant time devoted to dialogue and communication between the institutions involved so that links can be built and enhanced, ways of working can be adapted, and best practice can be reached for all those involved in supporting future research projects. The Academy views the involvement of financial, HR and legal functions within institutions as key to the success of any award given the significant challenges that these areas can cause in the running of international research projects. Awards that are only aiming to bring together respective research offices will be considered insufficient and not be supported.
Awards of 18-24 months in duration are available. Projects must begin in March 2025.
Award: Up to £50,000. Funding can be used to support networking, workshop and other event-related costs, as well as travel and related expenses. Staffing costs are eligible up to £7,500 per institution involved, with a maximum of £30,000 that can be utilised for this purpose.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Independent Social Research Foundation First Book Grant
Summary: The Independent Social Research Foundation wishes to support recent PhD graduates in their effort to turn their PhD thesis into a publishable book.
Researchers may apply from across the social sciences and the humanities. The awards are intended to provide a research stipend (to cover living costs) for a period of up to twelve months, plus appropriate research expenses.
A final publication contract need not be in place at the time of application. However, applicants should have developed a specific publication plan, and describe any of their preliminary inquiries to publishers
Candidates must have been awarded their PhD and should be within three years of PhD award at the time of application (career breaks, such as periods of medical leave, parental leave, or caring commitments, will be taken into account), and should not already hold a permanent salaried position within academia.
The ISRF is looking for innovative research that breaks with existing explanatory frameworks so as to address afresh empirical problems with no currently adequate theory or investigative methodology. Innovation may also come from controversial theoretical approaches motivated by critical challenge of incumbent theories. Interdisciplinarity in the generation of new investigative initiatives may be achieved by combining, cross-fertilising, and so transforming empirical methods and theoretical insights from the social sciences. Projects ranging across the breadth of the social scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields are welcome, and relevant applications from scholars working within the humanities are also encouraged.
Award: Up to the limit of £35,000, of which no more than £28,750 may be allocated to the cost-of-living stipend. Project duration is 12 months.
Funder Deadline: 01 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Small Research Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships
Summary: The objective of the ODA (Official Development Assistance) Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the ODA Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Environment, sustainability and nature
- Transformative technologies
- Health and wellbeing
- Cities and urbanisation
- Global order, geopolitics and international affairs
Award: These Fellowships are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust International Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 07 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships
Summary: Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. Priority will be given to applicants whose teaching and administrative duties have significantly impacted their ability to undertake research in the three years prior to their application.
Award: The maximum value of a Fellowship is £70,000
Deadline: 07 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Senior Research Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Isaac Newton Trust match-funding competition for Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships
Summary: The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships (LECF) is a prestigious national competition for early career researchers, normally no more than 4 years after submitting their doctoral dissertation. The Leverhulme Trust will provide 50% of the salary costs up to a limit of £28k per annum for each year of a 3 year fellowship. The Fellow's host institution has to find matching funds (and any shortfall in costs) and must provide a letter guaranteeing salary costs not covered by the Leverhulme Trust as a requirement for entry to the national competition.
Award: The Isaac Newton Trust’s basic offer is to match the Leverhulme’s offer of 50% salary + on-costs up to a maximum of £28k in any one year.
Deadline: 15 November 2024 is the deadline for departments to put forward two candidates for the match-funding competition. Please note that departments are expected to run their own shortlisting selection process in advance of the 15 November Isaac Newton Trust's deadline. Late submissions from departments will not be considered.
Research Facilitation Contact: administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk
British Academy Innovation Fellowships - Route B Policy-led (Digital Society)
Summary: This scheme provides funding and support for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences (the SHAPE disciplines) to partner with organisations and businesses in the creative and cultural, public, private, commercial, or policy sectors that have a base in the UK, to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions that are relevant to the UK. Through the Innovation Fellowships, our researchers in the SHAPE community are supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
This call will enable researchers to partner with a range of central government departments or independent regulators for 12 months. Successful applicants will work within specific policy areas set out by their chosen partner. These policy areas broadly correlate to the British Academy’s own Digital Society policy programme, which covers similar themes.
The Academy and the partners invite applications for Fellowships in any of the following areas:
- AI, Intellectual Property (IP) and the Creative Industries (DCMS).
- Fostering economic growth across the UK through digital innovation in DCMS sectors (DCMS).
- The effect of regulating AI on business and consumer adoption (DSIT - AIPD).
- Government’s approach to AI safety (DSIT - AISI).
- AI Regulation and Auditing (DRCF).
- How AI impacts on public trust about information (Ofcom).
Award: Up to £120,000 FEC funded at 80%. The Lead Applicant must commit between 0.4 and 0.8 FTE time to the Fellowship.
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Academic Research Project
Summary: Funding is now available for new Academy Research Projects. The scheme funded new projects in 2014 and 2022 and now has additional funds to support new projects. Typically, projects supported through this programme obtain small-scale core funding and the kitemark of recognition that enables them to approach other funders with the Academy's endorsement of quality.
The Academy Research Projects are intended to offer the kitemarking of academic excellence to ambitious long-term projects which aim to produce primary resources for research which will be accessible to the research community for collective benefit and fundamental works of scholarship, rather than to produce interpretative works or monographs.
Award: Funds are available to facilitate initial project planning and development; to support the direct costs of research; and to enable the advancement of research through workshops or visits by or to partner scholars. Applicants may seek support for any combination of eligible activity and cost up to the overall limit of £5,000 per annum. Projects can be up to five years in duration.
Deadline: 22 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 26 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: C40
Summary: The objective of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the ODA Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
This is the first call for this ODA strand of the programme, offering opportunities for ODA Global Innovation Fellowship award holders to embed themselves with C40, in their South Africa office.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Cities, Climate & Housing
- Cities, Climate & Health
- Cities and a Green & Just Transition
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
ODA Global Fellowship: South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
Summary: SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank advancing a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. Their work spans foreign policy, governance, the environment, economic policy and social development, linking local experiences with global debates, and provides local and regional decision-makers with independent, evidence-based options for Africa’s future development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and SAIIA, with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Democracy and governance in Africa.
- Climate Finance.
- Critical Minerals.
- Re-imagining Democracy through Transformative Foresight and Complexity Thinking.
Awards are for a period of 12 months.
Award: Up to £150,000 (with Full Economic Costing at 80%)
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Innovation Fellowship Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led
Summary: The Innovation Fellowships scheme will provide funding and support for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences to partner with organisations and business in the creative, cultural, public, private and policy sectors, to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Innovation Fellowships, our researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The Academy and the FCDO invite applications for Fellowships in any of the following areas:
- India
- The politics of energy transition and climate change in Africa
- The role of technology in shaping citizen-state relations in Africa
Award: Up to £120,000 for a period of 12 months. Awards are expected to commence no earlier than 1 January 2025 and no later than 31 March 2025.
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and Carnegie with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following five areas:
- Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics.
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Democracy, Conflict & Governance.
- Global Order and Institutions.
- Nuclear Policy.
- Political Economy and Trade.
Award: Global Innovation Fellowships are expected to commence by September 2025. An earlier start date of March or April 2025 may be possible, in this case the applicant will need to explain how they will plan and manage their relocation on this faster timeline. The Academy is offering up to two one-year fellowships hosted in Carnegie’s offices in the USA (Washington DC or California). These are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 03 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
BA International Writing Workshops
Summary: The intention of the Writing Workshops is to cultivate professional networks and mentorship and provide access for early career researchers in developing countries to the academic requirements of journals, including international journals, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to publish in these journals.
Award: Awards are set at a maximum of £30,000. Funding must be used in the direct delivery of the workshops, and can cover travel and related expenses, subsistence costs, clerical assistance and consumables, childcare support (including for participants), networking, meeting and/or conference costs.
Funder Deadline: 25 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Early-Career Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 25 February 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025
Summary: Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls
Award: Varies
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AI-deas funding call for education and cultural heritage
Summary: We are delighted to announce a new AI-deas funding call for education and cultural heritage supported by ai@cam and the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery. The full call announcement is available here.
Through this call we are looking for innovative ideas exploring AI in the education and cultural heritage sectors. Activities could include engaging with underrepresented communities to understand how AI could serve their needs; co-design/prototyping of AI tools with practitioners; research to create AI systems to meet the needs of those working in these sectors or other innovative ideas! Applications are open to PhD students and staff across the University of Cambridge in any discipline.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 17:00, Monday 7 October.
Award: Funding is flexible. Feedback received through these expressions of interest will support in shaping the function and form of the funding call, which will offer a total of £150,000 to supported projects.
Deadline: 07 October 2024
Contact: accelerate-science@cst.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research
Summary: The University of Cambridge and the LMU Munich are delighted to announce the first call of the second funding period 2025-2029.
The overall aim of the partnership is to explore and support an array of activities that will continue to cement a meaningful and productive partnership between two of Europe’s leading universities. The partnership, and this call, covers all disciplines.
The deadline is 20 October for projects of 1-2 years’ duration, to begin on 1 January 2025
Award: Between €10,000 and €40,000.
Deadline: 20 October 2024
Contact: Ingrid Hobbis, Strategic Partnerships Office, Ingrid.hobbis@admin.cam.ac.uk
CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding
Summary: CRASSH offers support to postgraduate students, postdocs, and academic staff employed by the University of Cambridge or one of its Colleges to run a wide range of events and creative initiatives. We invite you to apply for funding and logistical support for any activity that will foster the exchange of ideas across disciplines and cultures, forge new collaborations between researchers and other participants, bring academic research to wider publics, or explore the connections between research and artistic practice.
Funding of up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative. In-kind logistical support will be provided in the form of assistance with the planning and running of events, administration, and publicity. Events and initiatives will be selected for support by a cross-School panel. Successful proposals will form part of CRASSH’s dynamic programme for 2024-2025.
Award: Up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative.
Deadline: 21 October 2024
Contact: events@crassh.cam.ac.uk
RD Enhanced Funding
Summary: This fund is intended to enable Schools, Faculties and Departments to deliver Researcher Development events and programmes for their PhD students and postdocs. The application round for this Term is now open and can be found here: Enhanced Funding Application.
You can read more about the RD Enhanced Funding scheme, guidance and application process on our website. Please note:
- NEW: Nominal funding for catering may be requested: £3 per participant up to a maximum of £150 per event
- A copy of the application questions can be viewed on our website
- Successful applicants will have 12 months to spend awarded funds.
- Individual researchers are not eligible to apply for Enhanced Funding
- A short evaluation will be requested from all successful applicants (more information and evaluation form you can find on the website).
Award: Varies
Deadline: 28 October 2024
Contact: Dr Sonja Tomašković at st560@cam.ac.uk
Postgraduate Researcher Development: Researcher-Led Events Funding
Summary: This scheme funds postgraduate research students across the University to set up and run research events such as conferences and symposia. The aim is to facilitate research activities within the Schools and the development of research culture while providing an opportunity for students to develop invaluable skills through organising these events.
Award: Up to £500
Deadline: 28 October 2024
Contact: Dr Sonja Tomašković at st560@cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: Tier 1 up to £1,500; Tier 2 between £1,500 and £20,000; Tier 3 between £1,000 and £10,000.
Deadline: 11 November 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
Improving Research Community Builder Award
Summary: The Improving Research Community Builder Award will support Pre-PhDs, PhDs, and Postdoctoral Researchers who want to host local events focused on improving research practices and culture at their universities. These events can be diverse, and we will consider many different initiative, regardless of whether they are small and preliminary, or already well established. For example, you can apply for the award to pay for snacks during a casual monthly journal club, host coffee get-togethers, or a larger lecture series.
Award: Between £200 and £800
Deadline: 14 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: For enquiries, email dmh-group@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk.
Accelerate Programme AI Clinic
Ongoing
Have you thought about using AI in your research but aren’t sure how to get started? Or are you already using AI and have run into challenges with implementation? Our AI Clinic is here to help.
The Accelerate Programme, based in the Department of Computer Science and Technology runs an AI Clinic to support all staff and students with using AI in their research. No matter your level of experience with AI, we invite you to come and talk to our team who can offer free advice and support. We support projects at all stages - from ideation, grant writing and data gathering, through to software issues and publication. Get in touch via our form or accelerate-mle@cst.cam.ac.uk to connect with a member of our team of experts.
UK Parliamentary Knowledge Exchange Newsletter
The UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit support the exchange of information and expertise between researchers and the UK Parliament. Working with higher education and beyond, we facilitate and strengthen this exchange of knowledge in a variety of ways.
Resources and support offered:
- A first point of contact for any researcher wishing to work with or find out more about UK Parliament.
- Online training through our series of webinars for researchers and knowledge mobilisers.
- Weekly round-up email of opportunities for the research community to engage with UK Parliament.
- @UKParl_Research Twitter feed, bringing together opportunities, information and advice for researchers and a platform to interact with teams across UK Parliament.
- Online resources about why and how to engage with UK Parliament.
- Facilitation of academic fellowships and other placement opportunities.
Postdoc Academy Professional Development Programme
The Postdoc Academy is bringing you a wide range of great opportunities to develop yourself personally and professionally this term. As well as the new events and tailored courses highlighted below, we have our regular programme packed with masterclasses and workshops, from research project management to writing bids for funding.
Postdoc Academy Cross-Institutional Courses and Events
Join postdocs from across the UK to build your network and develop your skills
In addition to our programme of training workshops, we also provide several cross-institutional courses and events that you can apply to join. This term, you have the opportunity to build your virtual networks, get mentoring from experienced academics, and develop your leadership skills. Apply by the deadlines below
Networking and Profile Building. Apply by 04 October 2024
Virtual Academic Speed Mentoring. Apply by noon 08 October 2024
Resilient Leadership in Action. Apply by noon 09 October 2024
Invitation to new Research Grant Application/Contracts System for academic staff in AHSS and non-Schools
04 October 2024, 12pm on Teams (link below)
The University is in the process of adopting Worktribe as a new research grant interface, in the first instance for grant applications and contracts. Once implemented over Michaelmas 2024/25, Worktribe provides the interface for communication and documentation between Principal Investigators, Departments and Research Office, and replaces the outdated costing tool X5 with improved and expanded functionality throughout the whole grant lifecycle.
You are invited to join a Teams sessions on Friday 4 October 2024, 12pm to introduce you to the benefits that Worktribe offers to academic staff, how to access the system and related guidance as well as address questions you might have.
The roll-out has already started in the School of Technology. The Worktribe roll-out will be
- Friday 25th October for Non-Schools such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and University Library;
- Monday 11th November for the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences;
- Friday 22 November 2024 for the School of Arts and Humanities.
SYNC 1.0 BETA: new talent accelerator programme
SYNC is the new University of Cambridge pathway for entrepreneurially-minded students, PhDs, researchers, and recent alumni to meet, form co-founding teams, and launch new startups.
SYNC 1.0 BETA, starting this autumn, is a free programme aimed at individuals who wish to solve humanity’s greatest challenges through the use of AI and other emerging software technologies. Whether you’re an expert software developer or have the drive to found companies that apply software solutions to global problems, this programme is for you.
We offer:
- £2,000 programme stipend.
- Part-time programme, can be completed alongside studies or research, three evenings per week.
- Each co-founder team is matched with a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
- Free office space during programme hours.
- Access to Start 2.0. accelerator workshops, founder stories and community
- Access to more than 180 world class experts from the Founders at the University of Cambridge Community.
- Access to Cambridge Enterprise Ventures’ 100+ list of co-investors with curated intros where appropriate.
- Investment of £20,000 and match funding of an additional £30,000 in selected startups.
Eligibility: This programme is open to anyone with any affiliation with the University of Cambridge in the last two years. That can be current or recent undergraduates, post-graduates, post-doctorates, staff or dropouts.
Key dates:
Deadline for applications: 9th October 2024
Interviews: October 2024
Programme timings and commitment:
- Sprint 1: 18th November – 13th December 2024
- Sprint 2: 6th January – 14th February 2025
- Sprint 3: 17th February - 23rd May 2025
Sprint One and Two take place over a total of 10 weeks and require up to three evenings per week (17:30-20:00).
Sprint Three takes place over a total of 14 weeks and requires up to 3hrs of flexible contact time per week.
SYNC 1.0 BETA applications are open now. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please ask them to apply here or get in touch with connor@founders.cam.ac.uk for more information.
Ideas to Reality Programme
Part of the University, Cambridge Enterprise works with you to help turn your ideas into reality for the benefit of society.
The following workshops are currently being offered to current postgraduate students and staff based at the University:
Venture Building 101, 15 October 2024, 13:00 – 17:30 (including lunch)
Commercialisation 101, 15 October 2024, 9:00 – 14:00 (including lunch)
Research Tools 101, 19 November 2024, 13:00 – 17:30 (including lunch)
Consultancy 101, 19 November 2024, 9:30 – 14:00 (including lunch)
Department of Work and Pension Area of Interest Workshop
16 October 2024, 13:00 to 14:30, online
CSaP is organising an online workshop with the Department of Work and Pensions to discuss their updated Areas of Research Interests(ARI) on the 16th of October. We have senior academics from Cambridge, UCL and Northumbria along with several DWP officials presenting at this event which aims to support evidence-based policymaking and to strengthen DWP's ongoing engagement with the academic community. The objective of the workshop is to disseminate relevant research findings to support evidence-based policymaking and to foster DWP’s ongoing engagement with the external research community.
Can I please request you to circulate the event with researchers at AHSS and your internal network? Doctoral students are welcome to attend as well.
For more details and registration: Department for Work and Pensions ARI Workshop Tickets, Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Please reach out to Kavya at k.neeba@jbs.cam.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Designing a Digital Research Project
17 October 2024, 9:30 to 10:30, online
This CDH Basics session explores the lifecycle of a digital research project across the stages of design, data capture, transformation, analysis, presentation and preservation. It introduces tactics for embedding ethical research principles and practices at each stage of the research process.
- Introduction to the digital project life cycle
- Ethics by design and EDI-informed data processing
- Data and metadata – definitions
- Basics of data curation (good practice in file naming, version control)
- Understanding files and folders
Target audience
CDH Basics sessions are open to the University of Cambridge staff and graduate students who want to learn and apply digital methods and use digital tools in their research. We also welcome Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP students.
TV Festival
06 November, 2024
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion St, London WC1R 4RL
Are you an academic interested in how you could work with or in the TV industry? Or are you looking for access to the latest academic research for your TV production? This is the event where we bring you all together.
Created in partnership between The TV Foundation and the AHRC, AHTV is a programme of sessions, panels, speed meetings and round-table discussions designed to bring together academics and the TV industry to foster relationships and improve understanding between the two. Each year we tackle different issues and angles on our theme of research in television, whether it is the role of academic research in your genre or the latest insights from commissioners.
Cambridge Awards for Research Impact and Engagement
Presented by the Vice Chancellor and the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, these awards have been updated for 2024 with a focus on the processes and partnerships required to create significant economic, social and cultural impact from, and engagement with, research.
Find out more about our 2023 winners here. For information on applying and online application forms please visit the Cambridge Awards application and guidance webpage.
The closing date for applications is Friday 8 November 2024 at 5pm.
Award winners will be announced live at our award ceremony which will take place from 3pm on Monday 3 February 2025 in the Combination Room in Old Schools. All applicants and their guests will be invited.
Any questions, please email us at PublicEngagement@admin.cam.ac.uk and if you would like to chat through the award process or project with a member of the team, please book a PE drop in session
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
September 2024
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators: Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
UK Research Council Funding
- UKRI Digital Research Technical Professional Skills NetworkPlus (02 October 2024) UKRI
- Design Accelerators: round three (03 October 2024) AHRC
- Expression of Interest: Research Skills Strategic Leadership Hub (09 October 2024) ESRC
- AHRC Curiosity Award (30 October 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Catalyst Award (30 October 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Driving Urban Transition (DUT) partnership 2024 (14 November 2024) ESRC, AHRC and EPSRC
- AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- UKRI-NSF-SBE lead agency: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers (10 December 2024) AHRC
- Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work (12 December 2024) ESRC and AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
EU/International Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme
- ERC Starting Grant (15 October 2024)
- ERC Synergy Grant (06 November 2024)
- ERC Consolidator Grant (14 January 2025)
Charity Funding
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus Flexible Funding (30 September 2024, mandatory EoI deadline)
- Wellcome Trust Early-Career Award (01 October 2024)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorship (03 October 2024)
- Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund (14 October)
- Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund (14 October 2024)
- British Academy Visiting Fellowships (23 October 2024)
- BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening (30 October 2024)
- British Academy Small Research Grant (06 November 2024)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship (06 November 2024)
- British Academy Senior Research Fellowship (13 November 2024)
- British Academy Academic Research Project (22 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (26 November 2024)
- ODA Global Innovation Fellowships: South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) (27 November 2024)
- British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led (27 November 2024)
- British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (27 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (03 December 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- Improving Research Community Builder Award (10 September 2024 and 14 January 2025)
- Cambridge Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2024 (12 September 2024)
- Public Engagement Starter Fund (15 September 2024)
- Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation (18 September 2024)
- AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange and Impact Projects Funding Call 2024 (20 September 2024)
- Social Science Impact Fund 2024 (20 September 2024)
- DAAD Hub Call 2025 (22 September 2024)
- Keynes Fund (27 September 2024)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (30 September 2024)
- Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research (20 October 2024)
- CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding (21 October 2024)
- Cambridge Humanities Research Grants (11 November 2024)
Training
- Accelerate Programme AI Clinic (internal) ongoing
- UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit newsletter (UK Parliament) ongoing
- Capturing Creativity Week 2024 (Bath Spa University and Loughborough University) 09 to 13 September 2024
- Webinar and ERC Work Programme 2025 (UKRO) 12 September 2024
- ERC Starting Grant Webinar (British Academy) 12 September 2024
- Creating Research Impact through Commercialisation (Cambridge Enterprise) 26 September 2024
- Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge (internal) 29 September 2024
- Commercialisation 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 15 October 2024
- Venture Building 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 15 October 2024
- Consultancy 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 19 November 2024
- Research Tools 101 (Cambridge Enterprise) 19 November 2024
UKRI Digital Research Technical Professional Skills NetworkPlus
Summary: The aim of this funding opportunity is to support a small number of Digital Research Technical Professional (RTP) Skills NetworkPlus grant awards, led by project leads (termed digital RTP champions), which will equitably bring together disciplines, sectors, and domains together to:
- address cross-cutting challenges related to digital RTP skills and careers
- provide leadership and coordinate collaborations
- seed better ways of working together
- catalyse learning, capability and capacity for digital RTPs
The NetworkPlus awards will explore key challenges and interventions related to skills and careers that are faced by digital RTP communities across the UK research and innovation landscape, including, for example:
- visible career pathways, structures and offers, including entry routes, and nature of employment contracts
- people and skills capacity to support innovative research
- mechanisms and structures to support movement of people and skills across and between research, disciplines and industry
- recognition of the value of staff delivering and supporting the delivery and use of digital research infrastructures
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, digital RTP is intended to be an inclusive umbrella term which includes hundreds of job titles such as data scientists, research software engineers, computational researchers, systems administrators, and technical support for digital research infrastructures.
Award: Up to £2 million funded at 80% for projects 48 months in duration. Projects must start by 1 April 2025.
Funder Deadline: 02 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Design Accelerators: round three
Summary: Design Accelerators are small scale, reactive projects that are designed to support engagement between design research and innovation projects and diverse private, public and third sector organisations, local communities, and the general public.
Design Accelerators should intend to:
- demonstrate how the design research and innovation at universities throughout the country is vital for their local communities’ successful transition to net zero and a green economy
- speed up the implementation of outputs by developing them with key local stakeholders
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
The duration of these awards is up to nine months.
Projects must start by 1 February 2025.
Award: Between £35,000 and £65,000.
Funder Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Expression of Interest: Research Skills Strategy Leadership Hub
Summary: Apply for funding to deliver a new strategic leadership hub that supports the development and delivery of research skills training and capacity building (TCB) provision in the social sciences. The hub will provide both leadership across the social science community and innovate in the way research skills TCB is both conceived and delivered.
The new strategic leadership hub will:
- lead the development, availability and accessibility of training, ensuring it reflects needs across career stages and remains relevant and future-proofed, through collaboration with TCB providers
- create the mechanisms, partnerships and networks to coordinate research skills TCB delivered by ESRC’s existing and new investments (including specialist investments already funded to deliver a programme of TCB), and identify and address any gaps in TCB provision
- design and build an accessible and inclusive IT infrastructure to coordinate and make available TCB provision
- work with the social science community to promote the importance of research skills development, and to improve provision, access and uptake
- phase activity to expand delivery and impact beyond the academic social science community to other disciplines and sectors
Award: £5 million over five years.
Funder Deadline: 09 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Curiosity Award
Summary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas.
The funding opportunity celebrates the full diversity of the arts and humanities. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks, and solo researchers.
Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary. The majority of the disciplinary focus of the project must fall within our subject remit; see section seven of the AHRC research funding guide for our remit coverage. Practice-based and practice-led research is supported by this funding opportunity.
Award: Up to £100,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Catalyst Award
Summary: Catalyst awards support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, unlocking their potential and building leadership and convenor experience through the delivery of ambitious or complex projects.
The scheme takes a people-centred approach with funding available to support the development of researchers and their research ideas. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers.
Development is at the core of this scheme; projects must clearly articulate how the funding will contribute to the development of all those involved through the way that the project has been designed and will be managed, with appropriate support structures in place.
Award: Between £100,000 and £300,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) partnership 2024
Summary: The DUT partnership focuses on three critical urban sectors (and their interrelationships) which are laid out in its roadmap as Transition Pathways.
Since urban transition issues are intrinsically interconnected, proposals that address topics from more than one Transition Pathway are encouraged. However, each proposal needs to choose one topic in a Transition Pathway that is closest to their subject as a guide. The proposal will be evaluated against the scope of its main Transition Pathway. Crosscutting characteristics will be considered in the assessment.
To make our cities more liveable, inclusive and climate-neutral, the focus is set on 15-minute neighbourhoods that recognise different urban contexts. The focus lies on knowledge creation, transferability and implementation. Multiple, diverging pathways are necessary for reaching sustainable mobility and transport in different contexts, applying place-sensitive approaches.
This funding opportunity aims to motivate efforts to extend beyond typical scenarios, encouraging projects that enhance experimentation and practical application. It seeks to address challenging obstacles in implementing the 15-minute City concept, and related fields of policy for urban mobility transitions.
It underscores the need to acknowledge diverse starting points for cities and adaptability among various social groups. It emphasises the significance of considering lifestyles, inclusiveness, social cohesion and social justice within the proposed ideas and proposals.
Award: £400,000.
Deadline: 14 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
UKRI-NSF-SBE agency lead: round three
Summary: Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and US National Science Foundation, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Directorate (NSF-SBE).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers
Summary: Apply for funding to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work: Stream two
Summary: ESRC, AHRC, SSHRC and CIHR have partnered on this funding opportunity to support research that will foster a deeper understanding of the state of knowledge about the global challenge of envisioning governance systems that work.
Stream two
Stream two is reserved for applications jointly submitted by two applicants, one based in Canada and the other in the UK, who are associated with eligible institutions in their respective countries. Up to 27 projects may be jointly funded by SSHRC, ESRC and AHRC. Projects are not required to cover both AHRC and ESRC remits but must be relevant to at least one council’s remit.
The resulting knowledge syntheses will:
- identify roles that the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors could play in promoting more inclusive and equitable societies
- inform the development of effective tools and technologies, robust policies, and sustainable practices required to support the path toward a diverse and inclusive future for all
Knowledge syntheses are comprehensive analyses of literature and other forms of knowledge on a particular question or issue. All types of knowledge synthesis approaches, tools and protocols, such as scoping reviews, systematic reviews and narrative syntheses, are encouraged under this funding opportunity.
Knowledge synthesis grants are not intended to support original research. Rather, they are intended to support the synthesis of existing research knowledge and identify knowledge gaps. This funding opportunity is particularly focused on the state of research produced over the past 10 years.
Award: Funding is available for one-year projects. The UK-Canada teams can apply for up to C$ 30,000 from SSHRC and ESRC or AHRC. Budgets cannot exceed a maximum 60% and 40% split across the two agencies (for example, 18,000 Canadian dollars (CA$) and £10,517 or £7,011 and CA$ 12,000). ESRC or AHRC will fund 80% of the UK budget’s full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-Announcement: Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)
Summary: This Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK.
The LUCIA programme objectives are:
- to develop collaborative research networks to actively engage local communities in widening access to cultural expression
- to understand local cultural complexities, barriers and enablers, with a view to improving wellbeing in communities throughout the UK
- to converge data and learning from a range of local and regional models to inform the spread and adoption of collaborative cultural policy across the UK
The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities.
It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned.
Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants.
Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026.
Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Advanced real-time data analysis used for infrastructure resilience
HORIZON-CL3-2024-INFRA-01-03
This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related innovation activities.
Main keywords: Social sciences and Humanities
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Open Topic
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-06
Under the Open Topic, proposals are welcome to address both existing and upcoming challenges in fighting crimes strongly influenced by cultural and/or societal issues that are not covered by the other topics of Horizon Europe Calls Fighting Crime and Terrorism 2021-2022, Fighting Crime and Terrorism 2023 and Fighting Crime and Terrorism 2024.
Activities proposed within this topic should address, in a balanced way, both technological and societal dimensions of the issue under consideration.
This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related innovation activities.
Main keywords: Social and Behavioural studies, Law
Deadline: 20 November 2024
A European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage – Innovative tools for digitisation and analysis of dynamic processes, objects and complex combined data
HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01-01
This topic aims at developing and implementing a set of innovative tools and methods on the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH) for digitisation and analysis of dynamic processes, objects and complex combined data. Concrete applications of these tools and methods should be provided for at least the following uses:
- Digitising dynamic objects, processes and practices
- Monitoring the evolving status of cultural heritage objects over time
- Interacting with, cross-mixing and re-mixing different data types
Main keywords: Cultural heritage, Media studies
Deadline: 22 January 2025
HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme 2023-2025
This document is designed to help potential proposers find SSH-related topics across the different parts of Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-25.
To assist SSH researchers in identifying funding opportunities, the European Commission (EC) has established a search engine within its online Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Certain topics with substantial SSH aspects have been “flagged” by the EC as SSH-relevant, and the search engine offers the option to quickly search for the specific priority ‘Socio-economic science and humanities’. It also allows for keyword and full-text search.
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 15 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Synergy Grant
Summary: The aim is to provide support for a small group of two to four Principal Investigators to jointly address ambitious research problems that could not be addressed by the individual Principal Investigators and their teams working alone. Synergy projects should enable substantial advances at the frontiers of knowledge, stemming, for example, from the cross-fertilization of scientific fields, from new productive lines of enquiry, or new methods and techniques, including unconventional approaches and investigations at the interface between established disciplines. The transformative research funded by Synergy Grants should have the potential of becoming a benchmark on a global scale.
Award: A maximum of € 10 million for a period of 6 years (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). An additional € 4 million can be requested in the proposal in total to cover eligible 'start-up' costs for Principal Investigators moving to the EU or an Associated Country from elsewhere as a consequence of receiving an ERC grant and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 06 November 2023
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Consolidator Grant
Summary: The ERC Consolidator Grant is for researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD. This programme is for PIs who will consolidate their own independent research team or programme. PIs must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal.
Award: up to € 2 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 14 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus Flexible Fund
Summary: The third and final round of EDICa’s £1million Flexible Fund is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI). The theme of this round is the organisation of work and creating enabling workspaces in the UK’s research & innovation ecosystem. More details on the call can be found here on our website.
The deadline for EOIs is 30 September. The call for applications opens 5 August and closes 31 October.
Click here to see the Expression of Interest form.
EOIs are mandatory, but the form is simple and it enables us to provide some feedback which prevents wasted time and effort. It also enables us to recruit sufficient reviewers. Because of the timing of this call during peak holiday period, we have made the deadline as late as possible to enable us to do this.
We are also calling for reviewers! In addition to a guidance session with all reviewers, we offer a 1-hour training session for people new to it, or needing a refresher. This is a good learning and career development opportunity. We welcome academics at all career stages, non-academics, researchers & innovators. Click here to register your interest for being a reviewer.
We are offering two information webinars on this round of the Flexible Fund. Following feedback from our last round, we have ensured the sessions are not offered on the same day of the week, so part-timers have more chance to attend. Please note these webinars are recorded and published on our website and YouTube channel, and all questions from the Question & Answer session are collated into a PDF document. You can refer to the videos from Round 2 of our Flexible Fund call on our website.
Click on the date below to register on Zoom to attend the Webinar. If you require a BSL interpreter, please let us know as soon as you can. Due to interpreters being a scarce resource, we only provide them if there is someone attending who needs one.
Tuesday 10 September, 14:00-15:00
Award: Between £55,000 and £65,000, funded at 80% FEC.
Deadline: 30 September 2024 (mandatory EoI)
Research Facilitation Contact: edicaucus@hw.ac.uk
Wellcome Trust Early-Career Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 01 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Between £10,000 and £150,000.
Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund
Summary: This programme is funded by an endowment that supports work relating to the Commonwealth. This means our interest is in the future of UK society as shaped by its colonial past; specifically, by the migration of people from former British colonies to the UK, and the accompanying dynamics of racialisation, resources and power which have produced the UK’s distinct racial diversity and its patterns of racial discrimination and inequality. Within this context we take a broad view of racial diversity as covering all racial or ethnic groups living in the UK, including White populations.
What we will fund
The Racial Diversity UK programme aims to be broad in its reach, interested in questions of socio-economic equality, senses of place, belonging and identity, barriers to and opportunities for inclusion, demographic trajectories, and the interrelationship between these themes. Research may also address how the UK compares internationally. Race and ethnicity should be the central focus from which any intersectionality with class, disability, gender, place and other dynamics would be explored.
We expect the research we fund to:
- Contribute to understanding, public debate, policy and/or practice on tackling racial inequalities, discrimination and disadvantage.
- Map pathways towards a UK that is comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity.
Where proposals to Racial Diversity UK overlap with the Foundation’s continuing interests in education, justice or welfare, we encourage applicants to contact us early to discuss which of our funding streams your application fits best with. Broadly, we expect Racial Diversity UK to consider funding research where racial diversity, disparity or discrimination is the primary lens through which social well-being is explored, or where their role in shaping communities or places is foregrounded.
Award: Up to £750,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund
Summary: This scheme supports projects that improve the design and operation of social policy, especially in domains of education, welfare and justice. Preference is given to projects that:
- identify and explain the social and economic determinants of opportunity and risk across the life span, focusing in particular on early childhood adversity, transitions from adolescence to young adulthood, and social and economic well-being in adulthood and later life;
- improve well-being for society as a whole, while ameliorating negative outcomes and informing the foundations of and pathways towards a just and inclusive society;
- support the development of workable evidence-based solutions for policy and practice over the medium term.
Projects normally have a duration between six months to three years.
Award: Up to £750,000, but most awards are worth between £50,000 and £300,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Visiting Fellowships
Summary: Visiting Fellowships illustrate the British Academy’s profound and on-going commitment to international engagement. The aim of this programme is to ensure that the UK remains an attractive, welcoming, and productive research environment for academics globally. Through this programme, the Academy aims to:
- Enhance and build new links between scholars from around the globe and in the UK;
- Foster opportunities and encourage the development of new and future partnerships for collaborative research into the humanities and social sciences
- To enable academics from across the globe to undertake research and/or professional development with UK colleagues;
- And strengthen the UK’s research bases in the humanities and the social sciences.
Visiting Fellowship duration is between three and six months.
Award: Maximum funding value is £40,000.
Deadline: 23 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening
Summary:The primary intended outcome of this programme is to enhance the capabilities of institutions in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries and UK-based institutions to overcome systemic barriers of working across borders and to embed the resulting best practise within the institutions to support sustained, equitable, international research collaboration. Emphasis is placed on activities that enable sustainable change that continues well beyond the life of the award in institutions, including the development and implementation of policy frameworks or training programmes, for both UK and overseas institutions bearing in mind that these are likely to need to reach beyond research offices. It is understood that needs of partner institutions might differ, and projects should reflect this.
Awards are expected to involve significant time devoted to dialogue and communication between the institutions involved so that links can be built and enhanced, ways of working can be adapted, and best practice can be reached for all those involved in supporting future research projects. The Academy views the involvement of financial, HR and legal functions within institutions as key to the success of any award given the significant challenges that these areas can cause in the running of international research projects. Awards that are only aiming to bring together respective research offices will be considered insufficient and not be supported.
Awards of 18-24 months in duration are available. Projects must begin in March 2025.
Award: Up to £50,000. Funding can be used to support networking, workshop and other event-related costs, as well as travel and related expenses. Staffing costs are eligible up to £7,500 per institution involved, with a maximum of £30,000 that can be utilised for this purpose.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Small Research Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships
Summary:The objective of the ODA (Official Development Assistance) Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the ODA Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Environment, sustainability and nature
- Transformative technologies
- Health and wellbeing
- Cities and urbanisation
- Global order, geopolitics and international affairs
Award: These Fellowships are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Senior Research Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Academic Research Project
Summary: Funding is now available for new Academy Research Projects. The scheme funded new projects in 2014 and 2022 and now has additional funds to support new projects. Typically, projects supported through this programme obtain small-scale core funding and the kitemark of recognition that enables them to approach other funders with the Academy's endorsement of quality.
The Academy Research Projects are intended to offer the kitemarking of academic excellence to ambitious long-term projects which aim to produce primary resources for research which will be accessible to the research community for collective benefit and fundamental works of scholarship, rather than to produce interpretative works or monographs.
Award: Funds are available to facilitate initial project planning and development; to support the direct costs of research; and to enable the advancement of research through workshops or visits by or to partner scholars. Applicants may seek support for any combination of eligible activity and cost up to the overall limit of £5,000 per annum. Projects can be up to five years in duration.
Deadline: 22 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 26 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
ODA Global Fellowship: South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
Summary: SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank advancing a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. Their work spans foreign policy, governance, the environment, economic policy and social development, linking local experiences with global debates, and provides local and regional decision-makers with independent, evidence-based options for Africa’s future development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and SAIIA, with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Democracy and governance in Africa.
- Climate Finance.
- Critical Minerals.
- Re-imagining Democracy through Transformative Foresight and Complexity Thinking.
Awards are for a period of 12 months.
Award: Up to £150,000 (with Full Economic Costing at 80%)
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Innovation Fellowship Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led
Summary: The Innovation Fellowships scheme will provide funding and support for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences to partner with organisations and business in the creative, cultural, public, private and policy sectors, to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Innovation Fellowships, our researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The Academy and the FCDO invite applications for Fellowships in any of the following areas:
- India
- The politics of energy transition and climate change in Africa
- The role of technology in shaping citizen-state relations in Africa
Award: Up to £120,000 for a period of 12 months. Awards are expected to commence no earlier than 1 January 2025 and no later than 31 March 2025.
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and Carnegie with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following five areas:
- Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics.
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Democracy, Conflict & Governance.
- Global Order and Institutions.
- Nuclear Policy.
- Political Economy and Trade.
Award: Global Innovation Fellowships are expected to commence by September 2025. An earlier start date of March or April 2025 may be possible, in this case the applicant will need to explain how they will plan and manage their relocation on this faster timeline. The Academy is offering up to two one-year fellowships hosted in Carnegie’s offices in the USA (Washington DC or California). These are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 03 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025
Summary:Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls
Award: Varies
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Improving Research Community Builder Award
Summary:The Improving Research Community Builder Award will support Pre-PhDs, PhDs, and Postdoctoral Researchers who want to host local events focused on improving research practices and culture at their universities. These events can be diverse, and we will consider many different initiative, regardless of whether they are small and preliminary, or already well established. For example, you can apply for the award to pay for snacks during a casual monthly journal club, host coffee get-togethers, or a larger lecture series.
Award: Between £200 and £800
Deadline: 10 September 2024 and 14 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: For enquiries, email dmh-group@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk.
Cambridge Africa ALBORADA Fund
Summary: The Cambridge-Africa programme is pleased to announce that the call for proposals to the ALBORADA Research Fund is now open.
Applications are invited from pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge (or an affiliated institute) and African universities or research institutes, across all disciplines, to initiate and/or strengthen research collaborations. Please note that the African applicant can be based in any African country and the awards are no longer restricted to African researchers from sub-Saharan Africa.
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund competitively awards grants for:
- research costs (such as reagents, fieldwork and equipment)
- research-related travel between Cambridge and Africa
- conducting research training activities in Africa (e.g. workshops/courses)
Award: Between £1,000 and £20,000
Deadline: 12 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: alboradafund@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk
Public Engagement Starter Fund
Summary: Do you have a novel research-driven idea that could engage the public? Small grants of up to £2,000 are available from the University of Cambridge. Projects can take ona variety of forms, such as live events, media, exhibitions and installations, or education resources connecting pupils and teachers with research.
Award: Up to £2,000
Deadline: 15 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: starterfund@admin.cam.uk
Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation
Summary: In collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for Data Driven Discovery, the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery are offering small grants for Cambridge University researchers pursuing innovative applications of AI in research or real-world contexts.
Funding of up to £25,000 is available to support a variety of activities, including research, events, workshops, teaching, or software development, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Applications are open to PhD students and research staff at the University of Cambridge. Find out more and apply by 18 September.
Award: Up to £25,000
Deadline: 18 September 2024
Contact: accelerate-science@cst.cam.ac.uk
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange and Impact Projects Funding
Summary: The University of Cambridge has been awarded a one-year extension to its Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) by the AHRC to strengthen engagement with users and accelerate the translation of research outputs into impactful outcomes. This includes facilitating the impact agenda by building upon existing collaborations with industry, policymakers, and third sector organisations, as well as forging new partnerships when beneficial. The emphasis of this call is on deepening established external non-academic collaborations to achieve greater and more profound impact.
The overall purpose of this fund is to support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities. Awards will be made available to fund work that will significantly increase the probability of the ideas and findings generated by the research having a non-academic impact on the private, public, and third sectors. Collaborative, innovative, and co-funded projects are encouraged.
Award: Up to £30,000 covering 100% of directly incurred costs only.
Deadline: 20 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman, AHRC IAA Coordinator, AHimpact@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Social Science Impact Fund
Summary: The Social Science Impact Fund aims to support the transfer of social science research and expertise to non-academic partners and collaborators. Social Science research areas can be found here. This funding is specifically aimed at undertaking knowledge exchange opportunities and activities in collaboration with an external partner.
Applicants should focus on the development or deepening of partnerships and collaborations. Social Science knowledge exchange and impact can be labour intensive, requiring the PI to invest significant time and energy into projects and activities. We encourage all social scientists to consider ways in which working with the most appropriate collaborators can ensure success by bringing in the relevant expertise, networks, and experience.
Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration of 12 months maximum.
Deadline: 20 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Tina Basi, iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk.
DAAD Hub Call 2025
Summary: The Hub seeks to draw upon and support the activities of all Cambridge scholars working on German-related and comparative themes from any period and from across all subjects in the Arts, Humanities and the Social Sciences.
All Cambridge staff on research contracts (including senior research associates, CTOs and JRFs) and graduate students registered for a Cambridge PhD, but not visiting or other affiliated researchers, are eligible. Language Teaching Officers may also apply at the discretion of the Hub Directors and Management Committee. Grant recipients should be on a Cambridge contract or be a registered PhD student at the time the funded activity takes place. Please note that postdocs will need approval from their Head of Department and PhD students will need approval from their PhD supervisor.
There are three categories of funding:
- Workshops and seed funding for projects
- Visits to Cambridge by German scholars
- Public engagement activities
Award: Varies depending on funding category
Deadline: 22 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Ingrid Hobbis at ingrid.hobbis@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Keynes Fund
Summary: The Fund supports research on the sources and consequences of failure of market efficiency, particularly but not exclusively as a result of Agency costs. In particular, research into: capital market mispricing; the design of incentive systems and mechanisms to reduce the incidence and significance of institutional or general economic failure as well as into responsive public policies.
The scope of work to be funded shall include interactions between the financial markets and the real economy. The Managers of the Fund encourage research based on empirical observation of the behaviour of market participants, drawing as appropriate on relevant work in the other social sciences, biology and history.
They shall also encourage academics to extend the frontiers of traditional economics in order to raise Cambridge's profile in the critical area between economic theory, best private sector practice and public policy, with a bias towards promoting long-term thinking, dampened pro-cyclicality, improved economic growth and reduced income/wealth disparities. The Keynes Fund provides resources to the Cambridge research community for high-quality projects consistent with these themes. The key features on which projects will be assessed are: quality, impact and positive strong externalities for the Cambridge research environment, especially with regard to the promotion of young talent in the Cambridge Ph.D. programme, or among Post-docs..
Award: There are two categories of award: Standard and Large. A Standard Grant is up to £50,000. A Large Grant is above £50,000.
Deadline: 27 September 2024
Contact: keynes-fund@econ.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Humanities Research Grant
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: Tier 1 up to £1,500; Tier 2 between £1,500 and £20,000; Tier 3 between £1,000 and £10,000.
Deadline: 30 September 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research
Summary: The University of Cambridge and the LMU Munich are delighted to announce the first call of the second funding period 2025-2029.
The overall aim of the partnership is to explore and support an array of activities that will continue to cement a meaningful and productive partnership between two of Europe’s leading universities. The partnership, and this call, covers all disciplines.
The deadline is 20 October for projects of 1-2 years’ duration, to begin on 1 January 2025
Award: Between €10,000 and €40,000.
Deadline: 20 October 2024
Contact: Ingrid Hobbis, Strategic Partnerships Office, Ingrid.hobbis@admin.cam.ac.uk
CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding
Summary: CRASSH offers support to postgraduate students, postdocs, and academic staff employed by the University of Cambridge or one of its Colleges to run a wide range of events and creative initiatives. We invite you to apply for funding and logistical support for any activity that will foster the exchange of ideas across disciplines and cultures, forge new collaborations between researchers and other participants, bring academic research to wider publics, or explore the connections between research and artistic practice.
Funding of up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative. In-kind logistical support will be provided in the form of assistance with the planning and running of events, administration, and publicity. Events and initiatives will be selected for support by a cross-School panel. Successful proposals will form part of CRASSH’s dynamic programme for 2024-2025.
Award: Up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative.
Deadline: 21 October 2024
Contact: events@crassh.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: Tier 1 up to £1,500; Tier 2 between £1,500 and £20,000; Tier 3 between £1,000 and £10,000.
Deadline: 11 November 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
Accelerate Programme AI Clinic
Ongoing
Have you thought about using AI in your research but aren’t sure how to get started? Or are you already using AI and have run into challenges with implementation? Our AI Clinic is here to help.
The Accelerate Programme, based in the Department of Computer Science and Technology runs an AI Clinic to support all staff and students with using AI in their research. No matter your level of experience with AI, we invite you to come and talk to our team who can offer free advice and support. We support projects at all stages - from ideation, grant writing and data gathering, through to software issues and publication. Get in touch via our form or accelerate-mle@cst.cam.ac.uk to connect with a member of our team of experts.
UK Parliamentary Knowledge Exchange Newsletter
The UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit support the exchange of information and expertise between researchers and the UK Parliament. Working with higher education and beyond, we facilitate and strengthen this exchange of knowledge in a variety of ways.
Resources and support offered:
- A first point of contact for any researcher wishing to work with or find out more about UK Parliament.
- Online training through our series of webinars for researchers and knowledge mobilisers.
- Weekly round-up email of opportunities for the research community to engage with UK Parliament.
- @UKParl_Research Twitter feed, bringing together opportunities, information and advice for researchers and a platform to interact with teams across UK Parliament.
- Online resources about why and how to engage with UK Parliament.
- Facilitation of academic fellowships and other placement opportunities.
Capturing Creativity Week 2024
09-13 September, Online
This is a reminder about Capturing Creativity Week 2024 - there is still plenty of time to sign up to attend events!
I am delighted to announce that, following on from the success of the Capturing Creativity Conference in September 2023, Bath Spa University and Loughborough University have organized a week of fascinating online events that will together form Capturing Creativity Week 2024.
The events during the week should be of interest to repository support librarians, archivists, and research support staff responsible for showcasing creative practice research and other non-text-based content via repositories and/or submission of this content to the REF. The conference may also be of interest to researchers and research leads in creative departments.
For full details of each presentation and booking links, please follow the event links below:
Capturing Creativity Week 2024 – Events List:
EVENT 1: Monday 9th September: 15.00 – 16.00 BST - British Library event
Title: Collecting Emerging Formats at the British Library
Speaker: Giulia Carlo Rossi, Curator for Digital Publications, British Library
EVENT 1 BOOKING LINK AND FURTHER INFORMATION
EVENT 2: Tuesday 10th September 10.00 – 13.00 BST - Panel Session - Institutional Perspectives
Presentation 1: REF 2021 Open Access Portfolio Project at the University of Edinburgh. Speakers: Veronica Cano, Anna Talley and Julia Mayo, University of Edinburgh
Presentation 2: Understanding the Output. Speaker: Michael Wilson, University of Brighton
Presentation 3: Remember to take photos! Speaker: Valerie Lodge, Research Manager, Arts University Bournemouth
Presentation 4: Frameworks and Pathways: supporting and developing practice research portfolios at Manchester Met. Speakers: Victoria Barragán, Practice Research Manager and Daniel Morrell, Digital Curator and Archivist, Manchester Metropolitan University
EVENT 2 BOOKING LINK AND FURTHER INFORMATION
EVENT 3: Friday 13th September – 10.00 – 12.00 BST - Panel Session
Presentation 1: The Hidden REF – Research is about more than publications. Speaker: Prof. Simon Hettrick, Chair of the Hidden REF and Director of Strategy at the Software Sustainability Institute and a Director of the Southampton Research Software Group.
Presentation 2: Personal Digital Archives: Literary Creativity in the Age of the Personal Computer. Speaker: Callum McKean, Lead Curator for Born Digital Archives and Manuscripts, British Library
Presentation 3: PR Voices and SPARKLE: working in co-design with community. Speakers: Jenny Evans, Research Environment and Scholarly Communications Lead at University of Westminster; Claire Knowles, Associate Director Research and Digital Futures at University of Leeds; Scott McLaughlin, Lecturer in composition and Music Technology at University of Leeds, and Adam Vials Moore, Product Specialist: Persistent Identifiers at JISC.
EVENT 3 BOOKING LINK AND FURTHER INFORMATION
EVENT 4: Friday 13th September - 15.00 – 16.00 BST - Capturing Creativity Coffee Catch-up An opportunity to drop in and talk with other library and research support professionals – get your questions answered and share best practice around showcasing and submission to the REF of non-text-based outputs.
EVENT 4 BOOKING LINK AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Any queries about the week of events should be directed to Claire Drake via repositories@bathspa.ac.uk
Presentations will be recorded and shared with attendees following the event.
Webinar on ERC Work Programme 2025
12 September 2024, 14:00 to 15:30 UK time
The European Research Council will host a webinar providing information on the ERC 2025 Work Programme.
The webinar will explain what the new funding opportunities are, the budget allocations, the timescales for submission, and other eligibility conditions.
Angela Liberatore and José Labastida from the ERC Executive Agency will present the plans for 2025 and answer questions.
The event can be accessed via a YouTube link which will be posted on the ERC website shortly.
12 September 2024, 14:00 to 15:30 UK time
The British Academy will be holding its next webinar on Thursday 12 September, 14:00-15:30 (BST) for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences who are interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Starting Grants 2024 call, which opened on 10 July and has a deadline of 15 October 2024. The webinar will be led by Professor Patrick Haggard FBA and British Academy Fellows who have experience with ERC Grants and panels.
The aim of the webinar is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the proposal and evaluation format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a proposal.
There is an opportunity to have your B1 draft proposal reviewed by the panel. Please note, that if selected, your B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar (names and personal details will be removed). The webinar will not be recorded. If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest and send them to Maria Suchcitz (m.suchcitz@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than 30 August 2024, 12:00 pm BST (midday).
If you would like to attend the webinar without submitting a B1 proposal, please contact Maria Suchcitz (m.suchcitz@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) by Wednesday 11 September 2024, 12:00 pm BST (midday) to register.
Creating Research Impact through Commercialisation
26 September 2024, 12-1pm
Online
Are you eager to unlock the potential of your research and learn how to successfully commercialise your breakthroughs, but not quite sure where to go with it yet? Cambridge Enterprise can help you turn your ideas into reality!
This introductory session is designed for academics, researchers and PhD students based within the University of Cambridge who are seeking guidance on how to transform their research into viable commercial ventures.
In this 1-hour, online session, you’ll learn more about the commercialisation pathways available to you, including working as a consultant, forming a spin-out company and licensing research tools and intellectual property. Delve into the intricacies of protecting your intellectual property and gain valuable insights on disclosing your inventions to the University.
The event will include:
- an introduction to intellectual property, with details on how to protect and license IP
- the benefits of sharing your knowledge as a consultant
- details of how to license research tools and what these include (reagents, software, copyright, database rights etc)
- information on forming a spin-out company and how Cambridge Enterprise can help
- a Q&A session
Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge
Calling all researchers!
Do you work with a great research group, or a great PI? You can nominate them for the 2024 Research Culture Celebration, to be held on 30 September at Kettle’s Yard. Categories include: leadership, concern for professional development, recognition and reward, wellbeing management and support, and inclusive practice. Find out more
Want to tell us more about your own research journey? Your Research, Your Voice asks researchers to respond to a short writing prompt on an aspect of their experience and earn a £5, £10 or £20 voucher to thank them for their time. It is open to postdocs and to PIs. Find out more
Commercialisation 101
15 October 2024, 9:00 to 14:00 (lunch included), Rayleigh Seminar Room, Maxwell Centre
Part of the University, Cambridge Enterprise works with you to help turn your ideas into reality for the benefit of society.
This half-day, interactive, workshop is open to staff and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge who are considering or are in the process of commercialising their research and expertise. It will provide helpful tools and ways of thinking about developing innovations such as new technologies, drugs, methods, software or interventions. The session will focus on the journey of an innovation from research to real-world impact.
This workshop is also an opportunity to build a network of like-minded people interested in creating social benefit from cutting edge work of the Cambridge academic community.
What the workshop covers:
- Understanding the key considerations when commercialising innovations from research, with real life examples.
- Practical advice on where to find support with intellectual property, market research, translational funding and relevant skills training.
- How to work with Cambridge Enterprise to evaluate a new idea and its potential commercialisation pathways.
This workshop is also an opportunity to build a network of like-minded people interested in creating social benefit from cutting edge work of the Cambridge academic community.
These initiatives are part of the project Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC), an international research project led by the University of Cambridge that is testing practical approaches to improving research culture, with the aim of producing guidance and resources that can be used by institutions across the sector. Learn more about the project’s work
Venture Building 101
15 October 2024, 13:00 to 17:30 (lunch included), Rayleigh Seminar Room, Maxwell Centre
With over 20 years’ experience in company creation and venture building, we have the expertise to help you turn your ideas into reality for the benefit of society.
This half-day, interactive, workshop is open to staff and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge who are considering or are in the process of commercialising their research and expertise. It will provide helpful tools to assist in the process of starting a company or social venture.
The session focusses on the three core pillars of what experience tells us it takes to create a viable spin out: Technology, People and Funding.
What the workshop covers:
- An introduction to the Cambridge Phenomenon and the ecosystem that cultivates it.
- Understanding the key considerations when commercialising research, with real life examples.
- Practical advice on financing and pitching your spin out.
- The opportunity to build a network of like-minded people, and the chance to hear from a successful founder about their journey.
Consultancy 101
19 November 2024, 9:30 to 12:00 (lunch included), Pitt Building
Are you considering becoming a consultant? Perhaps you are already consulting, but want to find out how to work more effectively, get the best price for your skills or discover how to simplify your administrative work.
Cambridge Enterprise is delighted to offer a half-day training course to academics and researchers of the University. We will share expertise on best practices, tips on making life easier and troubleshoot some of the key issues consultants encounter.
What the workshop covers:
- The benefits and impact of undertaking consultancy work.
- Key issues surrounding confidentiality, intellectual property and liability.
- A panel of consultants from the University sharing their experience, followed by a Q&A session.
- A networking lunch with Cambridge Enterprise trainers and panel speakers.
Research Tools 101
19 November 2024, 13:00 to 17:30 (lunch included), Pitt Building
Are you interested in creating an impact from your research? Do you wonder how you might do this without having patentable technology, or an idea for a spin-out company?
A brilliant way to achieve meaningful impact quickly is through the licensing of research tools (such as reagents, or software) to external organisations.
If you are an academic, researcher or PhD student based within the University of Cambridge and would like to learn more about how to commercialise the outcomes of your research; this event will give you an introductory overview on how it can be done through research tools.
We will delve into the world of research tools, exploring how to license them, their impact generation, and the support available from Cambridge Enterprise.
What the workshop covers:
• an introduction to how to license research tools, what they include (reagents, software, copyright, database rights etc), and how they generate impact.
• details of how Cambridge Enterprise can help.
• a Q&A session
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
August 2024
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- Core Research Challenges in Digital Twinning for Crisis Resilience (05 September 2024) UKRI
- Restricted Call: UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme: round 2 (09 September, internal restricted deadline) UKRI
- UK future internet NetworkPlus: outline (10 September 2024) UKRI
- Health Inequalities in the Food System (19 September 2024) UKRI
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five (24 September 2024) AHRC
- UKRI Digital Research Technical Professional Skills NetworkPlus (02 October 2024) UKRI
- Design Accelerators: round three (03 October 2024) AHRC
- Expression of Interest: Research Skills Strategic Leadership Hub (09 October 2024) ESRC
- AHRC Curiosity Award (30 October 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Catalyst Award (30 October 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Driving Urban Transition (DUT) partnership 2024 (14 November 2024) ESRC, AHRC and EPSRC
- AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- UKRI-NSF-SBE lead agency: round three (10 December 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers (10 December 2024) AHRC
- Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work (12 December 2024) ESRC and AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (10 April 2025) AHRC
EU / International Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (11 September 2024)
- Proof of Concept Grant (17 September 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (15 October 2024)
- ERC Synergy Grant (06 November 2024)
- ERC Consolidator Grant (14 January 2025)
Charity Council Funding
- British Academy Talent Development Award (11 September 2024)
- British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025 (18 September 2024)
- BA Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024 (25 September 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Early-Career Award (01 October 2024)
- British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (02 October 2024)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorship (03 October 2024)
- Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund (14 October)
- Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund (14 October 2024)
- British Academy Visiting Fellowships (23 October 2024)
- BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening (30 October 2024)
- British Academy Small Research Grant (06 November 2024)
- British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship (06 November 2024)
- British Academy Senior Research Fellowship (13 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (26 November 2024)
- British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led (27 November 2024)
- British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (27 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (03 December 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2022-2026 (rolling deadline)
- Funding for Cross-Department Events in Postdoc Appreciation Week (internal) 16 August 2024
- Cambridge Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2024 (12 September 2024)
- Public Engagement Starter Fund (15 September 2024)
- AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange and Impact Projects Funding Call 2024 (20 September 2024)
- Social Science Impact Fund 2024 (20 September 2024)
- Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation (18 September 2024)
- Keynes Fund (27 September 2024)
- Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research (20 October 2024)
- CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding (21 October 2024)
Training
- Accelerate Programme AI Clinic (internal) ongoing
- UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit newsletter (UK Parliament) ongoing
- Webinar and ERC Work Programme 2025 (UKRO) 12 September 2024
- ERC Starting Grant Webinar (British Academy) 12 September 2024
- Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge (internal) 29 September 2024
Core Research Challenges in Digital Twinning for Crisis Resilience
Summary: This funding opportunity is led by EPSRC jointly with UKRI’s Building a Secure and Resilient World Strategic theme, as part of our contribution to developing the national capability in digital twinning, focusing on addressing challenges related to national security and resilience.
We live in increasingly volatile times and the UK faces a broad range of risks with a constantly evolving threat picture, including threats to our critical national infrastructure and essential services. These risks, both non-malicious (accidents, natural hazards) and malicious (threats from harmful actors), are captured in the National Risk Register (NRR) (PDF, 2.5Mb).
While complete mitigation is impossible, there are substantial benefits to be realised in terms of human welfare, economic and environmental impact, protection of essential services and many other areas if risks are effectively identified, planned for, and impacts mitigated. In all cases, a timely and coordinated response from government and agencies is critical in minimising direct and indirect effects. Digital twinning is an approach that can be used to assist decision makers.
A digital twin is an advanced form of cyber-physical infrastructure enabling a two-way data flow between a physical asset, system or process and its digital representation. Digital twinning can link systems of different organisations and locations, through controlled information sharing, enabling safe scenario-based testing, and support coordination.
Award: Up to £4,375,000 fEC, funded at 80%
Funder Deadline: 05 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Restricted Call: UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme: round 2
Full details for this round are not yet available, as the call is expected to open on 2nd September 2024. However, due to the tight timeframe between the call opening and the funder deadline, we are circulating our process now. Please note that because the funder has only pre-announced the call, details may change, and we will communicate such changes as necessary.
UKRI has pre-announced the Cross-research council responsive mode pilot scheme: Round 2. This scheme will fund around 36 awards for projects advancing breakthrough interdisciplinary ideas that transcend, combine or significantly span disciplines and research council remits. UKRI will fund awards of between £200,000 and £1,200,000 each for projects that last up to 2 years from either individual applicants or teams from a single organisation or across a number of organisations. UKRI have produced a 20 minute video which aims to provide potential applicants to the scheme with a better understanding of interdisciplinary research as it relates to the Cross Research Council Responsive Mode scheme, what good interdisciplinary research looks like, and what assessors will be looking for in applications.
UKRI will hold a webinar dedicated to informing prospective applicants across the UKRI research community on UKRI-supported facilities and services on offer across the research councils at 10am on 4 July 2024. UKRI will also hold webinars for this scheme to provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions at 10am on 5th September, and 2pm on 11th September. Please click the links to register. In addition, the University of Cambridge's Research Funding Team will hold an information session for this scheme in mid-July 2024. More details will follow about this event in due course.
UKRI have also provided a helpful document of generalised feedback on outline applications from last year’s round, which may be useful in preparing your application.
Please see the full scheme guidance for further information.
University Internal selection:
The University of Cambridge can only submit a maximum of 20 applications as the lead organisation. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure. If you are leading on a bid to this scheme, please complete the online selection form by 9th September, 2024.
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
- Basic details about the project including the interdisciplinary interface that best aligns with your proposal and a list of internal and external collaborators
- Head of Department Support Letter confirming their support for the project and that the lead department is happy to host the project.
- Project Summary (max 850 words) which addresses the three assessment criteria listed below
Internal Assessment Criteria:
The assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
- Vision: the proposed work is timely, has high potential to deliver ground-breaking outcomes, advance current understanding and generate new knowledge, thinking, concepts, techniques, methods or technologies or discoveries only achieved through interdisciplinary research and disruptive ideas.
- Approach: the proposed work is clearly interdisciplinary in a way that explores new types of, and approaches to interdisciplinary research, involves all disciplines required in the co-creation and design, reciprocally benefits all the disciplines involved and addresses and overcomes the challenges of interdisciplinary research.
- Applicant and Team Capability to Deliver: the proposed work includes a project team with the skills and expertise in the disciplines required for the delivery of the project.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Award: Between £200,000 and £1,200,000.
Funder Deadline: Please note, For ease of reference, internal deadlines are marked in red.
- Internal deadline for applicants to submit MS Form: 9th September, 2024
- Funder deadline for submission of outline applications: 19th November, 2024
- Funder deadline for submission of full applications: 3rd July, 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UK future internet NetworkPlus: Outline
Summary: The UK future internet NetworkPlus will bring together the research community, policy makers and wider stakeholders to enable the UK to be an active leader in the development of the internet and an intelligent customer of internet technologies in the 2030s and 2040s. It must take a strategic and forward-looking approach, in line with UKRI’s mission to convene, catalyse and invest in close collaboration with others to build a thriving, inclusive research and innovation system that connects discovery to prosperity and public good.
This funding opportunity seeks to improve outcomes for people and places across the UK. Where we refer to government or policymakers, this should be taken to include government or policymakers at the national level, as well as those in devolved administrations, regions and local authorities
Projects must start 1 July 2025.
Webinar for potential applicants
UKRI will hold a webinar on 9 July 2024 1:30pm to 3pm UK time. This will provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions. A recording of the webinar will also be made available.
Award: Up to £6.5 million fEC, funded at 80%.
Funder Deadline: 10 September 2024, outline stage
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Health Inequalities in the Food System
Summary: Apply for funding to research dietary health inequalities in the UK food system, taking a food systems approach to design and deliver place-based, solution focused interventions.
This theme includes:
- understanding the factors that affect access to, and affordability of, a healthy balanced diet in deprived communities
- understanding the dietary choices of those in low-income groups, including individuals within the same family or social circle, and the relationship to dietary quality, nutritional status, and health outcomes
- understanding the lived experiences and social or cultural norms of low-income groups and how the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated the challenges faced by deprived communities for example, affordability, cooking and storage facilities, food preparation skills, time, and resource
- understanding the factors influencing the allocation of food within low-income households and implications for physical and mental health outcomes
- understanding how the food system (from sustainable production through to consumption) and food environments influence food availability, food choices and health outcomes in low-income groups. The latter includes physical food environments, out of home eating, and online food environments
- understanding how the consumption of commonly-eaten products, including for example, convenience and fast-foods, impacts on physical and mental health and wellbeing, nutritional status, gut health, gut-brain signalling, satiety, emotional wellbeing
Award: Up to £1,875,000 fEC, funded at 80%. Project duration is three years.
Funder Deadline: 10 September 2024, outline stage
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 24 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI Digital Research Technical Professional Skills NetworkPlus
Summary: The aim of this funding opportunity is to support a small number of Digital Research Technical Professional (RTP) Skills NetworkPlus grant awards, led by project leads (termed digital RTP champions), which will equitably bring together disciplines, sectors, and domains together to:
- address cross-cutting challenges related to digital RTP skills and careers
- provide leadership and coordinate collaborations
- seed better ways of working together
- catalyse learning, capability and capacity for digital RTPs
The NetworkPlus awards will explore key challenges and interventions related to skills and careers that are faced by digital RTP communities across the UK research and innovation landscape, including, for example:
- visible career pathways, structures and offers, including entry routes, and nature of employment contracts
- people and skills capacity to support innovative research
- mechanisms and structures to support movement of people and skills across and between research, disciplines and industry
- recognition of the value of staff delivering and supporting the delivery and use of digital research infrastructures
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, digital RTP is intended to be an inclusive umbrella term which includes hundreds of job titles such as data scientists, research software engineers, computational researchers, systems administrators, and technical support for digital research infrastructures.
Award: Up to £2 million funded at 80% for projects 48 months in duration. Projects must start by 1 April 2025.
Funder Deadline: 02 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Design Accelerators: round three
Summary: Design Accelerators are small scale, reactive projects that are designed to support engagement between design research and innovation projects and diverse private, public and third sector organisations, local communities, and the general public.
Design Accelerators should intend to:
- demonstrate how the design research and innovation at universities throughout the country is vital for their local communities’ successful transition to net zero and a green economy
- speed up the implementation of outputs by developing them with key local stakeholders
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
The duration of these awards is up to nine months.
Projects must start by 1 February 2025.
Award: Between £35,000 and £65,000.
Funder Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Expression of Interest: Research Skills Strategy Leadership Hub
Summary: Apply for funding to deliver a new strategic leadership hub that supports the development and delivery of research skills training and capacity building (TCB) provision in the social sciences. The hub will provide both leadership across the social science community and innovate in the way research skills TCB is both conceived and delivered.
The new strategic leadership hub will:
- lead the development, availability and accessibility of training, ensuring it reflects needs across career stages and remains relevant and future-proofed, through collaboration with TCB providers
- create the mechanisms, partnerships and networks to coordinate research skills TCB delivered by ESRC’s existing and new investments (including specialist investments already funded to deliver a programme of TCB), and identify and address any gaps in TCB provision
- design and build an accessible and inclusive IT infrastructure to coordinate and make available TCB provision
- work with the social science community to promote the importance of research skills development, and to improve provision, access and uptake
- phase activity to expand delivery and impact beyond the academic social science community to other disciplines and sectors
Award: £5 million over five years.
Funder Deadline: 09 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Curiosity Award
Summary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas.
The funding opportunity celebrates the full diversity of the arts and humanities. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks, and solo researchers.
Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary. The majority of the disciplinary focus of the project must fall within our subject remit; see section seven of the AHRC research funding guide for our remit coverage. Practice-based and practice-led research is supported by this funding opportunity.
Award: Up to £100,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Catalyst Award
Summary: Catalyst awards support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, unlocking their potential and building leadership and convenor experience through the delivery of ambitious or complex projects.
The scheme takes a people-centred approach with funding available to support the development of researchers and their research ideas. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers.
Development is at the core of this scheme; projects must clearly articulate how the funding will contribute to the development of all those involved through the way that the project has been designed and will be managed, with appropriate support structures in place.
Award: Between £100,000 and £300,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) partnership 2024
Summary: The DUT partnership focuses on three critical urban sectors (and their interrelationships) which are laid out in its roadmap as Transition Pathways.
Since urban transition issues are intrinsically interconnected, proposals that address topics from more than one Transition Pathway are encouraged. However, each proposal needs to choose one topic in a Transition Pathway that is closest to their subject as a guide. The proposal will be evaluated against the scope of its main Transition Pathway. Crosscutting characteristics will be considered in the assessment.
To make our cities more liveable, inclusive and climate-neutral, the focus is set on 15-minute neighbourhoods that recognise different urban contexts. The focus lies on knowledge creation, transferability and implementation. Multiple, diverging pathways are necessary for reaching sustainable mobility and transport in different contexts, applying place-sensitive approaches.
This funding opportunity aims to motivate efforts to extend beyond typical scenarios, encouraging projects that enhance experimentation and practical application. It seeks to address challenging obstacles in implementing the 15-minute City concept, and related fields of policy for urban mobility transitions.
It underscores the need to acknowledge diverse starting points for cities and adaptability among various social groups. It emphasises the significance of considering lifestyles, inclusiveness, social cohesion and social justice within the proposed ideas and proposals.
Award: £400,000.
Deadline: 14 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Collaborate with Researchers in Luxembourg: round three
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
UKRI-NSF-SBE agency lead: round three
Summary: Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and US National Science Foundation, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Directorate (NSF-SBE).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Working with Brazilian Researchers
Summary: Apply for funding to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Submit a collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Projects should aim to:
- enable arts and humanities researchers to establish or enhance effective working relationships with fellow researchers (both within and beyond the arts and humanities, and within and beyond the UK), as well as practitioners, and the wide range of individuals and organisations who may benefit from their research
- provide opportunities for less experienced researchers to develop their expertise and their careers by working collaboratively with senior researchers on well-defined projects and by leading projects themselves
- maximise the value of research outcomes by promoting their communication and dissemination with individuals and organisations outside academia and, where appropriate, to facilitate the knowledge transfer of those outcomes to both the research community and other contexts where they will make a difference
We’re looking for researchers with applications for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 10 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work: Stream two
Summary: ESRC, AHRC, SSHRC and CIHR have partnered on this funding opportunity to support research that will foster a deeper understanding of the state of knowledge about the global challenge of envisioning governance systems that work.
Stream two
Stream two is reserved for applications jointly submitted by two applicants, one based in Canada and the other in the UK, who are associated with eligible institutions in their respective countries. Up to 27 projects may be jointly funded by SSHRC, ESRC and AHRC. Projects are not required to cover both AHRC and ESRC remits but must be relevant to at least one council’s remit.
The resulting knowledge syntheses will:
- identify roles that the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors could play in promoting more inclusive and equitable societies
- inform the development of effective tools and technologies, robust policies, and sustainable practices required to support the path toward a diverse and inclusive future for all
Knowledge syntheses are comprehensive analyses of literature and other forms of knowledge on a particular question or issue. All types of knowledge synthesis approaches, tools and protocols, such as scoping reviews, systematic reviews and narrative syntheses, are encouraged under this funding opportunity.
Knowledge synthesis grants are not intended to support original research. Rather, they are intended to support the synthesis of existing research knowledge and identify knowledge gaps. This funding opportunity is particularly focused on the state of research produced over the past 10 years.
Award: Funding is available for one-year projects. The UK-Canada teams can apply for up to C$ 30,000 from SSHRC and ESRC or AHRC. Budgets cannot exceed a maximum 60% and 40% split across the two agencies (for example, 18,000 Canadian dollars (CA$) and £10,517 or £7,011 and CA$ 12,000). ESRC or AHRC will fund 80% of the UK budget’s full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-Announcement: Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)
Summary: This Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) programme aims to empower communities across the UK to have the agency and opportunity to enable growth and address equitable access to culture. It will do this by funding partnerships which amplify seldom heard voices; which respect diverse cultural identities; and which facilitate creative expression, in order that innovative solutions can be found to widen community participation in culture across the UK.
The LUCIA programme objectives are:
- to develop collaborative research networks to actively engage local communities in widening access to cultural expression
- to understand local cultural complexities, barriers and enablers, with a view to improving wellbeing in communities throughout the UK
- to converge data and learning from a range of local and regional models to inform the spread and adoption of collaborative cultural policy across the UK
The programme will fund networks comprised of community practitioners, researchers and policymakers for 12 months, to explore opportunities for widening cultural access and expression within UK communities.
It is expected that each network will engage with their research organisation’s public engagement team throughout the application process, to ensure that public engagement is prioritised throughout activities planned.
Applications should demonstrate equitable co-creation and co-production with community partners and people with expertise by experience, and clearly identify any barriers to access for those participants.
Award: Up to £100,000 FEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months. Projects must begin by 1 April 2026.
Funder Deadline: 10 April 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Resilient and secure urban planning and new tools for EU territorial entities
HORIZON-CL3-2024-INFRA-01-02
his topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related innovation activities.
Main keywords: Social sciences and Humanities
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Combating hate speech online and offline
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-05
The successful proposal is expected to reinforce hate crime training and capacity building for Police Authorities and other relevant security practitioners, in particular to enhance their tools and methods for lawful detection, reporting and data/evidence collection and analysis of the hate speech related activities that are considered as crime or could lead to a crime. Activities proposed within this topic should address, in a balanced way, both technological and societal dimensions of the issue under consideration. This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related innovation activities.
Main keywords: Law, Sociology, Education, Communication studies
Deadline: 20 November 2024
A European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage – Innovative tools for digitisation and analysis of dynamic processes, objects and complex combined data
HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01-01
This topic aims at developing and implementing a set of innovative tools and methods on the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH) for digitisation and analysis of dynamic processes, objects and complex combined data. Concrete applications of these tools and methods should be provided for at least the following uses:
- Digitising dynamic objects, processes and practices
- Monitoring the evolving status of cultural heritage objects over time
- Interacting with, cross-mixing and re-mixing different data types
Main keywords: Cultural heritage, Media studies
Deadline: 22 January 2025
HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme 2023-2025
This document is designed to help potential proposers find SSH-related topics across the different parts of Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-25.
To assist SSH researchers in identifying funding opportunities, the European Commission (EC) has established a search engine within its online Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Certain topics with substantial SSH aspects have been “flagged” by the EC as SSH-relevant, and the search engine offers the option to quickly search for the specific priority ‘Socio-economic science and humanities’. It also allows for keyword and full-text search.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
There are 2 types of Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- European Postdoctoral Fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.
- Global Postdoctoral Fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
Both types of fellowships may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world during the fellowship (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship).
In an effort to build bridges between the academic and non-academic sector, researchers can receive additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. This placement needs to take place at the end of their fellowship.
Award: The Fellowship provides support in the form of a living allowance; mobility allowance; family and long-term leave and special needs allowances; research, training and networking activities; management and indirect costs.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Funder Deadline: 17 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 15 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Synergy Grant
Summary: The aim is to provide support for a small group of two to four Principal Investigators to jointly address ambitious research problems that could not be addressed by the individual Principal Investigators and their teams working alone. Synergy projects should enable substantial advances at the frontiers of knowledge, stemming, for example, from the cross-fertilization of scientific fields, from new productive lines of enquiry, or new methods and techniques, including unconventional approaches and investigations at the interface between established disciplines. The transformative research funded by Synergy Grants should have the potential of becoming a benchmark on a global scale.
Award: A maximum of € 10 million for a period of 6 years (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). An additional € 4 million can be requested in the proposal in total to cover eligible 'start-up' costs for Principal Investigators moving to the EU or an Associated Country from elsewhere as a consequence of receiving an ERC grant and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 06 November 2023
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Consolidator Grant
Summary: The ERC Consolidator Grant is for researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD. This programme is for PIs who will consolidate their own independent research team or programme. PIs must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal.
Award: up to € 2 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 14 January 2025
British Academy Talent Development Awards
Summary: The aim of the scheme is to promote the building of skills and capacities for current and future generations, including in core areas like quantitative skills, interdisciplinarity, data science, digital humanities and languages. This scheme promotes the acquisition and advancement of skills in relevant areas by UK-based researchers, supporting innovative research methods, be that through skills development, collaboration or dissemination. The overarching aims of the scheme are to invest in UK talent and skills, and as a result, to contribute to the development and delivery of high quality regional, national and international research by:
- raising the quality of advanced quantitative skills and/or data science skills used in research, including digital methods;
- creating new opportunities for knowledge and skills to exchange across disciplines and sectors; and
- promoting language learning and the transferable skills that language learning provides.
Award: The maximum grant is £10,000. The awards are for a minimum period of 6 months and up to a maximum period of 12 months, starting from no earlier than 1 March 2024 and no later than 31 March 2024.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025
Summary: The purpose of each project will be to develop new international interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences to further our understanding of just transitions. Research may be problem-focused, creatively innovative and exploratory, and should bring together relevant disciplines in both the humanities and social sciences, where appropriate, for maximum impact/effect. The Academy requires all applications to fundamentally involve and integrate both the humanities and the social sciences.
The aim of this call is to support international collaborations between researchers in the UK and elsewhere on internationally focused research projects of an interdisciplinary nature that go beyond the day-to-day matters that this theme might engender, and instead focus on the deeper and more long-term issues of just transitions. The Academy sees this broad scope as essential in bringing together the range of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences which are required for an award under this programme.
The Academy envisages that the awards made through the Programme will:
- By such understandings of Just Transitions bring to bear a deeper, more nuanced, and historically aware thinking to the topic;
- Identify the contributions that could be made to international and national knowledge exchange, practice and policy development in this area and what lessons can be learnt to navigate any future landscape(s);
- Develop ways of communicating and collaborating in cross-disciplinary and multilingual working in partnership with colleagues internationally.
Projects must begin in March/April 2025.
Award: Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300,000 are available and funded at 80% FEC.
Funder Deadline: 18 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and DGAP with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Global Order and Disorder
- Eastern and South-eastern Europe.
- Sustainability, Nature & Climate.
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 25 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Early-Career Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 01 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. This scheme aims to help develop the award holder’s curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.
There is no University-level selection for this call, but Departments and Faculties are encouraged to nominate excellent applicants only, as unsuccessful applicants are not able to reapply.
Applicants: please refer to your host Department/Faculty for their application procedures.
Award: The scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. Currently, the Academy funds 80% of salary costs, directly allocated and indirect costs under FEC. The Fellowship is tenable for three years, starting Autumn 2025 in a UK-based university or higher education institution.
Deadline: 02 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Between £10,000 and £150,000.
Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund
Summary: This programme is funded by an endowment that supports work relating to the Commonwealth. This means our interest is in the future of UK society as shaped by its colonial past; specifically, by the migration of people from former British colonies to the UK, and the accompanying dynamics of racialisation, resources and power which have produced the UK’s distinct racial diversity and its patterns of racial discrimination and inequality. Within this context we take a broad view of racial diversity as covering all racial or ethnic groups living in the UK, including White populations.
What we will fund
The Racial Diversity UK programme aims to be broad in its reach, interested in questions of socio-economic equality, senses of place, belonging and identity, barriers to and opportunities for inclusion, demographic trajectories, and the interrelationship between these themes. Research may also address how the UK compares internationally. Race and ethnicity should be the central focus from which any intersectionality with class, disability, gender, place and other dynamics would be explored.
We expect the research we fund to:
- Contribute to understanding, public debate, policy and/or practice on tackling racial inequalities, discrimination and disadvantage.
- Map pathways towards a UK that is comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity.
Where proposals to Racial Diversity UK overlap with the Foundation’s continuing interests in education, justice or welfare, we encourage applicants to contact us early to discuss which of our funding streams your application fits best with. Broadly, we expect Racial Diversity UK to consider funding research where racial diversity, disparity or discrimination is the primary lens through which social well-being is explored, or where their role in shaping communities or places is foregrounded.
Award: Up to £750,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund
Summary: This scheme supports projects that improve the design and operation of social policy, especially in domains of education, welfare and justice. Preference is given to projects that:
- identify and explain the social and economic determinants of opportunity and risk across the life span, focusing in particular on early childhood adversity, transitions from adolescence to young adulthood, and social and economic well-being in adulthood and later life;
- improve well-being for society as a whole, while ameliorating negative outcomes and informing the foundations of and pathways towards a just and inclusive society;
- support the development of workable evidence-based solutions for policy and practice over the medium term.
Projects normally have a duration between six months to three years.
Award: Up to £750,000, but most awards are worth between £50,000 and £300,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Visiting Fellowships
Summary: Visiting Fellowships illustrate the British Academy’s profound and on-going commitment to international engagement. The aim of this programme is to ensure that the UK remains an attractive, welcoming, and productive research environment for academics globally. Through this programme, the Academy aims to:
- Enhance and build new links between scholars from around the globe and in the UK;
- Foster opportunities and encourage the development of new and future partnerships for collaborative research into the humanities and social sciences
- To enable academics from across the globe to undertake research and/or professional development with UK colleagues;
- And strengthen the UK’s research bases in the humanities and the social sciences.
Visiting Fellowship duration is between three and six months.
Award: Maximum funding value is £40,000.
Deadline: 23 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening
Summary:The primary intended outcome of this programme is to enhance the capabilities of institutions in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries and UK-based institutions to overcome systemic barriers of working across borders and to embed the resulting best practise within the institutions to support sustained, equitable, international research collaboration. Emphasis is placed on activities that enable sustainable change that continues well beyond the life of the award in institutions, including the development and implementation of policy frameworks or training programmes, for both UK and overseas institutions bearing in mind that these are likely to need to reach beyond research offices. It is understood that needs of partner institutions might differ, and projects should reflect this.
Awards are expected to involve significant time devoted to dialogue and communication between the institutions involved so that links can be built and enhanced, ways of working can be adapted, and best practice can be reached for all those involved in supporting future research projects. The Academy views the involvement of financial, HR and legal functions within institutions as key to the success of any award given the significant challenges that these areas can cause in the running of international research projects. Awards that are only aiming to bring together respective research offices will be considered insufficient and not be supported.
Awards of 18-24 months in duration are available. Projects must begin in March 2025.
Award: Up to £50,000. Funding can be used to support networking, workshop and other event-related costs, as well as travel and related expenses. Staffing costs are eligible up to £7,500 per institution involved, with a maximum of £30,000 that can be utilised for this purpose.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Small Research Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowships
Summary:The objective of the ODA (Official Development Assistance) Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the ODA Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Environment, sustainability and nature
- Transformative technologies
- Health and wellbeing
- Cities and urbanisation
- Global order, geopolitics and international affairs
Award: These Fellowships are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Senior Research Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 26 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Innovation Fellowship Scheme 2024-2025 -- Route B: Policy led
Summary: The Innovation Fellowships scheme will provide funding and support for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences to partner with organisations and business in the creative, cultural, public, private and policy sectors, to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Innovation Fellowships, our researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The Academy and the FCDO invite applications for Fellowships in any of the following areas:
- India
- The politics of energy transition and climate change in Africa
- The role of technology in shaping citizen-state relations in Africa
Award: Up to £120,000 for a period of 12 months. Awards are expected to commence no earlier than 1 January 2025 and no later than 31 March 2025.
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Global Innovation Fellowships: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and Carnegie with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following five areas:
- Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics.
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Democracy, Conflict & Governance.
- Global Order and Institutions.
- Nuclear Policy.
- Political Economy and Trade.
Award: Global Innovation Fellowships are expected to commence by September 2025. An earlier start date of March or April 2025 may be possible, in this case the applicant will need to explain how they will plan and manage their relocation on this faster timeline. The Academy is offering up to two one-year fellowships hosted in Carnegie’s offices in the USA (Washington DC or California). These are offered as awards for up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 27 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 03 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All Council Harmonised IAA Impact Starter Fund Call 2024-2025
Summary:Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls
Award: Varies
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Funding for Cross-Department Events during Postdoc Appreciation Week
Summary: We have a small pot of funding available to support events hosted in the Postdoc Centres during Postdoc Appreciation Week (16 - 20 September 2024) with soft drinks and nibbles.
The events must:
- be aimed at postdocs from more than one department
- be hosted in one of the three Postdoc Centres (Mill Lane, Eddington, Biomedical Campus)
- celebrate postdocs and their contributions to the University in some way..
Award: Fund covers cost of soft drinks and nibbles for an event
Deadline: 16 August 2024
Cambridge Africa ALBORADA Fund
Summary: The Cambridge-Africa programme is pleased to announce that the call for proposals to the ALBORADA Research Fund is now open.
Applications are invited from pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge (or an affiliated institute) and African universities or research institutes, across all disciplines, to initiate and/or strengthen research collaborations. Please note that the African applicant can be based in any African country and the awards are no longer restricted to African researchers from sub-Saharan Africa.
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund competitively awards grants for:
- research costs (such as reagents, fieldwork and equipment)
- research-related travel between Cambridge and Africa
- conducting research training activities in Africa (e.g. workshops/courses)
Award: Between £1,000 and £20,000
Deadline: 12 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: alboradafund@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk
Public Engagement Starter Fund
Summary: Do you have a novel research-driven idea that could engage the public? Small grants of up to £2,000 are available from the University of Cambridge. Projects can take ona variety of forms, such as live events, media, exhibitions and installations, or education resources connecting pupils and teachers with research.
Award: Up to £2,000
Deadline: 15 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: starterfund@admin.cam.uk
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange and Impact Projects Funding
Summary: The University of Cambridge has been awarded a one-year extension to its Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) by the AHRC to strengthen engagement with users and accelerate the translation of research outputs into impactful outcomes. This includes facilitating the impact agenda by building upon existing collaborations with industry, policymakers, and third sector organisations, as well as forging new partnerships when beneficial. The emphasis of this call is on deepening established external non-academic collaborations to achieve greater and more profound impact.
The overall purpose of this fund is to support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities. Awards will be made available to fund work that will significantly increase the probability of the ideas and findings generated by the research having a non-academic impact on the private, public, and third sectors. Collaborative, innovative, and co-funded projects are encouraged.
Award: Up to £30,000 covering 100% of directly incurred costs only.
Deadline: 20 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman, AHRC IAA Coordinator, AHimpact@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Social Science Impact Fund
Summary: The Social Science Impact Fund aims to support the transfer of social science research and expertise to non-academic partners and collaborators. Social Science research areas can be found here. This funding is specifically aimed at undertaking knowledge exchange opportunities and activities in collaboration with an external partner.
Applicants should focus on the development or deepening of partnerships and collaborations. Social Science knowledge exchange and impact can be labour intensive, requiring the PI to invest significant time and energy into projects and activities. We encourage all social scientists to consider ways in which working with the most appropriate collaborators can ensure success by bringing in the relevant expertise, networks, and experience.
Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration of 12 months maximum.
Deadline: 20 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Tina Basi, iaa@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation
Summary: In collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for Data Driven Discovery, the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery are offering small grants for Cambridge University researchers pursuing innovative applications of AI in research or real-world contexts.
Funding of up to £25,000 is available to support a variety of activities, including research, events, workshops, teaching, or software development, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Applications are open to PhD students and research staff at the University of Cambridge. Find out more and apply by 18 September.
Award: Up to £25,000
Deadline: 18 September 2024
Contact: accelerate-science@cst.cam.ac.uk
Keynes Fund
Summary: The Fund supports research on the sources and consequences of failure of market efficiency, particularly but not exclusively as a result of Agency costs. In particular, research into: capital market mispricing; the design of incentive systems and mechanisms to reduce the incidence and significance of institutional or general economic failure as well as into responsive public policies.
The scope of work to be funded shall include interactions between the financial markets and the real economy. The Managers of the Fund encourage research based on empirical observation of the behaviour of market participants, drawing as appropriate on relevant work in the other social sciences, biology and history.
They shall also encourage academics to extend the frontiers of traditional economics in order to raise Cambridge's profile in the critical area between economic theory, best private sector practice and public policy, with a bias towards promoting long-term thinking, dampened pro-cyclicality, improved economic growth and reduced income/wealth disparities. The Keynes Fund provides resources to the Cambridge research community for high-quality projects consistent with these themes. The key features on which projects will be assessed are: quality, impact and positive strong externalities for the Cambridge research environment, especially with regard to the promotion of young talent in the Cambridge Ph.D. programme, or among Post-docs..
Award: There are two categories of award: Standard and Large. A Standard Grant is up to £50,000. A Large Grant is above £50,000.
Deadline: 27 September 2024
Contact: keynes-fund@econ.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge-LMU Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals in Teaching and Research
Summary: The University of Cambridge and the LMU Munich are delighted to announce the first call of the second funding period 2025-2029.
The overall aim of the partnership is to explore and support an array of activities that will continue to cement a meaningful and productive partnership between two of Europe’s leading universities. The partnership, and this call, covers all disciplines.
The deadline is 20 October for projects of 1-2 years’ duration, to begin on 1 January 2025
Award: Between €10,000 and €40,000.
Deadline: 20 October 2024
Contact: Ingrid Hobbis, Strategic Partnerships Office, Ingrid.hobbis@admin.cam.ac.uk
CRASSH Events & Initiatives Funding
Summary: CRASSH offers support to postgraduate students, postdocs, and academic staff employed by the University of Cambridge or one of its Colleges to run a wide range of events and creative initiatives. We invite you to apply for funding and logistical support for any activity that will foster the exchange of ideas across disciplines and cultures, forge new collaborations between researchers and other participants, bring academic research to wider publics, or explore the connections between research and artistic practice.
Funding of up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative. In-kind logistical support will be provided in the form of assistance with the planning and running of events, administration, and publicity. Events and initiatives will be selected for support by a cross-School panel. Successful proposals will form part of CRASSH’s dynamic programme for 2024-2025.
Award: Up to £1000 is available for one-day events, £2000 for two-day events, and £1000 for other kinds of initiative.
Deadline: 21 October 2024
Contact: events@crassh.cam.ac.uk
Accelerate Programme AI Clinic
Ongoing
Have you thought about using AI in your research but aren’t sure how to get started? Or are you already using AI and have run into challenges with implementation? Our AI Clinic is here to help.
The Accelerate Programme, based in the Department of Computer Science and Technology runs an AI Clinic to support all staff and students with using AI in their research. No matter your level of experience with AI, we invite you to come and talk to our team who can offer free advice and support. We support projects at all stages - from ideation, grant writing and data gathering, through to software issues and publication. Get in touch via our form or accelerate-mle@cst.cam.ac.uk to connect with a member of our team of experts.
UK Parliamentary Knowledge Exchange Newsletter
The UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit support the exchange of information and expertise between researchers and the UK Parliament. Working with higher education and beyond, we facilitate and strengthen this exchange of knowledge in a variety of ways.
Resources and support offered:
- A first point of contact for any researcher wishing to work with or find out more about UK Parliament.
- Online training through our series of webinars for researchers and knowledge mobilisers.
- Weekly round-up email of opportunities for the research community to engage with UK Parliament.
- @UKParl_Research Twitter feed, bringing together opportunities, information and advice for researchers and a platform to interact with teams across UK Parliament.
- Online resources about why and how to engage with UK Parliament.
- Facilitation of academic fellowships and other placement opportunities.
Webinar on ERC Work Programme 2025
12 September 2024, 14:00 to 15:30 UK time
The European Research Council will host a webinar providing information on the ERC 2025 Work Programme.
The webinar will explain what the new funding opportunities are, the budget allocations, the timescales for submission, and other eligibility conditions.
Angela Liberatore and José Labastida from the ERC Executive Agency will present the plans for 2025 and answer questions.
The event can be accessed via a YouTube link which will be posted on the ERC website shortly.
ERC Starting Grant Webinar
12 September 2024, 14:00 to 15:30 UK time
The British Academy will be holding its next webinar on Thursday 12 September, 14:00-15:30 (BST) for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences who are interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Starting Grants 2024 call, which opened on 10 July and has a deadline of 15 October 2024. The webinar will be led by Professor Patrick Haggard FBA and British Academy Fellows who have experience with ERC Grants and panels.
The aim of the webinar is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the proposal and evaluation format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a proposal.
There is an opportunity to have your B1 draft proposal reviewed by the panel. Please note, that if selected, your B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar (names and personal details will be removed). The webinar will not be recorded. If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest and send them to Maria Suchcitz (m.suchcitz@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than 30 August 2024, 12:00 pm BST (midday).
If you would like to attend the webinar without submitting a B1 proposal, please contact Maria Suchcitz (m.suchcitz@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) by Wednesday 11 September 2024, 12:00 pm BST (midday) to register.
Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge
Calling all researchers!
Do you work with a great research group, or a great PI? You can nominate them for the 2024 Research Culture Celebration, to be held on 30 September at Kettle’s Yard. Categories include: leadership, concern for professional development, recognition and reward, wellbeing management and support, and inclusive practice. Find out more
Want to tell us more about your own research journey? Your Research, Your Voice asks researchers to respond to a short writing prompt on an aspect of their experience and earn a £5, £10 or £20 voucher to thank them for their time. It is open to postdocs and to PIs. Find out more
These initiatives are part of the project Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC), an international research project led by the University of Cambridge that is testing practical approaches to improving research culture, with the aim of producing guidance and resources that can be used by institutions across the sector. Learn more about the project’s work
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
July 2024
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) Catalyst, round two (22 July 2024) ESRC and AHRC
- Pre-announcement: The UK-Brazil global talent exchange funding opportunity pilot (20 August 2024) ESRC
- Restricted Call: UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme: round 2 (09 September, internal restricted deadline) UKRI
- UK future internet NetworkPlus: outline (10 September 2024) UKRI
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five (24 September 2024) AHRC
- Design Accelerators: round three (03 October 2024) AHRC
- Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work (12 December 2024) ESRC and AHRC
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (11 September 2024)
- Proof of Concept Grant (17 September 2024)
- ERC Advanced Grant (29 August 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (15 October 2024)
- ERC Consolidator Grant (14 January 2025)
Charity Funding
- International Alliance for Research Universities: Early-Career Collaboration Grant (15 July 2024)
- British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (21 August 2024)
- British Academy Global Professorships (22 August 2024, restricted call deadline)
- British Academy Talent Development Award (11 September 2024)
- British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025 (18 September 2024)
- BA Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024 (25 September 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Early-Career Award (01 October 2024)
- British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (02 October 2024)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorship (03 October 2024)
- Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund (14 October)
- Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund (14 October 2024)
- British Academy Visiting Fellowships (23 October 2024)
- BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening (30 October 2024)
- British Academy Small Research Grant (06 November 2024)
- British Academy Senior Research Fellowship (13 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (26 November 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (03 December 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All-Council Rapid Impact Acceleration Account Call (rolling deadline)
- AHRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme (rolling deadline)
- Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation (18 September 2024)
Training / Other
- Accelerate Programme AI Clinic (internal) ongoing
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024 Call for Information Webinar: Session 1 (UKRO) Recorded
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024 Call for Information Webinar: Session 2 (UKRO) Recorded
- ERC Advanced Grant Webinar (British Academy) 05 July 2024
- Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge (internal) 29 September 2024
Social sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) Catalyst, round two
Summary: We are looking for individuals or teams with innovative, ambitious ideas from arts, humanities and social sciences disciplines that can scale and sustain economic or non-economic impact through the commercialisation of research.
Applications must be for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12 months.
Award: £62,000 funded at 80% FEC
Funder Deadline: 22 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Pre-announcement: The UK-Brazil global talent exchange funding opportunity pilot
Summary: The aim of the scheme is to facilitate collaborations with the potential to create new knowledge, understanding, technologies, products and services to enrich and improve lives in the UK, Brazil and around the world. The scheme will support researchers based in UK and Brazil to establish and develop collaborative partnerships around a specific jointly defined research project that could serve as the backbone for high quality applications for future funding.
Proposals must be led by an eligible project lead (PL) in the UK but are expected to be co-created, co-designed and co-delivered through equitable partnerships with researchers based in Brazil, who should be included on the application as project co-lead (international) (PcL(I)), to deliver mutual and tangible benefits. The involvement of a project co-lead (international) based in Brazil is mandatory.
The duration of this award is a minimum three months and maximum six months.
Projects must start on or after 1 November 2024.
Award: Up to £20,000 fEC.
Funder Deadline: 20 August 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Restricted Call: UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme: round 2
Full details for this round are not yet available, as the call is expected to open on 2nd September 2024. However, due to the tight timeframe between the call opening and the funder deadline, we are circulating our process now. Please note that because the funder has only pre-announced the call, details may change, and we will communicate such changes as necessary.
UKRI has pre-announced the Cross-research council responsive mode pilot scheme: Round 2. This scheme will fund around 36 awards for projects advancing breakthrough interdisciplinary ideas that transcend, combine or significantly span disciplines and research council remits. UKRI will fund awards of between £200,000 and £1,200,000 each for projects that last up to 2 years from either individual applicants or teams from a single organisation or across a number of organisations. UKRI have produced a 20 minute video which aims to provide potential applicants to the scheme with a better understanding of interdisciplinary research as it relates to the Cross Research Council Responsive Mode scheme, what good interdisciplinary research looks like, and what assessors will be looking for in applications.
UKRI will hold a webinar dedicated to informing prospective applicants across the UKRI research community on UKRI-supported facilities and services on offer across the research councils at 10am on 4 July 2024. UKRI will also hold webinars for this scheme to provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions at 10am on 5th September, and 2pm on 11th September. Please click the links to register. In addition, the University of Cambridge's Research Funding Team will hold an information session for this scheme in mid-July 2024. More details will follow about this event in due course.
UKRI have also provided a helpful document of generalised feedback on outline applications from last year’s round, which may be useful in preparing your application.
Please see the full scheme guidance for further information.
University Internal selection:
The University of Cambridge can only submit a maximum of 20 applications as the lead organisation. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure. If you are leading on a bid to this scheme, please complete the online selection form by 9th September, 2024.
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
- Basic details about the project including the interdisciplinary interface that best aligns with your proposal and a list of internal and external collaborators
- Head of Department Support Letter confirming their support for the project and that the lead department is happy to host the project.
- Project Summary (max 850 words) which addresses the three assessment criteria listed below
Internal Assessment Criteria:
The assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
- Vision: the proposed work is timely, has high potential to deliver ground-breaking outcomes, advance current understanding and generate new knowledge, thinking, concepts, techniques, methods or technologies or discoveries only achieved through interdisciplinary research and disruptive ideas.
- Approach: the proposed work is clearly interdisciplinary in a way that explores new types of, and approaches to interdisciplinary research, involves all disciplines required in the co-creation and design, reciprocally benefits all the disciplines involved and addresses and overcomes the challenges of interdisciplinary research.
- Applicant and Team Capability to Deliver: the proposed work includes a project team with the skills and expertise in the disciplines required for the delivery of the project.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Award: Between £200,000 and £1,200,000.
Funder Deadline: Please note, For ease of reference, internal deadlines are marked in red.
- Internal deadline for applicants to submit MS Form: 9th September, 2024
- Funder deadline for submission of outline applications: 19th November, 2024
- Funder deadline for submission of full applications: 3rd July, 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UK future internet NetworkPlus: Outline
Summary: The UK future internet NetworkPlus will bring together the research community, policy makers and wider stakeholders to enable the UK to be an active leader in the development of the internet and an intelligent customer of internet technologies in the 2030s and 2040s. It must take a strategic and forward-looking approach, in line with UKRI’s mission to convene, catalyse and invest in close collaboration with others to build a thriving, inclusive research and innovation system that connects discovery to prosperity and public good.
This funding opportunity seeks to improve outcomes for people and places across the UK. Where we refer to government or policymakers, this should be taken to include government or policymakers at the national level, as well as those in devolved administrations, regions and local authorities
Projects must start 1 July 2025.
Webinar for potential applicants
UKRI will hold a webinar on 9 July 2024 1:30pm to 3pm UK time. This will provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions. A recording of the webinar will also be made available.
Award: Up to £6.5 million fEC, funded at 80%.
Funder Deadline: 10 September 2024, outline stage
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 24 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Design Accelerators: round three
Summary: Design Accelerators are small scale, reactive projects that are designed to support engagement between design research and innovation projects and diverse private, public and third sector organisations, local communities, and the general public.
Design Accelerators should intend to:
- demonstrate how the design research and innovation at universities throughout the country is vital for their local communities’ successful transition to net zero and a green economy
- speed up the implementation of outputs by developing them with key local stakeholders
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
The duration of these awards is up to nine months.
Projects must start by 1 February 2025.
Award: Between £35,000 and £65,000.
Funder Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Synthesising research on envisioning governance systems that work: Stream two
Summary: ESRC, AHRC, SSHRC and CIHR have partnered on this funding opportunity to support research that will foster a deeper understanding of the state of knowledge about the global challenge of envisioning governance systems that work.
Stream two
Stream two is reserved for applications jointly submitted by two applicants, one based in Canada and the other in the UK, who are associated with eligible institutions in their respective countries. Up to 27 projects may be jointly funded by SSHRC, ESRC and AHRC. Projects are not required to cover both AHRC and ESRC remits but must be relevant to at least one council’s remit.
The resulting knowledge syntheses will:
- identify roles that the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors could play in promoting more inclusive and equitable societies
- inform the development of effective tools and technologies, robust policies, and sustainable practices required to support the path toward a diverse and inclusive future for all
Knowledge syntheses are comprehensive analyses of literature and other forms of knowledge on a particular question or issue. All types of knowledge synthesis approaches, tools and protocols, such as scoping reviews, systematic reviews and narrative syntheses, are encouraged under this funding opportunity.
Knowledge synthesis grants are not intended to support original research. Rather, they are intended to support the synthesis of existing research knowledge and identify knowledge gaps. This funding opportunity is particularly focused on the state of research produced over the past 10 years.
Award: Funding is available for one-year projects. The UK-Canada teams can apply for up to C$ 30,000 from SSHRC and ESRC or AHRC. Budgets cannot exceed a maximum 60% and 40% split across the two agencies (for example, 18,000 Canadian dollars (CA$) and £10,517 or £7,011 and CA$ 12,000). ESRC or AHRC will fund 80% of the UK budget’s full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Policies and governance shaping the future transport and mobility systems
HORIZON-CL5-2024-D6-01-09
A ’social optimum’ balance should be included to developing research knowledge within new governance models from several perspectives (e.g. socio-economic, environmental, health, accessibility, gender and inclusion, safety and security aspects). This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research.
Main keywords: Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Law, Gender studies
Deadline: 05 September 2024
Radicalisation and gender
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-04
In order to improve understandings of radicalization and gender we need to study how and why gender norms appear as an increasingly contested area of politics with strong mobilizing power. What role gender norms and equality policies play in stabilizing and destabilizing social and political order, and how ideas and norms about gender equality make people react, mobilize and engage politically, at present, in the past and in the future. Proposals should recognise not only the cultural, social and economic diversity of the milieus, but as mentioned above also be gender sensitive. This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related innovation activities.
Main keywords: Political Science, Social and Cultural studies, Economics, Ethics, Gender studies
Deadline: 20 November 2024
A European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage – Innovative tools for documenting, interlinking and organising data
HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01-02
This topic aims at developing and implementing a set of innovative tools and methods on the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH) for high-quality interactions with visitors and cultural heritage objects. Concrete applications of these tools and methods should be provided for at least the following uses:
- Creating, sharing and re-using interactive content
- Analysing, designing and testing interactions with visitors
Main keywords: Cultural heritage, Graphic and audio-visual arts, Cultural and creative industries, Sociology
Deadline: 22 January 2025
HSS-relevant topics in the Work Programme 2023-2025
This document is designed to help potential proposers find SSH-related topics across the different parts of Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-25.
To assist SSH researchers in identifying funding opportunities, the European Commission (EC) has established a search engine within its online Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Certain topics with substantial SSH aspects have been “flagged” by the EC as SSH-relevant, and the search engine offers the option to quickly search for the specific priority ‘Socio-economic science and humanities’. It also allows for keyword and full-text search.
ERC Advanced Grant
Summary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.
Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 29 August 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
There are 2 types of Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- European Postdoctoral Fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.
- Global Postdoctoral Fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
Both types of fellowships may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world during the fellowship (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship).
In an effort to build bridges between the academic and non-academic sector, researchers can receive additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. This placement needs to take place at the end of their fellowship.
Award: The Fellowship provides support in the form of a living allowance; mobility allowance; family and long-term leave and special needs allowances; research, training and networking activities; management and indirect costs.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Funder Deadline: 17 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 15 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Consolidator Grant
Summary: The ERC Consolidator Grant is for researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD. This programme is for PIs who will consolidate their own independent research team or programme. PIs must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal.
Award: up to € 2 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 14 January 2025
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
International Alliance of Research Universities Early-Career Collaboration Grants
Summary: This International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) Early-Career Collaboration Grants Scheme is for early-career academics and provides funds to cover the costs of a short-term research visit at another IARU university.
Current early-career researchers, i.e. those who are no longer postdoctoral researchers but who are still within 10 years of submitting their PhD, at any IARU university can apply. All applicants must be employed by an IARU university at the time the visit is planned to take place, and grants are intended for those on permanent contracts. The host university does not need to already be involved in the applicant’s research.
Award: Up to $5,000 USD. Visits can be planned for any time between 1 October 2024 and 1 October 2025. If the planned visit does not take place within this timeframe, the awardee will forfeit their award.
Funder Deadline: 15 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship
Summary: The awards support outstanding individual researchers and outstanding communicators who will promote public engagement and understanding of the humanities and social sciences. Applicants will be asked in their proposal to set out specific plans for the dissemination of their research to a broad audience, in addition to publication in the usual academic press and journals. Awards will be judged both on the excellence of the research proposed and on the capacity of the applicant to communicate with a broad audience. Applicants are invited to indicate ways in which their proposed programme will contribute to advances in understanding, including public understanding, in their subject area and to the identification of appropriate strategic priorities in the social sciences and humanities.
Award: These Fellowships are covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime, but the Academy’s contribution to the salary of the Mid-Career Fellow will be capped at an upper limit of £80,000. It is not expected that the total value of an award will exceed £152,000 (BA contribution to FEC). Awards can be held over a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
Funder Deadline: 21 August 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Global Professorships
Summary: The Academy views the Global Professorships as an opportunity for established researchers to undertake high-risk, curiosity-driven research in the humanities and social sciences in a UK research institution. The Global Professorships are awards for individuals in an institutional setting. Applications must be for new, coherent and cutting-edge projects. The Global Professorships are expected to add significant value to the UK host institutions and vice versa, and thus the projects must be significant, leading to novel and innovative collaborations.
With the Global Professorships, the Academy is looking to support academics that are proposing ambitious, beyond the state-of-the-art applications that break new ground. The Academy views the Global Professorships as an opportunity to apply to undertake high-risk, curiosity-driven research in the humanities and social sciences that enables the award-holders and their UK host institutions to achieve a step change in their respective research programmes.
The Academy wishes to encourage applications from historically and/or structurally disadvantaged groups and female researchers.
Internal Selection
The British Academy does not expect more than 4 applications per institution in this round. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.
The first round of the internal selection process for this scheme is coordinated via School offices. The Research Strategy Office coordinates the selection at the University level. Departments/Faculties in CSAH and CSHSS interested in supporting an applicant to this scheme are asked to send the following documents to the School via ahss-srf-administrator@admin.cam.ac.uk by 22nd August 2024:
- Head of Department support letter confirming their support
- Applicant’s CV (up to 4 pages, including publications)
- Proposal details (up to 700 words)
- Reasons for choosing the University of Cambridge as the UK host institution (up to 300 words)
Please contact Dr Anna Cieslik (amc238@cam.ac.uk) if you have any questions.
Award: £900,000 per award. Project duration is four years. The starting date must not be before 26 March 2025 – 30 September 2025.
Deadline: 22 August 2024, Schools Office restricted call.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Talent Development Awards
Summary: The aim of the scheme is to promote the building of skills and capacities for current and future generations, including in core areas like quantitative skills, interdisciplinarity, data science, digital humanities and languages. This scheme promotes the acquisition and advancement of skills in relevant areas by UK-based researchers, supporting innovative research methods, be that through skills development, collaboration or dissemination. The overarching aims of the scheme are to invest in UK talent and skills, and as a result, to contribute to the development and delivery of high quality regional, national and international research by:
- raising the quality of advanced quantitative skills and/or data science skills used in research, including digital methods;
- creating new opportunities for knowledge and skills to exchange across disciplines and sectors; and
- promoting language learning and the transferable skills that language learning provides.
Award: The maximum grant is £10,000. The awards are for a minimum period of 6 months and up to a maximum period of 12 months, starting from no earlier than 1 March 2024 and no later than 31 March 2024.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025
Summary: The purpose of each project will be to develop new international interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences to further our understanding of just transitions. Research may be problem-focused, creatively innovative and exploratory, and should bring together relevant disciplines in both the humanities and social sciences, where appropriate, for maximum impact/effect. The Academy requires all applications to fundamentally involve and integrate both the humanities and the social sciences.
The aim of this call is to support international collaborations between researchers in the UK and elsewhere on internationally focused research projects of an interdisciplinary nature that go beyond the day-to-day matters that this theme might engender, and instead focus on the deeper and more long-term issues of just transitions. The Academy sees this broad scope as essential in bringing together the range of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences which are required for an award under this programme.
The Academy envisages that the awards made through the Programme will:
- By such understandings of Just Transitions bring to bear a deeper, more nuanced, and historically aware thinking to the topic;
- Identify the contributions that could be made to international and national knowledge exchange, practice and policy development in this area and what lessons can be learnt to navigate any future landscape(s);
- Develop ways of communicating and collaborating in cross-disciplinary and multilingual working in partnership with colleagues internationally.
Projects must begin in March/April 2025.
Award: Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300,000 are available and funded at 80% FEC.
Funder Deadline: 18 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and DGAP with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Global Order and Disorder
- Eastern and South-eastern Europe.
- Sustainability, Nature & Climate.
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 25 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Early-Career Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 01 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. This scheme aims to help develop the award holder’s curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.
There is no University-level selection for this call, but Departments and Faculties are encouraged to nominate excellent applicants only, as unsuccessful applicants are not able to reapply.
Applicants: please refer to your host Department/Faculty for their application procedures.
Award: The scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. Currently, the Academy funds 80% of salary costs, directly allocated and indirect costs under FEC. The Fellowship is tenable for three years, starting Autumn 2025 in a UK-based university or higher education institution.
Deadline: 02 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Between £10,000 and £150,000.
Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation Racial Diversity UK Fund
Summary: This programme is funded by an endowment that supports work relating to the Commonwealth. This means our interest is in the future of UK society as shaped by its colonial past; specifically, by the migration of people from former British colonies to the UK, and the accompanying dynamics of racialisation, resources and power which have produced the UK’s distinct racial diversity and its patterns of racial discrimination and inequality. Within this context we take a broad view of racial diversity as covering all racial or ethnic groups living in the UK, including White populations.
What we will fund
The Racial Diversity UK programme aims to be broad in its reach, interested in questions of socio-economic equality, senses of place, belonging and identity, barriers to and opportunities for inclusion, demographic trajectories, and the interrelationship between these themes. Research may also address how the UK compares internationally. Race and ethnicity should be the central focus from which any intersectionality with class, disability, gender, place and other dynamics would be explored.
We expect the research we fund to:
- Contribute to understanding, public debate, policy and/or practice on tackling racial inequalities, discrimination and disadvantage.
- Map pathways towards a UK that is comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity.
Where proposals to Racial Diversity UK overlap with the Foundation’s continuing interests in education, justice or welfare, we encourage applicants to contact us early to discuss which of our funding streams your application fits best with. Broadly, we expect Racial Diversity UK to consider funding research where racial diversity, disparity or discrimination is the primary lens through which social well-being is explored, or where their role in shaping communities or places is foregrounded.
Award: Up to £750,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund
Summary: This scheme supports projects that improve the design and operation of social policy, especially in domains of education, welfare and justice. Preference is given to projects that:
- identify and explain the social and economic determinants of opportunity and risk across the life span, focusing in particular on early childhood adversity, transitions from adolescence to young adulthood, and social and economic well-being in adulthood and later life;
- improve well-being for society as a whole, while ameliorating negative outcomes and informing the foundations of and pathways towards a just and inclusive society;
- support the development of workable evidence-based solutions for policy and practice over the medium term.
Projects normally have a duration between six months to three years.
Award: Up to £750,000, but most awards are worth between £50,000 and £300,000.
Deadline: 14 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Visiting Fellowships
Summary: Visiting Fellowships illustrate the British Academy’s profound and on-going commitment to international engagement. The aim of this programme is to ensure that the UK remains an attractive, welcoming, and productive research environment for academics globally. Through this programme, the Academy aims to:
- Enhance and build new links between scholars from around the globe and in the UK;
- Foster opportunities and encourage the development of new and future partnerships for collaborative research into the humanities and social sciences
- To enable academics from across the globe to undertake research and/or professional development with UK colleagues;
- And strengthen the UK’s research bases in the humanities and the social sciences.
Visiting Fellowship duration is between three and six months.
Award: Maximum funding value is £40,000.
Deadline: 23 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
BA ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening
Summary:The primary intended outcome of this programme is to enhance the capabilities of institutions in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries and UK-based institutions to overcome systemic barriers of working across borders and to embed the resulting best practise within the institutions to support sustained, equitable, international research collaboration. Emphasis is placed on activities that enable sustainable change that continues well beyond the life of the award in institutions, including the development and implementation of policy frameworks or training programmes, for both UK and overseas institutions bearing in mind that these are likely to need to reach beyond research offices. It is understood that needs of partner institutions might differ, and projects should reflect this.
Awards are expected to involve significant time devoted to dialogue and communication between the institutions involved so that links can be built and enhanced, ways of working can be adapted, and best practice can be reached for all those involved in supporting future research projects. The Academy views the involvement of financial, HR and legal functions within institutions as key to the success of any award given the significant challenges that these areas can cause in the running of international research projects. Awards that are only aiming to bring together respective research offices will be considered insufficient and not be supported.
Awards of 18-24 months in duration are available. Projects must begin in March 2025.
Award: Up to £50,000. Funding can be used to support networking, workshop and other event-related costs, as well as travel and related expenses. Staffing costs are eligible up to £7,500 per institution involved, with a maximum of £30,000 that can be utilised for this purpose.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Small Research Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Senior Research Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 26 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 03 December 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call
Summary: The All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly. This call supports interdisciplinary projects, open to PIs and ECRs with PIs as co-applicants.
Proposed projects must support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities, which enable researchers at all levels to engage with the public, private and third sectors, and provides a sustainable support structure within the University to promote wider and more effective engagement with external non-academic organisations.Project can be up to three months in duration.
Award: Up to £15,000 per application.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme
Summary: The AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme promotes strategic partnerships with non-HEI organisations across the arts and humanities at the University of Cambridge. The fund supports partnership building with specific organisations such as (but not limited to) museums, theatres, social enterprises, NGOs, and government departments. Funds are available for a range of activities including teaching replacement costs, costs for incoming fellowships from the partner organisation, postdoctoral or administrative support, travel and subsistence expenses, and workshops. The scheme aims to allow researchers to create new partnerships with external entities more generally, collaboratively shape research agendas, contribute to future research funding applications (including match-funding for studentships in the DTPs), and further facilitate impact generating activities.
Award: Up to £20,000 cover 100% of directly incurred costs.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Novel Applications of AI for Research and Innovation
Summary: In collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for Data Driven Discovery, the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery are offering small grants for Cambridge University researchers pursuing innovative applications of AI in research or real-world contexts.
Funding of up to £25,000 is available to support a variety of activities, including research, events, workshops, teaching, or software development, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Applications are open to PhD students and research staff at the University of Cambridge. Find out more and apply by 18 September.
Award: Up to £25,000
Deadline: 18 September 2024
Contact: accelerate-science@cst.cam.ac.uk
Accelerate Programme AI Clinic
Ongoing
Have you thought about using AI in your research but aren’t sure how to get started? Or are you already using AI and have run into challenges with implementation? Our AI Clinic is here to help.
The Accelerate Programme, based in the Department of Computer Science and Technology runs an AI Clinic to support all staff and students with using AI in their research. No matter your level of experience with AI, we invite you to come and talk to our team who can offer free advice and support. We support projects at all stages - from ideation, grant writing and data gathering, through to software issues and publication. Get in touch via our form or accelerate-mle@cst.cam.ac.uk to connect with a member of our team of experts.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024 Call Information Webinar: Session 1
Recording
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024 Call Information Webinar: Session 2
Recording
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
ERC Advanced Grant Webinar
05 July 2024, 14:00 to 15:30, Online
The British Academy will be holding its next webinar on Friday 5 July, 14:00-15:30 for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Advanced Grants 2024 call, which is opening on 29 May and has a deadline of 29 August 2024.
The webinar will be led by Professor Simon Goldhill FBA and British Academy Fellows who have experience with ERC Grants and panels.
The aim of the webinar is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the proposal and evaluation format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a proposal.
There is an opportunity to have your extended synopsis (B1) proposal draft reviewed by the panel. Please note, that if selected, your B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar (names and personal details will be removed). The webinar will not be recorded.
If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest and send them to Barbora Krasova (b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than 20 June 2024, 12:00 (BST).
If you would like to attend the webinar, without submitting a B1 proposal, please contact Anya Kintsurashvili (a.kintsurashvili@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) by Thursday 4 July 2024, 12:00 (BST) to register.
Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge
Calling all researchers!
Do you work with a great research group, or a great PI? You can nominate them for the 2024 Research Culture Celebration, to be held on 30 September at Kettle’s Yard. Categories include: leadership, concern for professional development, recognition and reward, wellbeing management and support, and inclusive practice. Find out more
Want to tell us more about your own research journey? Your Research, Your Voice asks researchers to respond to a short writing prompt on an aspect of their experience and earn a £5, £10 or £20 voucher to thank them for their time. It is open to postdocs and to PIs. Find out more
These initiatives are part of the project Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC), an international research project led by the University of Cambridge that is testing practical approaches to improving research culture, with the aim of producing guidance and resources that can be used by institutions across the sector. Learn more about the project’s work
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
June 2023
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- New Investigators Grant (21 June 2024, restricted call deadline) ESRC
- Support Knowledge Exchange for European Humanities Research (09 July 2024) AHRC
- Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Research Projects (16 July 2024) UKRI
- UKRI Metascience Research Grants (16 July 2024) UKRI
- AHRC Responsive Mode Pilot: Mission Awards Outline Stage (18 July 2024) AHRC
- AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award, round four (30 July 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: The UK-Brazil global talent exchange funding opportunity pilot (20 August 2024) ESRC
- Design Exchange Partnerships: design the green transition - round 3 (12 September 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five (14 September 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Design Accelerators round three (03 October 2024) AHRC
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (11 September 2024)
- Proof of Concept Grant (17 September 2024)
- ERC Advanced Grant (expected deadline: 29 August 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (expected deadline in November 2024)
Charity Funding
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (25 July 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (30 July 2024)
- British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (21 August 2024)
- British Academy Talent Development Award (11 September 2024)
- British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025 (18 September 2024)
- BA Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024 (25 September 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Early-Career Award (01 October 2024)
- British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (02 October 2024)
- Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorship (03 October 2024)
- British Academy Small Research Grant (06 November 2024)
- British Academy Senior Research Fellowship (13 November 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All-Council Rapid Impact Acceleration Account Call (rolling deadline)
- AHRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme (rolling deadline)
- CHRG (17 June 2024)
- CSaP Policy Innovation Fund (05 July 2024)
Training
- Horizon Europe Cluster 3 "Civil Security for Society" Info-day and Brokerage Event (UKRO) 12-13 June 2024
- Advancing Educational Practice Programme (internal) 24 June 2024, registration deadline
- CSaP Policy Engagement for AHSS Researchers (internal) 27 June 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1 (UKRO) 02 July 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2 (UKRO) 03 July 2024
- ERC Advanced Grant Webinar (British Academy) 05 July 2024
- Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge (internal) 29 September 2024
ESRC New Investigator Grant
(internal selection deadline Midday, Friday 21 Jun 2024)
The ESRC have announced their New Investigator Grant scheme. This scheme is suitable for early career researchers who have yet to make the transition to be an independent researcher. Proposals are welcome in any topic which falls within ESRC’s remit, including projects at the “interface with the wider sciences”, provided that social sciences accounts for at least 50% of the proposed research. The ESRC will award grants of between £100-350K (covered at 80%fEC).
University Internal selection
The ESRC expect the University to run an internal selection process to ensure that we submit only bids from outstanding individuals with the potential to become the research leaders of the future. The University may only submit a limited number of applications. To meet these requirements, this call will be overseen by a cross-school Committee, as decided by University’s Research Policy Committee.
There are three internal calls every year (October, March, and June). Only applicants whose proposals have been approved through the internal selection process will be allowed to proceed with submission of their applications to ESRC.
Interested applicants should submit an online application.
You will be required to upload the following:
- Your research project proposal (template provided)
- A letter of support from your Head of Department
This letter is very important to the success of the application as it is needed to confirm the details of the departmental support and the applicant’s eligibility. The letter must also specify a department/faculty based mentor, and a reviewer, both of whom have agreed to provide feedback on the full proposal, should the applicant be selected to proceed. The reviewer may be from within or outside the applicant’s department/faculty. Please note that naming a reviewer is an internal requirement, and the reviewer will not be named on the full application to ESRC. The mentor and the named reviewer will be expected to provide feedback on the full proposal prior to submission to ESRC. This will be coordinated by the School Research Facilitator.
- An X5 PDF report
The report should show the preliminary costing for the project, including the cost of the applicant’s salary and research assistance (if required). The X5 should not be submitted for ROO approval at this stage; the costing is for indicative purposes only, to inform the internal selection. It will be possible to modify it after the internal selection.
If you have any questions, please write to ESRCNewInv@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Support Knowledge Exchange for European Humanities Research
Summary: The knowledge exchange facilitator’s role is to strengthen the overall cohesion of the HERA Crisis joint research programme and coordinate knowledge exchange efforts and activities at the programme level including organising kick off and closing programme conferences.
As the knowledge exchange facilitator, you are expected to be an internationally well-positioned researcher with relevant expertise and knowledge of the programme themes and supported by a research assistant.
The knowledge exchange facilitator will create added value, increasing the impact of the programme, the projects funded within it and benefit the wider humanities network.
The knowledge exchange facilitator will be expected to regularly report to HERA governance structures about the recent activities and progress of the programme. This includes:
- engaging with project monitoring and impact assessment activities not led by the knowledge exchange facilitator
- attending meetings of the knowledge exchange group and HERA Network Board to discuss this progress
- producing a final report for the HERA Network Board to approve.
Award: Between £400,000 and £500,000 fEC. The fixed duration of the award is three and a half years. The project must start 06 January 2025.
Funder Deadline: 09 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Maximising UK Adaption to Climate Change Research Projects
Summary: UKRI-Defra are co-funding Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme as part of the second phase of the programme to fund world leading strategic research projects to help improve the UK’s resilience to climate change impacts. The aim of the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme is to build capacity, knowledge, and skills that will offer practical and scalable solutions to meet the UK’s challenges in the face of a changing climate and put the UK at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies at both local and national scales.
To date, research has focused on climate hazard, but needs to go further in terms of exposure, vulnerability and adaptive action in policy and practice. Building on the knowledge and legacy of the UK Climate Resilience Programme and other investments in this space, this programme will support research that is policy relevant and co-designed with key stakeholders. Research will help to identify priorities and support the development of policy and practice for adaptation, considering how and when to scale up from the local to national level. It will ultimately produce adaptation solutions for policy consideration that will improve UK resilience to climate impacts whilst benefitting people and the economy.
Applications are invited for high-impact transdisciplinary research to collaborate and facilitate two-way transfer of knowledge between research, policy and other end users to drive transformation of the UK to adapt to climate change, focusing on four themes:
- theme one: societies’ exposure and vulnerability to extreme climate hazards
- theme two: adaptation solutions
- theme three: future resilience and decision making
- theme four: enablers of adaptation
The research projects must be transdisciplinary, integrating all relevant disciplines, and closely involving policymakers and other stakeholders in co-design and co-delivery through a systems approach.
Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC with the following exceptions:
- justified equipment would be funded at 50%
- project co-leads from business, third sector, or government bodies that cannot fund their own participation can be costed for at 100% for eligible costs (for full details, please see ESRC guidance on the inclusion of UK business, third sector or government body project co-leads on applications), but must not exceed 30% of the overall cost of the grant (at 100% FEC)
- up to £200,000 of the £2 million can be used to work with the Met Office and this will be funded at 100% FEC and paid directly to the Met Office from UKRI
Funder Deadline: 16 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI Metascience Research Grants
Summary:This funding opportunity, jointly funded by UKRI and Open Philanthropy, will support innovative and ambitious metascience research projects that use scientific methods to deepen our understanding of how different incentives, institutional structures, and funding practices within the R&D system influence scientific research outputs and career outcomes. This funding opportunity will support empirical research that is focused on generating actionable insights for decision makers, including those in government, funding bodies, and research organisations.
Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £300,000 over a period of six to 24 months. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.
Funder Deadline: 16 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode Pilot: Mission Awards Outline Stage
Summary: Mission is a pilot opportunity within AHRC’s responsive mode. The size of award offered, and the team convening approach required of project teams are novel for AHRC. We are looking for exceptional projects that embrace this new approach to significantly advance their chosen research agenda at a scale impossible without this funding.
We are looking to you to define your chosen research agenda and articulate the difference our funding can make. Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or transdisciplinary.
The approach your project team takes to leadership should be a shared one, with the balance of activity and management across the team and partner organisations allocated however you see fit. Collectively, you should have the skills, experience and knowledge to deliver a large scale project.
For this funding opportunity, applicant teams must demonstrate how they have adopted and will continue to implement the following principles throughout the development and delivery of their proposed research:
- identify individuals with the appropriate expertise to collectively deliver the project
- establish collective leadership, empowering team members to lead in their area of expertise
- design inclusive governance practices and clear decision-making processes
- identify ways to embed development for all, realised through the delivery of the project
- engage in reflexive practice, enabling adaptive ways of working and continuous learning
The maximum duration of this award is four years.
Projects have a fixed start date of 1 May 2025. This date must be recorded on the outline application, and again on the full stage submission, if invited to complete.
Award: Between £2 million and £3 million funded at 80% FEC. Eligible costs related to international co-leads will be paid at 100% FEC.
Funder Deadline: 18 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Curiosity Award, round four
Summary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas.
The funding opportunity is intentionally flexible. An indicative list of examples of the activities we will fund are provided as follows. You are encouraged to request and justify costs for activities that best meet the aims of your project. This may include:
- idea generation
- seed corn funding
- high risk and high potential concepts
- novel research
- networking activity
- partnership building
- knowledge exchange
- public engagement
- international collaboration
- scoping and piloting, for example, early-stage proof of concept for ideas or change of direction
- pivots in research focus at any career stage
- mentoring for members of the research team
NB: this is not a prescriptive or exhaustive list.
Award: Up to £100,000 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 30 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: The UK-Brazil global talent exchange funding opportunity pilot
Summary: The aim of the scheme is to facilitate collaborations with the potential to create new knowledge, understanding, technologies, products and services to enrich and improve lives in the UK, Brazil and around the world. The scheme will support researchers based in UK and Brazil to establish and develop collaborative partnerships around a specific jointly defined research project that could serve as the backbone for high quality applications for future funding.
Proposals must be led by an eligible project lead (PL) in the UK but are expected to be co-created, co-designed and co-delivered through equitable partnerships with researchers based in Brazil, who should be included on the application as project co-lead (international) (PcL(I)), to deliver mutual and tangible benefits. The involvement of a project co-lead (international) based in Brazil is mandatory.
The duration of this award is a minimum three months and maximum six months.
Projects must start on or after 1 November 2024.
Award: Up to £20,000 fEC.
Funder Deadline: 20 August 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Design Exchange Partnerships: Design the Green Transition - round 3
Summary: Design Exchange Partnerships (DEPs) are three-way collaborative projects which seek to demonstrate tangible impact on local communities by stimulating the real-world application of high-quality arts and humanities-led design research to address challenges related to achieving green transition goals. DEPs aim to:
- stimulate strategic partnerships that support career development and the development of hybrid skills
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
- enable the development of new products and services that have a positive impact in the real-world
For this round, we are focusing on the theme of more-than-human to develop solutions to address the UK’s green transition. While design is being used to transform the planet, often to great benefit, the consequences of design are not always positive for the environment.
More-than-human design refers to the idea of designing for impact beyond humans. It promotes the idea that to explore the future we face; we also need to consider the non-human centred world view.
We welcome broad interpretations of the theme of more-than-human, including but not limited to one or more of the following areas:
- technology/AI
- materials
- the natural world
- health and wellbeing
- urban environments
Award: The full economic cost of your project can be up to £62,500 for six months or £125,000 for 12 months, plus 5% – 10% contribution from the non-academic partner organisation. AHRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five
(Call not yet open)
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 14 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: Design Accelerators round three
Summary: Design Accelerators are small scale, reactive projects that are designed to support engagement between design research and innovation projects and diverse private, public and third sector organisations, local communities, and the general public.
Design Accelerators should intend to:
- demonstrate how the design research and innovation at universities throughout the country is vital for their local communities’ successful transition to net zero and a green economy
- speed up the implementation of outputs by developing them with key local stakeholders
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
The duration of these awards is up to nine months.
Projects must start by 1 February 2025.
Award: Between £35,000 and £65,000.
Funder Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Supporting national, regional and local authorities across Europe to prepare for the transition towards climate neutrality within cities
HORIZON-MISS-2024-CIT-02-01
Deadline: 05 September 2024
Bringing together the national level with the engaged regional and local levels (multi-level governance) HORIZON-MISS-2024-CLIMA-01-02
Deadline: 18 September 2024
A European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage – Innovative tools for high-value interactions with visitors and heritage objects
HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01-04
Deadline: 22 January 2025
ERC Advanced Grant
Summary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.
Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 29 August 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
There are 2 types of Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- European Postdoctoral Fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.
- Global Postdoctoral Fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
Both types of fellowships may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world during the fellowship (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship).
In an effort to build bridges between the academic and non-academic sector, researchers can receive additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. This placement needs to take place at the end of their fellowship.
Award: The Fellowship provides support in the form of a living allowance; mobility allowance; family and long-term leave and special needs allowances; research, training and networking activities; management and indirect costs.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Funder Deadline: 17 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: TBA November 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 25 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 30 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship
Summary: The awards support outstanding individual researchers and outstanding communicators who will promote public engagement and understanding of the humanities and social sciences. Applicants will be asked in their proposal to set out specific plans for the dissemination of their research to a broad audience, in addition to publication in the usual academic press and journals. Awards will be judged both on the excellence of the research proposed and on the capacity of the applicant to communicate with a broad audience. Applicants are invited to indicate ways in which their proposed programme will contribute to advances in understanding, including public understanding, in their subject area and to the identification of appropriate strategic priorities in the social sciences and humanities.
Award: These Fellowships are covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime, but the Academy’s contribution to the salary of the Mid-Career Fellow will be capped at an upper limit of £80,000. It is not expected that the total value of an award will exceed £152,000 (BA contribution to FEC). Awards can be held over a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
Funder Deadline: 21 August 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Talent Development Awards
Summary: The aim of the scheme is to promote the building of skills and capacities for current and future generations, including in core areas like quantitative skills, interdisciplinarity, data science, digital humanities and languages. This scheme promotes the acquisition and advancement of skills in relevant areas by UK-based researchers, supporting innovative research methods, be that through skills development, collaboration or dissemination. The overarching aims of the scheme are to invest in UK talent and skills, and as a result, to contribute to the development and delivery of high quality regional, national and international research by:
- raising the quality of advanced quantitative skills and/or data science skills used in research, including digital methods;
- creating new opportunities for knowledge and skills to exchange across disciplines and sectors; and
- promoting language learning and the transferable skills that language learning provides.
Award: The maximum grant is £10,000. The awards are for a minimum period of 6 months and up to a maximum period of 12 months, starting from no earlier than 1 March 2024 and no later than 31 March 2024.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2025
Summary: The purpose of each project will be to develop new international interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences to further our understanding of just transitions. Research may be problem-focused, creatively innovative and exploratory, and should bring together relevant disciplines in both the humanities and social sciences, where appropriate, for maximum impact/effect. The Academy requires all applications to fundamentally involve and integrate both the humanities and the social sciences.
The aim of this call is to support international collaborations between researchers in the UK and elsewhere on internationally focused research projects of an interdisciplinary nature that go beyond the day-to-day matters that this theme might engender, and instead focus on the deeper and more long-term issues of just transitions. The Academy sees this broad scope as essential in bringing together the range of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences which are required for an award under this programme.
The Academy envisages that the awards made through the Programme will:
- By such understandings of Just Transitions bring to bear a deeper, more nuanced, and historically aware thinking to the topic;
- Identify the contributions that could be made to international and national knowledge exchange, practice and policy development in this area and what lessons can be learnt to navigate any future landscape(s);
- Develop ways of communicating and collaborating in cross-disciplinary and multilingual working in partnership with colleagues internationally.
Projects must begin in March/April 2025.
Award: Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300,000 are available and funded at 80% FEC.
Funder Deadline: 18 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Global Innovation Fellowships: The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) 2024
Summary: The objective of the Global Innovation Fellowships is to provide opportunities to UK-based early- and mid-career researchers from across the humanities and social sciences to develop their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors to address challenges that require innovative approaches and solutions. Through the Global Innovation Fellowships, researchers in the SHAPE community will be supported to create new and deeper links beyond academia, so enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as individual skills development.
The aim is to have a mutually beneficial partnership between the fellowship award holder and DGAP with each able to take advantage of fresh perspectives and expand their networks and reach. It will enable the award holder to strengthen and create new links across policy and academia, enabling knowledge mobilisation and translation, and the opportunity to develop new approaches and solutions to policy challenges through providing a different perspective.
Applications are invited in any of the following areas:
- Technology and International Affairs.
- Global Order and Disorder
- Eastern and South-eastern Europe.
- Sustainability, Nature & Climate.
Award: Up to £150,000 for 12 months in duration (with Full Economic Costing at 80%).
Funder Deadline: 25 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Early-Career Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 01 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. This scheme aims to help develop the award holder’s curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.
Award: The scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. Currently, the Academy funds 80% of salary costs, directly allocated and indirect costs under FEC. The Fellowship is tenable for three years, starting Autumn 2025 in a UK-based university or higher education institution.
Deadline: 02 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Visiting Professorships
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Between £10,000 and £150,000.
Deadline: 03 October 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Small Research Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 06 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Senior Research Fellowships
Summary: The BA/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships are intended to enable established scholars, needing relief from teaching and administration, to have the time to bring to completion a significant piece of research, through sustained period of leave for one year.
Award: These awards are not covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. The only costs payable will be the salary of a replacement lecturer, who should normally be at an early career stage and appointed at the usual starting salary for first-time appointments, together with associated employers’ costs of NI and USS (and London Allowance where applicable); and limited research expenses up to a maximum of £5,000.
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call
Summary: The All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly. This call supports interdisciplinary projects, open to PIs and ECRs with PIs as co-applicants.
Proposed projects must support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities, which enable researchers at all levels to engage with the public, private and third sectors, and provides a sustainable support structure within the University to promote wider and more effective engagement with external non-academic organisations.Project can be up to three months in duration.
Award: Up to £15,000 per application.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme
Summary: The AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme promotes strategic partnerships with non-HEI organisations across the arts and humanities at the University of Cambridge. The fund supports partnership building with specific organisations such as (but not limited to) museums, theatres, social enterprises, NGOs, and government departments. Funds are available for a range of activities including teaching replacement costs, costs for incoming fellowships from the partner organisation, postdoctoral or administrative support, travel and subsistence expenses, and workshops. The scheme aims to allow researchers to create new partnerships with external entities more generally, collaboratively shape research agendas, contribute to future research funding applications (including match-funding for studentships in the DTPs), and further facilitate impact generating activities.
Award: Up to £20,000 cover 100% of directly incurred costs.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: varies depending on scheme between £1,500 and £20,000
Deadline: 17 June 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
CSaP Policy Innovation Fund
Summary: CSaP is now inviting applications for our newly launched Policy Innovation Fund (PIF). In collaboration with the University's Research Strategy Office, PIF offers awards up to £10,000 for Cambridge researchers to work collaboratively with policy partners to develop and carry out innovative policy engagement activities.
Academics and researchers from any department or faculty at the University can apply for the PIF. Early Career Researchers (ECR) are also encouraged to apply. Project duration can be up to 9 months.
Please refer carefully to the guidance notes and assessment criteria before applying.
Applicants should submit the completed PIF application form, along with relevant documents via email to pif@csap.cam.ac.uk.
CSaP is happy to provide further consultation and guidance in drafting the proposal. Additionally, researchers who would like to apply for PIF but do not have a Policy Partner can also reach out to CSaP.
Award: Up to £10,000
Deadline: 05 July 2024
Contact: Kavya Neeba (k.neeba@jbs.cam.ac.uk)
Horizon Europe Cluster 3 "Civil Security for Society" Info-day and Brokerage Event
12 June 2024 to 13 June 2024
Online and at Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Av. du Boulevard 17, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
This international information-day event will highlight research topics covered within the 2024 calls for proposals in Cluster 3.
The Horizon Europe “Civil Security for Society” calls for research and innovation funding opportunities to research institutions, universities, industries, SMEs, civil society organizations, and other security stakeholders.
Call 2024 destinations addressed by the event include:
- Fighting Crime and Terrorism
- Border Management
- Resilient Infrastructure
- Increased Cybersecurity
- Disaster-Resilient Society
- Support to Security Research and Innovation
Why participate?
- Present, discuss and develop new project ideas at the international level
- Acquire new cross-border contacts and initiate collaborations
- Facilitate the setup of quality partnerships in view of the open Horizon Europe calls
- Immerse in networking and consortium-building opportunities
How can you benefit from this event?
- Get the latest information about 2024 calls for proposals
- Publish and showcase your project idea in our dedicated flash presentation session
- Discuss your proposal with experienced evaluators and gain valuable feedback in our Project Idea Check
- Initiate and arrange promising pre-scheduled meetings at the event
- Generate fresh leads and meet new contacts in a time and cost-efficient way
Advancing Educational Practice Programme
The deadline for applications is 12pm Monday 24 June.
The Advancing Educational Practice Programme (AEPP) enables you to extend your understanding of teaching and learning and to develop your practice as an educator at Cambridge. You will explore theories of learning, develop a personal philosophy of teaching and learning, and enquire into approaches to curriculum design, feedback and assessment. Full details can be found in the Programme Handbook.
AEPP is accredited by Advance HE at Descriptor 2; successful completion of the programme will confer on you Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
There is no course fee.
AEPP is designed for Cambridge colleagues with substantive teaching and learning support responsibilities. This may include early-career lecturers, College Teaching Officers, early-career researchers with substantial teaching responsibilities, and academic-related or support staff with roles involving substantial teaching or learning support. It may be of particular interest to academics on the Teaching & Scholarship Academic Career Pathway.
The nine-month programme is organised into a series of workshops, each of which is complemented by directed reading alongside formative assignments.
Apply for the 2024-25 programme
CSaP Policy Engagement for AHSS Researchers
27 June 2024. 12:00 - 14:00, Syndics Room at 17 Mill Lane
The Centre for Science and Policy is hosting a workshop on how researchers in the fields of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences can effectively engage with the policymaking process. Through a combination of talks and activities for participants, the workshop will equip participants with an overview of how researchers can impact the policy process and how different government departments and parliamentary committees engage with research, and thereby help academics in their future policy engagement activities, grant applications or career progression.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out the following registration form.
Register Here.
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 1
02 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 2
03 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
ERC Advanced Grant Webinar
05 July 2024, 14:00 to 15:30, Online
The British Academy will be holding its next webinar on Friday 5 July, 14:00-15:30 for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Advanced Grants 2024 call, which is opening on 29 May and has a deadline of 29 August 2024.
The webinar will be led by Professor Simon Goldhill FBA and British Academy Fellows who have experience with ERC Grants and panels.
The aim of the webinar is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the proposal and evaluation format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a proposal.
There is an opportunity to have your extended synopsis (B1) proposal draft reviewed by the panel. Please note, that if selected, your B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar (names and personal details will be removed). The webinar will not be recorded.
If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest and send them to Barbora Krasova (b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than 20 June 2024, 12:00 (BST).
If you would like to attend the webinar, without submitting a B1 proposal, please contact Anya Kintsurashvili (a.kintsurashvili@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) by Thursday 4 July 2024, 12:00 (BST) to register.
Celebrating Research Culture at Cambridge
Calling all researchers!
Do you work with a great research group, or a great PI? You can nominate them for the 2024 Research Culture Celebration, to be held on 30 September at Kettle’s Yard. Categories include: leadership, concern for professional development, recognition and reward, wellbeing management and support, and inclusive practice. Find out more
Want to tell us more about your own research journey? Your Research, Your Voice asks researchers to respond to a short writing prompt on an aspect of their experience and earn a £5, £10 or £20 voucher to thank them for their time. It is open to postdocs and to PIs. Find out more
These initiatives are part of the project Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC), an international research project led by the University of Cambridge that is testing practical approaches to improving research culture, with the aim of producing guidance and resources that can be used by institutions across the sector. Learn more about the project’s work
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
May 2024
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- AHRC Cultural Heritage Research Translated into Climate Change (20 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Community-led Heritage Research and Skills Hub (26 June 2024) AHRC
- UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency: round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement: round four (27 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round four (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC: BRAID Responsible AI Demonstrators (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Support Knowledge Exchange for European Humanities Research (09 July 2024) AHRC
- Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Research Projects (16 July 2024) UKRI
- AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award, round four (30 July 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: Design Exchange Partnerships: design the green transition - round 3 (12 September 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five (14 September 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: UKRI Metascience Research Grants (TBC) UKRI
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (11 September 2024)
- Proof of Concept Grant (17 September 2024)
- ERC Advanced Grant (expected deadline: 29 August 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (expected deadline in November 2024)
Charity Funding
- BA Small Grants (05 June 2024)
- Leverhulme Research Centre, Outline Stage (07 June 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (25 July 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (30 July 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All-Council Rapid Impact Acceleration Account Call (rolling deadline)
- AHRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme (rolling deadline)
- Research Network Funding (03 May 2024)
- CHRG (07 May 2024)
Workshops & Events
- You're a Postdoc. What's Next? (internal) 07 May 2024
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1 (UKRO) 14 May 2024
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2 (UKRO) 15 May 2024
- Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024 (internal) 16 May 2024
- CSaP Policy Engagement for AHSS Researchers (internal) 27 June 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1 (UKRO) 02 July 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2 (UKRO) 03 July 2024
AHRC Cultural Heritage Research Translated into Climate Change Policy
Summary: In the wake of man-made disasters, and the increasing risks posed to cultural heritage by climate change, the need for improved preparedness measures is a key priority for the global heritage community.
This scheme aims to:
- ensure the formation and translation of cultural heritage research into policy and societal benefits, while also encouraging networking opportunities
- as a broader programme, provide a transparent, long-term vision for UK cultural heritage and climate research to support more impactful and long-term interventions
- expand the scope of the programme to explicitly consider the ways in which tangible and intangible cultural heritage can also build resilience and contribute to climate action
- encourage and support research that is co-designed and co-produced with the cultural heritage sector
- encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, including co-production and co-design of research and knowledge with communities
Award: Between £45,000 and £60,000 funded at 80% fEC over six months. Projects must start on 02 September 2024 and be completed by 31 March 2025.
Funder Deadline: 20 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Community-led Heritage Research and Skills Hub
Summary: Apply to lead a community-driven heritage research and skills hub. The hub will convene a consortium of heritage organisations (spokes) across the UK to undertake collections and heritage research driven by local communities. It will build capacity in research and digital skills within its partner organisations and support the development of networks for future research capability.
The hub will support the spoke projects; smaller and regional GLAM/Heritage organisations and specific community and interest groups to undertake collections and heritage research, interpretation and engagement. The hub will:
- manage funding opportunities to select the spoke projects. Please note applications to the hub (if there is a competition for funds) need to be light touch, and well-supported in development by the hub team to limit the demands on spoke partners and community groups
- have oversight of the spoke projects, coordinating activities, providing advice and support, creating a network
- develop and deliver a communications and stakeholder engagement plan to promote the funding opportunities and engage relevant stakeholders within the projects and work of the hub
- build research skills, digital skills and knowledge exchange within smaller GLAM/Heritage organisations and community groups
- develop a monitoring, evaluation and learning plan (in conjunction with AHRC) in order to manage the monitoring and evaluation of the spoke projects and produce an end-of-project evaluation report and other evaluation material
The spokes will comprise a small network of heritage organisations that want to develop, build upon, and champion constructive approaches to inclusive community-driven cultural and heritage themes.
Award: Up to £1,000,000 funded at 80% fEC over three years.
Funder Deadline: 26 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency, round 2
Summary: We're looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Responsive Mode: Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement: round four
Summary: The proposed activities should enhance the value and wider benefit of your original research project, and have a signficant economic, social, cultural or policy impact. The follow-on funding for impact and engagement aims to:
- explore unforeseen pathways to impact either within the lifespan of an AHRC research project or resulting from a completed research project
- enhance the value and benefits of AHRC-funded research beyond academia
- encourage and enable a range of interactions and creative engagements between arts and humanities research and a variety of user communities, including business, third sector and heritage sector, public policy, voluntary and community groups, or the general public
Award: Between £30,000 and £100,000 fEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round four
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2
Summary: You can apply to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Submit a collaborative research proposal in any area of the arts and humanities within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FAPESP.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC: BRAID Responsible AI Demonstrators
Summary: We acknowledge that multiple disciplines are needed to help develop AI responsibly, and therefore single-discipline teams are out of scope for this call. However, in keeping with BRAID and AHRC’s remit, we expect the majority of the core team to be in arts and humanities disciplines (such as Law, Philosophy and Design). Where other disciplines are involved, a detailed plan is required on how the disciplines will come together.
BRAID Demonstrator projects will seek to address real-world challenges facing sectors, businesses, communities and publics in the responsible development and application of AI technologies.
Designed to support human-centred and humane AI innovation, we anticipate this funding opportunity will attract proposals focused on ensuring the design, development, deployment and governance of AI systems to support a positive, inclusive future.
The AI ecosystem is a complex multi-stakeholder environment and, as such, we expect proposals to engage multiple stakeholders in genuine coproduction, with a clear and tractable plan to impact.
You may apply for a BRAID Demonstrator aligned to any one of the BRAID programme’s delivery themes, this should be identified in the application:
- AI for Humane Innovation
- AI for Inspired Innovation
- AI for Equitable Innovation
- AI for Resilient Innovation
Award: Between £900,000 and £1.1 million fEC. The duration of this award is 36 months. Projects must start 01 February 2025.
Funder Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Support Knowledge Exchange for European Humanities Research
Summary: The knowledge exchange facilitator’s role is to strengthen the overall cohesion of the HERA Crisis joint research programme and coordinate knowledge exchange efforts and activities at the programme level including organising kick off and closing programme conferences.
As the knowledge exchange facilitator, you are expected to be an internationally well-positioned researcher with relevant expertise and knowledge of the programme themes and supported by a research assistant.
The knowledge exchange facilitator will create added value, increasing the impact of the programme, the projects funded within it and benefit the wider humanities network.
The knowledge exchange facilitator will be expected to regularly report to HERA governance structures about the recent activities and progress of the programme. This includes:
- engaging with project monitoring and impact assessment activities not led by the knowledge exchange facilitator
- attending meetings of the knowledge exchange group and HERA Network Board to discuss this progress
- producing a final report for the HERA Network Board to approve.
Award: Between £400,000 and £500,000 fEC. The fixed duration of the award is three and a half years. The project must start 06 January 2025.
Funder Deadline: 09 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Maximising UK Adaption to Climate Change Research Projects
Summary: UKRI-Defra are co-funding Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme as part of the second phase of the programme to fund world leading strategic research projects to help improve the UK’s resilience to climate change impacts. The aim of the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme is to build capacity, knowledge, and skills that will offer practical and scalable solutions to meet the UK’s challenges in the face of a changing climate and put the UK at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies at both local and national scales.
To date, research has focused on climate hazard, but needs to go further in terms of exposure, vulnerability and adaptive action in policy and practice. Building on the knowledge and legacy of the UK Climate Resilience Programme and other investments in this space, this programme will support research that is policy relevant and co-designed with key stakeholders. Research will help to identify priorities and support the development of policy and practice for adaptation, considering how and when to scale up from the local to national level. It will ultimately produce adaptation solutions for policy consideration that will improve UK resilience to climate impacts whilst benefitting people and the economy.
Applications are invited for high-impact transdisciplinary research to collaborate and facilitate two-way transfer of knowledge between research, policy and other end users to drive transformation of the UK to adapt to climate change, focusing on four themes:
- theme one: societies’ exposure and vulnerability to extreme climate hazards
- theme two: adaptation solutions
- theme three: future resilience and decision making
- theme four: enablers of adaptation
The research projects must be transdisciplinary, integrating all relevant disciplines, and closely involving policymakers and other stakeholders in co-design and co-delivery through a systems approach.
Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC with the following exceptions:
- justified equipment would be funded at 50%
- project co-leads from business, third sector, or government bodies that cannot fund their own participation can be costed for at 100% for eligible costs (for full details, please see ESRC guidance on the inclusion of UK business, third sector or government body project co-leads on applications), but must not exceed 30% of the overall cost of the grant (at 100% FEC)
- up to £200,000 of the £2 million can be used to work with the Met Office and this will be funded at 100% FEC and paid directly to the Met Office from UKRI
Funder Deadline: 16 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Curiosity Award, round four
Summary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas.
The funding opportunity is intentionally flexible. An indicative list of examples of the activities we will fund are provided as follows. You are encouraged to request and justify costs for activities that best meet the aims of your project. This may include:
- idea generation
- seed corn funding
- high risk and high potential concepts
- novel research
- networking activity
- partnership building
- knowledge exchange
- public engagement
- international collaboration
- scoping and piloting, for example, early-stage proof of concept for ideas or change of direction
- pivots in research focus at any career stage
- mentoring for members of the research team
NB: this is not a prescriptive or exhaustive list.
Award: Up to £100,000 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 30 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: Design Exchange Partnerships: Design the Green Transition - round 3
Summary: Design Exchange Partnerships (DEPs) are three-way collaborative projects which seek to demonstrate tangible impact on local communities by stimulating the real-world application of high-quality arts and humanities-led design research to address challenges related to achieving green transition goals. DEPs aim to:
- stimulate strategic partnerships that support career development and the development of hybrid skills
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
- enable the development of new products and services that have a positive impact in the real-world
For this round, we are focusing on the theme of more-than-human to develop solutions to address the UK’s green transition. While design is being used to transform the planet, often to great benefit, the consequences of design are not always positive for the environment.
More-than-human design refers to the idea of designing for impact beyond humans. It promotes the idea that to explore the future we face; we also need to consider the non-human centred world view.
We welcome broad interpretations of the theme of more-than-human, including but not limited to one or more of the following areas:
- technology/AI
- materials
- the natural world
- health and wellbeing
- urban environments
Award: The full economic cost of your project can be up to £62,500 for six months or £125,000 for 12 months, plus 5% – 10% contribution from the non-academic partner organisation. AHRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost.
Funder Deadline: 12 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five
(Call not yet open)
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Funder Deadline: 14 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: UKRI Metascience Research Grants
(Call not yet open)
Summary:The Metascience Grants Programme will support projects using scientific methods to deepen our understanding of how different structures, incentives, and funding practices within the research and development (R&D) system shape scientific research outputs and career outcomes. Projects must have potential to inform science policy, R&D funding practices, or practice within research-performing organisations.
Award: TBC
Funder Deadline: TBC
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Policies and governance shaping the future transport and mobility systems
HORIZON-CL5-2024-D6-01-09
Deadline: 05 September 2024
Demonstration of solutions specifically suited to rural areas and small/ medium size population local communities
HORIZON-MISS-2024-CLIMA-01-07
Deadline: 18 September 2024
Co-creating solutions for soil health in Living Labs
HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-01
Deadline: 08 October 2024
ERC Advanced Grant
Summary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.
Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: 29 August 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
Summary: The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
There are 2 types of Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- European Postdoctoral Fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.
- Global Postdoctoral Fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
Both types of fellowships may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world during the fellowship (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship).
In an effort to build bridges between the academic and non-academic sector, researchers can receive additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. This placement needs to take place at the end of their fellowship.
Award: The Fellowship provides support in the form of a living allowance; mobility allowance; family and long-term leave and special needs allowances; research, training and networking activities; management and indirect costs.
Funder Deadline: 11 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Funder Deadline: 17 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Funder Deadline: TBA November 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy Small Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Funder Deadline: 05 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Research Centres
Summary: For UK universities to set up a Leverhulme Research Centre for outstanding original research aspiring to achieve a step-change in scholarship
The Trust aims to encourage new approaches that may establish or reshape a field of study and so transform our understanding of a significant contemporary topic.
Given the Trust’s commitment to multiple existing research centres at Cambridge, the Trust is excluding Cambridge as a lead institution in the upcoming round of competition. *Cambridge may still partner in applications led by other universities.
Award: Up to £10,000,000 for 10 years.
Funder Deadline: 07 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Funder Deadline: 25 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Funder Deadline: 30 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call
Summary: The All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly. This call supports interdisciplinary projects, open to PIs and ECRs with PIs as co-applicants.
Proposed projects must support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities, which enable researchers at all levels to engage with the public, private and third sectors, and provides a sustainable support structure within the University to promote wider and more effective engagement with external non-academic organisations.Project can be up to three months in duration.
Award: Up to £15,000 per application.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme
Summary: The AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme promotes strategic partnerships with non-HEI organisations across the arts and humanities at the University of Cambridge. The fund supports partnership building with specific organisations such as (but not limited to) museums, theatres, social enterprises, NGOs, and government departments. Funds are available for a range of activities including teaching replacement costs, costs for incoming fellowships from the partner organisation, postdoctoral or administrative support, travel and subsistence expenses, and workshops. The scheme aims to allow researchers to create new partnerships with external entities more generally, collaboratively shape research agendas, contribute to future research funding applications (including match-funding for studentships in the DTPs), and further facilitate impact generating activities.
Award: Up to £20,000 cover 100% of directly incurred costs.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Research Network Funding
Summary: The Research Networks programme offers funding of up to £1,500 per academic year, plus an in-kind contribution in the form of administrative assistance, a platform for virtual and hybrid sessions, and help with running in-person or online events. The programme is open to Cambridge University’s academic staff (UTOs/CTOs), postdocs and postgraduate students, working together with a common interdisciplinary research interest.
Networks generally run throughout the academic year (October to June), with a minimum length of one term. Experimental forms of engagement are encouraged and we are keen to support new ideas for a wide range of activities and to encourage new collaborative initiatives that reach across disciplinary boundaries, including those between the sciences and the humanities.
The convenors of Research Networks must come from more than one Cambridge University faculty or department and they must have an interdisciplinary question at their core. Some Networks go on to form the basis of collaborative publications or grant applications.
Award: Up to £1,500
Deadline: 03 May 2024
Contact: networks@crassh.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: varies depending on scheme between £1,500 and £20,000
Deadline: 07 May 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
You're a Postdoc. What's Next?
07 May 2024, 9:00 to 16:00, West Hub
You’re a Postdoc. What’s next?
Want to have an impact beyond publishing? Curious about career options outside of academia? Interested in a legit ‘side-hustle’ as you further your research? Then this event is for you!
Come and explore the benefits and value of taking your research into real-world applications. Hear from former and current postdocs who have furthered their impact through company creation, consultancy, public engagement and policy, licensing IP or industry collaboration. Also hear practical advice from experts on how to boost employability and develop your skills.
The aim is that you leave with a much deeper understanding of all the options available to you and are inspired to take that next step in your career.
Join us on Tuesday 07 May from 09:00 to 16:00 at the West Hub. Register for the event here.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1
14 May 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, ZOOM
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call (deadline on 11 September 2024).
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
The agenda for each webinar is to be confirmed shortly, however we strongly advise participants register for and attend both sessions.
The webinar is free to attend but registration is required.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2
15 May 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, ZOOM
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call (deadline on 11 September 2024).
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
The agenda for each webinar is to be confirmed shortly, however we strongly advise participants register for and attend both sessions.
The webinar is free to attend but registration is required.
Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024
16 May 2024, 10:00 to 18:00, Storey’s Field Centre
We have opened early registration for Creative Cambridge 2024. This year we'll return to Storey's Field Centre on 16th May for a day conference dedicated to Cambridge's cultural and creative industries. The conference attracts around a hundred academics, students, artists and creatives, creative industry and heritage professionals, creative industry start-ups, investors, policy makers, third sector arts orgs and more. As well as the chaired panel discussions, we are open and have space for displays, table-top demos, and informal stand-up pitches.
Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024 Tickets, Thu 16 May 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Please can you help us to get the right people in the room again this year?
- Can you forward this invite to anyone in your networks in any discipline who is interested in promoting collaboration in the cultural and creative industries, or looking to expand their own networks.
- If you would like to display any aspects of your own work (recently funded collabs, new academic or KE funding opportunities etc) to the Creative Cambridge participants, just let Emma Salgard Cunha know at <Emma.SalgardCunha@enterprise.cam.ac.uk>.
- And of course, please join us for the day!
CSaP Policy Engagement for AHSS Researchers
27 June 2024. 12:00 - 14:00, Syndics Room at 17 Mill Lane
The Centre for Science and Policy is hosting a workshop on how researchers in the fields of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences can effectively engage with the policymaking process. Through a combination of talks and activities for participants, the workshop will equip participants with an overview of how researchers can impact the policy process and how different government departments and parliamentary committees engage with research, and thereby help academics in their future policy engagement activities, grant applications or career progression.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out the following registration form.
Register Here.
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 1
02 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 2
03 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
April 2023
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- Apply for Research into Care Sector Labour Force Shortages (14 May 2024) ESRC
- UKRI-Southeast Asia Collaboration on Infectious Disease (30 May 2024) UKRI
- AHRC Community-led Heritage Research and Skills Hub (26 June 2024) AHRC
- UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency: round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement: round four (27 June 2024) AHRC
- AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round four (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: BRAID Responsible AI Demonstrators (27 June 2024) AHRC)
- Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Research Projects (16 July 2024) UKRI
- Pre-announcement: Design Exchange Partnerships: design the green transition - round 3 (12 September 2024) AHRC
- Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five (14 September 2024) AHRC
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- Proof of Concept Grant (17 September 2024)
- ERC Advanced Grant (expected deadline: 29 August 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (expected deadline in November 2024)
Charity Funding
- Leverhulme Visiting Professorship (02 May 2024)
- Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (10 May 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (21 May 2024)
- BA Small Grants (05 June 2024)
- Leverhulme Research Centre, Outline Stage (07 June 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (25 July 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (30 July 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All-Council Rapid Impact Acceleration Account Call (rolling deadline)
- AHRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme (rolling deadline)
- RD Enhanced Funding (08 April 2024)
- KEN Pump Priming Fund Scheme (14 April 2024)
- AI / ML Applications for Climate and Nature (26 April 2024)
- Research Network Funding (03 May 2024)
- CHRG (07 May 2024)
Training / Other
- AI Cafe for Humanities and Social Sciences (internal) 25 April 2024
- You're a Postdoc. What's Next? (internal) 07 May 2024
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1 (UKRO) 14 May 2024
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2 (UKRO) 15 May 2024
- Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024 (internal) 16 May 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1 (UKRO) 02 July 2024
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2 (UKRO) 03 July 2024
Apply for Research into Care Sector Labour Force Shortages
Summary: This call aims to address how new forms of technological development and digitisation have the potential to be transformative and mitigate labour shortages, while also considering that solutions often start from a perspective of technology rather than from the user. We are especially interested in comparison between countries and in learning from different innovative strategies and solutions to attract and retain staff.
To address these issues we want to fund research on three interrelated aspects of the labour force shortages in the LTC sector within the framework of demographic change, ageing and care of older people. These are: ‘Working situation’, ‘Role of AI’ and ‘Cross-national differences and similarities within different welfare systems‘. Proposals must address all three research topics, paying particular attention to cross-cutting issues of gender, ethnicity and social inclusion.
Proposals should include the perspective of care givers as well as those receiving care and we encourage involvement of industry and/or third sector project partners where appropriate. Overall, we are interested in research that goes beyond only the mapping of issues described and instead proposes practical solutions informing policymakers, the care sector and/or other related organisations.
Award: Up to £900,000 funded at 80% fEC for UK-based consortia. The coordinated funding scheme in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands fund its own national researchers. Please see the Guidelines for Applicants for further details. Project duration is a maximum of 36 months.
Deadline: 14 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
UKRI-Southeast Asia Collaboration on Infectious Diseases
Summary: To effectively tackle global infectious disease threats and challenges, including AMR and epidemic preparedness, a One Health approach is required to achieve sustainable change. Such approaches use integrated, interdisciplinary methodologies, recognising the interconnection between humans, animals (including wildlife, livestock, aquatic organism and companion animals), and environmental (including natural and built environment and climate change) factors, with the goal of improving outcomes for human health. This funding opportunity will consider applications focused on pathogens of relevance to the Southeast Asia region and with potential impact on human health, which may include viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic threats, as appropriate to the two strategic themes.
This funding opportunity is aligned with the UKRI tackling infections strategic theme, for which infectious disease epidemics and AMR are priorities.
In this context, we will support research projects that fit within two strategic themes: "Antimicrobial Resistance" and "Epidemic Preparedness: Emerging and Zoonotic Infections"
Award: Up to £1,000,000 funded at 80% fEC. Project duration is a maximum of 36 months. Projects must start by 01 April 2025.
Deadline: 30 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Community-led Heritage Research and Skills Hub
Summary: Apply to lead a community-driven heritage research and skills hub. The hub will convene a consortium of heritage organisations (spokes) across the UK to undertake collections and heritage research driven by local communities. It will build capacity in research and digital skills within its partner organisations and support the development of networks for future research capability.
The hub will support the spoke projects; smaller and regional GLAM/Heritage organisations and specific community and interest groups to undertake collections and heritage research, interpretation and engagement. The hub will:
- manage funding opportunities to select the spoke projects. Please note applications to the hub (if there is a competition for funds) need to be light touch, and well-supported in development by the hub team to limit the demands on spoke partners and community groups
- have oversight of the spoke projects, coordinating activities, providing advice and support, creating a network
- develop and deliver a communications and stakeholder engagement plan to promote the funding opportunities and engage relevant stakeholders within the projects and work of the hub
- build research skills, digital skills and knowledge exchange within smaller GLAM/Heritage organisations and community groups
- develop a monitoring, evaluation and learning plan (in conjunction with AHRC) in order to manage the monitoring and evaluation of the spoke projects and produce an end-of-project evaluation report and other evaluation material
The spokes will comprise a small network of heritage organisations that want to develop, build upon, and champion constructive approaches to inclusive community-driven cultural and heritage themes.
Award: Up to £1,000,000 funded at 80% fEC over three years.
Deadline: 26 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency, round 2
Summary: We're looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
AHRC Responsive Mode: Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement: round four
Summary: The proposed activities should enhance the value and wider benefit of your original research project, and have a signficant economic, social, cultural or policy impact. The follow-on funding for impact and engagement aims to:
- explore unforeseen pathways to impact either within the lifespan of an AHRC research project or resulting from a completed research project
- enhance the value and benefits of AHRC-funded research beyond academia
- encourage and enable a range of interactions and creative engagements between arts and humanities research and a variety of user communities, including business, third sector and heritage sector, public policy, voluntary and community groups, or the general public
Award: Between £30,000 and £100,000 fEC funded at 80%. Project duration is up to 12 months.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round four
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2
Summary: You can apply to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Submit a collaborative research proposal in any area of the arts and humanities within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FAPESP.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Pre-announcement: BRAID Responsible AI Demonstrators
Summary: We acknowledge that multiple disciplines are needed to help develop AI responsibly, and therefore single-discipline teams are out of scope for this call. However, in keeping with BRAID and AHRC’s remit, we expect the majority of the core team to be in arts and humanities disciplines (such as Law, Philosophy and Design). Where other disciplines are involved, a detailed plan is required on how the disciplines will come together.
BRAID Demonstrator projects will seek to address real-world challenges facing sectors, businesses, communities and publics in the responsible development and application of AI technologies.
Designed to support human-centred and humane AI innovation, we anticipate this funding opportunity will attract proposals focused on ensuring the design, development, deployment and governance of AI systems to support a positive, inclusive future.
The AI ecosystem is a complex multi-stakeholder environment and, as such, we expect proposals to engage multiple stakeholders in genuine coproduction, with a clear and tractable plan to impact.
You may apply for a BRAID Demonstrator aligned to any one of the BRAID programme’s delivery themes, this should be identified in the application:
- AI for Humane Innovation
- AI for Inspired Innovation
- AI for Equitable Innovation
- AI for Resilient Innovation
Award: Between £900,000 and £1.1 million fEC. The duration of this award is 36 months. Projects must start 01 February 2025.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Maximising UK Adaption to Climate Change Research Projects
Summary: UKRI-Defra are co-funding Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme as part of the second phase of the programme to fund world leading strategic research projects to help improve the UK’s resilience to climate change impacts. The aim of the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change programme is to build capacity, knowledge, and skills that will offer practical and scalable solutions to meet the UK’s challenges in the face of a changing climate and put the UK at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies at both local and national scales.
To date, research has focused on climate hazard, but needs to go further in terms of exposure, vulnerability and adaptive action in policy and practice. Building on the knowledge and legacy of the UK Climate Resilience Programme and other investments in this space, this programme will support research that is policy relevant and co-designed with key stakeholders. Research will help to identify priorities and support the development of policy and practice for adaptation, considering how and when to scale up from the local to national level. It will ultimately produce adaptation solutions for policy consideration that will improve UK resilience to climate impacts whilst benefitting people and the economy.
Applications are invited for high-impact transdisciplinary research to collaborate and facilitate two-way transfer of knowledge between research, policy and other end users to drive transformation of the UK to adapt to climate change, focusing on four themes:
- theme one: societies’ exposure and vulnerability to extreme climate hazards
- theme two: adaptation solutions
- theme three: future resilience and decision making
- theme four: enablers of adaptation
The research projects must be transdisciplinary, integrating all relevant disciplines, and closely involving policymakers and other stakeholders in co-design and co-delivery through a systems approach.
Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC with the following exceptions:
- justified equipment would be funded at 50%
- project co-leads from business, third sector, or government bodies that cannot fund their own participation can be costed for at 100% for eligible costs (for full details, please see ESRC guidance on the inclusion of UK business, third sector or government body project co-leads on applications), but must not exceed 30% of the overall cost of the grant (at 100% FEC)
- up to £200,000 of the £2 million can be used to work with the Met Office and this will be funded at 100% FEC and paid directly to the Met Office from UKRI
Deadline: 16 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: Design Exchange Partnerships: Design the Green Transition - round 3
Summary: Design Exchange Partnerships (DEPs) are three-way collaborative projects which seek to demonstrate tangible impact on local communities by stimulating the real-world application of high-quality arts and humanities-led design research to address challenges related to achieving green transition goals. DEPs aim to:
- stimulate strategic partnerships that support career development and the development of hybrid skills
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
- enable the development of new products and services that have a positive impact in the real-world
For this round, we are focusing on the theme of more-than-human to develop solutions to address the UK’s green transition. While design is being used to transform the planet, often to great benefit, the consequences of design are not always positive for the environment.
More-than-human design refers to the idea of designing for impact beyond humans. It promotes the idea that to explore the future we face; we also need to consider the non-human centred world view.
We welcome broad interpretations of the theme of more-than-human, including but not limited to one or more of the following areas:
- technology/AI
- materials
- the natural world
- health and wellbeing
- urban environments
Award: The full economic cost of your project can be up to £62,500 for six months or £125,000 for 12 months, plus 5% – 10% contribution from the non-academic partner organisation. AHRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost.
Deadline: 12 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Pre-announcement: AHRC Responsive Mode: Standard Research Grant - round five
(Call not yet open)
Summary: We’re looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1,500,00 fEC funded at 80% for projects up to five years in duration.
Deadline: 14 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Radicalisation and gender
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-04
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Combating hate speech online and offline
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-05
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Tracing of cryptocurrencies transactions related to criminal purposes
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-08
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Deadline: 17 September 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Advanced Grant
Summary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.
Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 29 August 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: TBA November 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Leverhulme Visiting Professorship
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Applications are invited for a minimum of £10,000 and a maximum of £150,000.
Deadline: 02 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship
Summary: For well-established, distinguished researchers in the humanities and social sciences to complete a piece of original research
Fellowships are particularly aimed at those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research.
Award: Replacement salary costs for duration of fellowship.
Deadline: 10 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Early Career Award
Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.
Award: £400,000
Deadline: 21 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Small Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Deadline: 05 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Research Centres
Summary: For UK universities to set up a Leverhulme Research Centre for outstanding original research aspiring to achieve a step-change in scholarship
The Trust aims to encourage new approaches that may establish or reshape a field of study and so transform our understanding of a significant contemporary topic.
Given the Trust’s commitment to multiple existing research centres at Cambridge, the Trust is excluding Cambridge as a lead institution in the upcoming round of competition. *Cambridge may still partner in applications led by other universities.
Award: Up to £10,000,000 for 10 years.
Deadline: 07 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Deadline: 25 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Deadline: 30 July 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call
Summary: The All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly. This call supports interdisciplinary projects, open to PIs and ECRs with PIs as co-applicants.
Proposed projects must support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities, which enable researchers at all levels to engage with the public, private and third sectors, and provides a sustainable support structure within the University to promote wider and more effective engagement with external non-academic organisations.Project can be up to three months in duration.
Award: Up to £15,000 per application.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme
Summary: The AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme promotes strategic partnerships with non-HEI organisations across the arts and humanities at the University of Cambridge. The fund supports partnership building with specific organisations such as (but not limited to) museums, theatres, social enterprises, NGOs, and government departments. Funds are available for a range of activities including teaching replacement costs, costs for incoming fellowships from the partner organisation, postdoctoral or administrative support, travel and subsistence expenses, and workshops. The scheme aims to allow researchers to create new partnerships with external entities more generally, collaboratively shape research agendas, contribute to future research funding applications (including match-funding for studentships in the DTPs), and further facilitate impact generating activities.
Award: Up to £20,000 cover 100% of directly incurred costs.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
RD Enhanced Funding
Summary: The applications for this term’s RD Enhanced Funding are now open. This fund is intended to enable Schools, Faculties and Departments to deliver Researcher Development events and programmes for their PhD students and postdocs.
The application round for this Term is now open and can be found here: Enhanced Funding Application. Applications will be accepted until midnight on Monday 8 April.
You can read more about the RD Enhanced Funding scheme, guidance, and application process on our website.
Please note:
- A copy of the application questions can be viewed on our website
- The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on the 8 April
- Successful applicants will have 12 months to spend awarded funds.
- Individual researchers are not eligible to apply for Enhanced Funding
- A short evaluation will be requested from all successful applicants (more information and evaluation form you can find on the website).
Award: varies
Deadline: 08 April 2024
Contact: researcher.development@admin.cam.ac.uk
KEN Pump Priming Fund Scheme
Summary: The KEN Pump Priming Fund Scheme is now open for applications, and KEN colleagues are invited to apply for up to £20k of ‘pump priming’ funding for challenge-led activities, to support collaborative research between the University and industry. Please find the application guidance attached. Please see below for some brief information.
Application process
Applications should be submitted by KEN colleagues as the lead applicant(s) via the Qualtrics application form at:
https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_423ZPKeMZOff5Wd
Important dates
The closing date for applications is Sunday 14th April 2024. The review panel will review all applications and shortlist projects that could potentially be funded. KEN colleagues submitting shortlisted projects will be invited to a review meeting to introduce their projects briefly, followed by a Q&A session. The review meeting will be held around the end of April.
Evaluation criteria
Please find the evaluation criteria (on slide 6) in the PDF call for application. For clarification, match-funding is desirable but not essential for the application. Match funding does not necessarily need to be cash, in-kind is also acceptable. The contribution does not need to be from industry, departmental matched-funding is also accepted.
Deadline: 14 April 2024
Contact: pumpprimingfund@admin.cam.ac.uk
AI / ML Applications for Climate and Nature
Summary: Cambridge Zero is inviting your submissions of ideas for research projects within the broad space of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Applications for Climate and Nature
We are working in collaboration with partners across the University including AI@Cam, ICCS, CCI, and Conservation Evidence, and have already secured some initial seed funding through AI@Cam for a project in this space: https://ai.cam.ac.uk/projects/ai-for-climate-and-nature
The ambition is to develop a much larger programme of research on this topic and attract funding on the order of > £10M, with support from CUDAR to develop a philanthropic pitch.
If you have an idea (either well-developed proposals or tentative concepts) for a research project you would like to develop within this field, please send us a title and 100-word description, plus the names and Departments of the researchers involved.
Please send your ideas by Friday 26th April to nik.petek-sargeant@admin.cam.ac.uk.
We will organise an in-person Town Hall meeting on Thursday 16th May, 13.00-15.00 to facilitate the brainstorming of ideas. Please RSVP when submitting your idea.
Deadline: 26 April 2024
Contact: Nik Petek-Sargeant at nik.petek-sargeant@admin.cam.ac.uk
Research Network Funding
Summary: The Research Networks programme offers funding of up to £1,500 per academic year, plus an in-kind contribution in the form of administrative assistance, a platform for virtual and hybrid sessions, and help with running in-person or online events. The programme is open to Cambridge University’s academic staff (UTOs/CTOs), postdocs and postgraduate students, working together with a common interdisciplinary research interest.
Networks generally run throughout the academic year (October to June), with a minimum length of one term. Experimental forms of engagement are encouraged and we are keen to support new ideas for a wide range of activities and to encourage new collaborative initiatives that reach across disciplinary boundaries, including those between the sciences and the humanities.
The convenors of Research Networks must come from more than one Cambridge University faculty or department and they must have an interdisciplinary question at their core. Some Networks go on to form the basis of collaborative publications or grant applications.
Award: Up to £1,500
Deadline: 03 May 2024
Contact: networks@crassh.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: varies depending on scheme between £1,500 and £20,000
Deadline: 07 May 2024
Contact: GrantsAHSS@admin.cam.ac.uk
AI Cafe for Humanities and Social Science Research
25 April 2024, 12:00 to 14:30, Alison Richard Building
Are you using AI methods in your research, or considering doing so? Would you like to meet other researchers exploring the challenges and possibilities of deploying AI to answer humanities or social science research questions? Do you need practical advice and guidance on proposal writing, software, hardware, data collection methods, data security, privacy and compliance, selection and deployment of machine models and packages?
If the answer to any of these is yes and you’re a member of the University of Cambridge, please come along to the AI Cafe organised by Accelerate and CDH Learning Programme on 25 April.
There is a growing community of researchers in the arts, humanities and social sciences at Cambridge who are using AI. Join us to find out more about some of the research projects currently using AI to answer research questions and to discuss your ideas with our team.
The session will start with a series of short presentations on projects using AI methods to answer research questions in the humanities and social sciences. Following the presentations, there will be the opportunity to meet other researchers and to discuss your questions about AI with our teams.
Format
Introduction and project showcase: 12pm – 1pm
Introducing Accelerate (Ryan Daniels / Catherine Breslin)
AI Researcher project lightning talks plus Q and A
AI Cafe: 1pm – 2.30pm
Join our experts for more informal discussion at cafe-style tables. We’ll also have tea and coffee available in the foyer. Researchers are welcome to join this as a drop-in and there is no requirement to attend the introduction from 12-1pm beforehand.
You're a Postdoc. What's Next?
07 May 2024, 9:00 to 16:00, West Hub
You’re a Postdoc. What’s next?
Want to have an impact beyond publishing? Curious about career options outside of academia? Interested in a legit ‘side-hustle’ as you further your research? Then this event is for you!
Come and explore the benefits and value of taking your research into real-world applications. Hear from former and current postdocs who have furthered their impact through company creation, consultancy, public engagement and policy, licensing IP or industry collaboration. Also hear practical advice from experts on how to boost employability and develop your skills.
The aim is that you leave with a much deeper understanding of all the options available to you and are inspired to take that next step in your career.
Join us on Tuesday 07 May from 09:00 to 16:00 at the West Hub. Register for the event here.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 1
14 May 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, ZOOM
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call (deadline on 11 September 2024).
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
The agenda for each webinar is to be confirmed shortly, however we strongly advise participants register for and attend both sessions.
The webinar is free to attend but registration is required.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 Call Information Webinar, Session 2
15 May 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, ZOOM
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call (deadline on 11 September 2024).
The webinars are aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industries and SMEs, who are interested in the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Call as a host organisation or potential supervisor. It is also intended for researchers from the UK, across Europe and beyond who intend to apply with a UK host institution.
The agenda for each webinar is to be confirmed shortly, however we strongly advise participants register for and attend both sessions.
The webinar is free to attend but registration is required.
Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024
16 May 2024, 10:00 to 18:00, Storey’s Field Centre
We have opened early registration for Creative Cambridge 2024. This year we'll return to Storey's Field Centre on 16th May for a day conference dedicated to Cambridge's cultural and creative industries. The conference attracts around a hundred academics, students, artists and creatives, creative industry and heritage professionals, creative industry start-ups, investors, policy makers, third sector arts orgs and more. As well as the chaired panel discussions, we are open and have space for displays, table-top demos, and informal stand-up pitches.
Creative Cambridge Annual Conference 2024 Tickets, Thu 16 May 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Please can you help us to get the right people in the room again this year?
- Can you forward this invite to anyone in your networks in any discipline who is interested in promoting collaboration in the cultural and creative industries, or looking to expand their own networks.
- If you would like to display any aspects of your own work (recently funded collabs, new academic or KE funding opportunities etc) to the Creative Cambridge participants, just let Emma Salgard Cunha know at <Emma.SalgardCunha@enterprise.cam.ac.uk>.
- And of course, please join us for the day!
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 1
02 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
MSCA Doctoral Networks Call Information Webinar, Session 2
03 July 2024, 10:00 to 12:00, Online
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
The MSCA Doctoral Networks Call
The Doctoral Networks scheme provides funding to a consortium of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors to develop a doctoral programme in a research and innovation area. The consortium is free to identify the area in which the research and training programme is needed and can include partners from all over the world.
Doctoral Networks sets out to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates, by equipping the researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies. The Doctoral Network ultimately aims to enhance the recruited researchers’ long-term career perspectives, both within and outside academia.
Aim of the event
The webinars will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview over the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call. They will cover all the information needed to submit a successful application to this call, including the MSCA eligibility criteria, available budget, and submission and evaluation rules, as well as practical guidance on writing a proposal.
The call will close on 27 November 2024.
AHSS Research and Impact Facilitation Bulletin
April 2023
If you want to discuss funding opportunities or you are working on an application for research funding and would like feedback on a draft, please do contact the School’s Research Facilitators – Anna Cieslik (UK Funding) and Elizabeth Penner (EU/International Funding). For Impact related queries please contact Lucy Sheerman (Impact Facilitator).
You can find more information on the AHSS Research Website, search our External Funding Deadline Calendar and look at Previous Bulletins. We are also now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on funding calls and information sessions.
UK Research Council Funding
- ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship (21 March 2024, internal deadline) ESRC
- The UKRI Ayrton challenge programme, outline (09 April 2024) UKRI
- Arts and humanities-led research commercialisation (10 April 2024) AHRC
- Transforming data collections infrastructure for social science (16 April 2024) ESRC
- UK - Germany Bilateral:Collaborative R&D Round 3 (16 April 2024, restricted call deadline) URKI
- ACCESS Flexible Fund Round 2 (26 April 2024) ESRC
- AHRC Innovation Scholars secondments in design: second round (30 April 2024) AHRC
- Catalyst Award (30 April 2024) AHRC
- Curiosity Award (30 April 2024) AHRC
- Amazon +10 initiative: research expeditions to the Amazon (30 April 2024) NERC and AHRC
- ADR UK research fellowships 2024 (30 April 2024) ESRC
- UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency: round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
- Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2 (27 June 2024) AHRC
EU Funding
- Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
- Horizon Europe Main Work Programme (various dates)
- Proof of Concept Grant (expected deadlines: 17 September 2024)
- ERC Advanced Grant (expected deadline: 29 August 2024)
- ERC Starting Grant (expected deadline in November 2024)
Charity Funding
- BA Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation Led by of Actively Involving Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (10 April 2024)
- BA Women in Climate Action (10 April 2024)
- BA Social Determinants of Health (10 April 2024)
- BA Societal Challenges and Approaches to Responsible Technologies (10 April 2024)
- BA Power and Voice in Climate Action (10 April 2024)
- BA Pandemic Preparedness (10 April 2024)
- BA Environmental Resilience and Climate Action (10 April 2024)
- BA Culture, Heritage and Climate Action (10 April 2024)
- BA Antimicrobial Resistance (10 April 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (11 April 2024)
- Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards (16 April 2024)
- British Council International Collaboration Grant (30 April 2024)
- Leverhulme Visiting Professorship (02 May 2024)
- Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (10 May 2024)
- BA Small Grants (05 June 2024)
- Leverhulme Research Centre, Outline Stage (07 June 2024)
Internal Funding
- Large Grant Contribution Fund (rolling deadline; minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline)
- REF Impact Fund (rolling deadline)
- All-Council Rapid Impact Acceleration Account Call (rolling deadline)
- AHRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme (rolling deadline)
- CHRG (25 March 2024)
- Returning Carers Scheme (04 April 2024)
- RD Enhanced Funding (08 April 2024)
Training
- Research and Innovation Week (registration currently open; 18-21 March 2024 event dates)
- Towards a National Collection: Designing and Co-designing Experiences for Digital Collections (06 March 2024)
- Ideas Incubator Final Event (08 March 2024)
- Towards a National Collection: Language & Access. Machine Learning for Digital Collections (13 March 2024)
- Towards a National Collection Discovery Project Webinar: Heritage Data Practices & Decentralisation (19 March 2024)
- Ideas to reality - Spring 2024 Programme (26 March 2024 to 13 June 2024)
ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship
Summary: The scheme is aimed at providing a career development opportunity for those in the immediately postdoctoral stage of their career, to provide the opportunity to consolidate their PhD through developing publications, their networks, and their research and professional skills.
For the majority this is likely to be a research career in academia; however, those with a clearly articulated programme of activities to support their transition to a research career outside of academia (eg a researcher in public, private, or civil society organisations) will also be considered.
The grants provide funding for up to one year full-time, or up to two years part-time to give fellows time to prepare for a successful career in research either within or beyond academia.
Fellowships must start of 1 October 2024.
Award: Fellow's salary and up to £10,000 for all other costs (to include costs such as mentoring costs, travel and subsistence, conference attendance, training, and fieldwork, for example).
Deadline: 21 March 2024 (Cambridge internal deadline); 16 May 2024 (funder deadline)
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
The UKRI Ayrton challenge programme, outline
Summary: Work funded will span the Ayrton Fund themes: Low Carbon Supplies, Super-Efficient Demand, and Smart Delivery. The programme will target the Ayrton thematic challenges including:
- next generation solar
- zero-emissions generators
- sustainable cooling for all
- modern cooking
- energy efficiency
- industrial decarbonisation
- clean transport
- smart energy systems
- energy storage
- clean hydrogen
- critical minerals
- inclusive energy and leave no-one behind
The Ayrton challenge programme will fund interdisciplinary research projects helping to drive forward the clean energy transition in developing countries, by developing both innovative technologies and the knowledge needed to enable delivery of long-term sustainable change.
Projects will contribute to meeting the United Nations(UN) Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), or 13 (Climate Action) and lead to climate change mitigation in developing countries.
Award: Between £2 million and £4 million.
Deadline: 09 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Arts and humanities-led research commercialisation
Summary: This funding opportunity seeks to encourage innovative applications for enhancing inclusive engagement with research funded by UKRI through the application of arts and humanities-led methodologies in a commercial context. We are looking to build a portfolio of research commercialisation activities involving a wide variety of collaborations across a diverse range of stakeholders and partners including public, private and third sector organisations, the general public, and community groups. The outcomes and impacts of this funding opportunity will influence the development of future AHRC commercialisation programmes.
Award: £50,000
Deadline: 10 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Transforming data collections infrastructure for the social sciences
Summary: This funding opportunity aims to support innovative and ambitious initiatives with the potential to transform foundational social science data infrastructure, through the development of data collections generated specifically for research purposes. For more detail, see the ‘Scope’ section.
Applications are invited in any disciplinary areas of social and economic science (please also see the remit requirement for ESRC funding) under one or both of the following themes:
- theme A: Initial scoping for a larger project to establish transformational data collection infrastructure, broadly defined
- theme B: Facilitating development of innovative data collection methods that offer an alternative to mainstream survey approaches
Funding is available for up to 12 months. Projects can start from 1 June 2024 but must be completed by 30 June 2025.
Award: Between £50,000 and £350,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 16 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UK-Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 3
Summary: Innovate UK has announced the UK – Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 3 call. In partnership with The German Federal Ministry For Economic Affairs And Climate Action (BMWK), Innovate is investing up to £4 million in innovation projects.
The aim of this competition is to enhance UK and German collaborations and capabilities in emerging fields of technology in our society. These fields of emerging technologies include but are not limited to: quantum, AI, semiconductor applications, engineering biology, future telecommunications, green technologies. There must be a clear route to market within 2 to 3 years of project completion. The UK side of the bid must be led by a UK registered business and the bid must involve at least one German registered small to medium sized enterprise (SME). UK partners' grant funding request must not exceed £500,000 in total. For more on the categories of research and development which Innovate UK fund, see here.
For more information about the scheme, please visit the call page.
University Internal selection:
Institutions can collaborate on a maximum of 3 applications. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.
To take part in the internal selection, please complete our online form by 16th April (NB: if asked to log-in, please use your crsid/Raven details; note that a Form cannot be saved and returned to).
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
- a project summary that demonstrates what makes your project innovative, its impact, and how it fits the scope of the scheme
- head of department support letter confirming the department is happy to host the grant
- list of UK and German partners, including the lead UK business and German lead SME.
Internal Assessment Criteria:
Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
- Criterion 1: Fit to scope: how well does the project fit the scope of the competition?
- Criterion 2: Innovation: what is the technological challenge? What approach will be taken? And where will the focus of innovation be?
- Criterion 3: Impact: What impact might this project have outside the project team, economically and socially?
Funder deadline: 3rd June, 2024.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk
Award: Up to £500,000.
Deadline: 16 April 2024 (restricted call deadline); 3 June 2024 (funder deadline)
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
ACCESS Flexible Fund Round 2
Summary: We are looking to make three awards to projects that contribute to the ACCESS project's main goal to enhance the visibility, use and impact of climate and environmental social science. Projects will be expected to deliver at least TWO of the following outcomes:
- New ideas or frameworks
- New methods of translating evidence or insights (e.g. communication tools)
- New networks
- Development of new skills of capacities
- Increased use of social science amongst specific target groups, for example people in diverse sectors (business/industry, civil society, public sector, journalists and media actors) or non-social scientist disciplinary experts (e.g. natural scientists, engineering and physical scientists).
Applications to Round 2 must have an early career researcher on the project team, either playing a Principal Investigator (Project Lead) or Co-Investigator role.
Award: Between £200,000 and £240,000 funded at 100% fEC for projects up to 2 years in duration.
Deadline: 26 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Innovation Scholars secondments in design: second round
Summary: Apply for funding to develop your skills and exchange knowledge through the UKRI Innovation Scholars programme. This secondment opportunity is focused on design. For this AHRC opportunity, the aim is to enhance the skills and careers of individuals in design research and innovation. This will be achieved through funding individual secondments focused on research and innovation, with networking events for the secondees.
You must have a desire to proactively engage with design and the motivation to work within it. Interdisciplinary secondment proposals as well as practice-based ones will be welcomed.
Your secondment is expected to:
- boost your skills, knowledge, networking opportunities and therefore career development
- intensify knowledge exchange and create porosity between different sectors, resulting in innovative outputs
- bring benefits to your host organisation
- add value to the design sector and the UK economy
Projects can last between six months and 36 months and can be full or part-time, or hybrid (a combination of part-time and full-time).
Award: Up to £200,000 funded at 100% for eligible salary, travel and subsistence costs.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Catalyst Awards
Summary: Catalyst awards support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, unlocking their potential and building leadership and convenor experience through the delivery of ambitious or complex projects.
The scheme takes a people-centred approach with funding available to support the development of researchers and their research ideas. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers.
Development is at the core of this scheme; projects must clearly articulate how the funding will contribute to the development of all those involved through the way that the project has been designed and will be managed, with appropriate support structures in place.
Award: Between £100,000 and £300,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
AHRC Curiosity Award
Summary: Curiosity awards support early-stage ambitious and novel fundamental research which has the potential to act as a springboard towards new and exciting research agendas.
The funding opportunity celebrates the full diversity of the arts and humanities. It is flexible, and applications are welcomed from teams, networks, and solo researchers.
Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary. The majority of the disciplinary focus of the project must fall within our subject remit; see section seven of the AHRC research funding guide for our remit coverage. Practice-based and practice-led research is supported by this funding opportunity.
Award: Up to £100,000 funded at 80% fEC.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Amazon +10 Initiative: research expeditions to the Amazon
Summary: The funding opportunity aims to support research and technological development in Legal Amazonia, focusing on a deeper understanding of nature-society interactions for sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
We welcome multidisciplinary applications that span the remits of NERC and AHRC though it is not a requirement for funding. Details of the topics we cover can be found on the NERC and AHRC websites.
We invite applications that address the following funding opportunity objectives:
- support the organisation of scientific expeditions aimed at expanding our knowledge about biodiversity or socio-cultural diversity in the Amazon
- build institutional research partnerships between organisations in the Amazon and outside the region, and connect researchers with different affiliations
- foster the strengthening of local research infrastructure and training of professionals in taxonomy, systematics, museology and ethnobiology, under the coordination of teams based in the Amazon
- encourage scientific research in remote and understudied parts of the Amazon
- encourage scientific research that proposes ways to surmount the challenges of studying less well-known and less studied taxonomic groups
- encourage co-creation of applications with traditional knowledge holders from local indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and riparian communities
- promote activities involving education, popularisation and scientific diffusion to different kinds of audience in all sectors of society, and involving specialists, groups and institutions engaged in formal and non-formal education (for example schools, extension units, museums, science centres, zoos, botanic gardens, aquariums, conservation unit visitor centres and non-governmental organisations)
Award: Up to £1 million for the UKRI component of collaborative projects with Brazilian partners. We will fund 80% of the full economic cost for UK organisation costs. We encourage applications of different sizes. The duration of this award is up to three years. Projects must start by 1 November 2024.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ADR UK research fellowships
Summary: ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) invites applications for Research Fellowships to conduct research and analysis demonstrating the policy impact potential of ADR England flagship datasets. These datasets are held within the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Secure Research Service or other ADR UK trusted research environments
We are looking for fellowship proposals that meet the following four objectives:
- useful research: proposals that will act as ‘pathfinders’ for conducting research and deriving insights from the dataset, and which showcase the potential for policy impact and public benefit
- useful data: proposals that will develop the data as a useful research resource for future users
- useful engagement: proposals that will foster opportunities between academia, government, the voluntary and community sector, and the public to allow fresh thinking to flourish and maintain public acceptance of the use of data for research purposes
- community building: proposals that will greatly boost the applicant’s development as a research leader in their field and include activities promoting the development of a wider community around a particular dataset or theme
Award: Up to £200,000 funded at 80% fEC. Fellowship can last up to 18 months in duration and must begin by 15 October 2024.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency, round 2
Summary: We're looking for individual researchers with proposals for well-defined collaborative research projects. However, you may include elements of individual research if you can show how this will add value.
Collaborations can involve:
- a single institution or a combination of institutions
- researchers working in different research areas
- disciplines within the arts and humanities, or between an arts and humanities discipline and another subject area. In such collaborations the arts and humanities element of the project should lead in shaping the research questions, methods and so on
- researchers working in other sectors
- researchers based abroad
The proposed collaboration should be appropriate for the specific needs of the research project.
We expect the project lead and any project co-leads to devote an average of at least four hours per week to the project.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg, round 2
Summary: This funding opportunity funds work with researchers in Luxembourg. Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR).
You can submit collaborative research proposals in any area of arts and humanities within the remit of both Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FNR.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Working with Brazilian Researchers, round 2
Summary: You can apply to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Collaborative work is governed by an agreement between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Submit a collaborative research proposal in any area of the arts and humanities within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and FAPESP.
Award: Between £300,000 and £1.5 million fEC for the UK hosted element of the project. AHRC will fund 80% fEC. The maximum duration of this award is five years.
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Horizon Europe Update: UK Eligibility Update
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years)
Successful UK applicants to calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023 (and previous years) will be funded under the UKRI Guarantee Funding. This Guarantee Funding has recently been extended to cover successful applications made by UK-based businesses and researchers to calls under the Horizon Europe 2021, 2022 or 2023 work programmes.
Horizon Europe 2024 Work Programme Calls
Successful UK applicants will be funded by the EU, under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Updates on Association: Please visit the Research Operation Office’s EU pages.
Horizon Europe Main Work Programme
This PDF offers further details on calls relevant to SAHSS. This list is not exhaustive so please refer the Horizon Europe Portal for full details. UKRO also have some very useful Factsheets that outline the thematic clusters that make up the three pillars of research support offered.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Highlighted notices:
Radicalisation and gender
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-04
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Combating hate speech online and offline
HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-05
Deadline: 20 November 2024
Digital solutions to foster participative design, planning and management of buildings, neighbourhoods and urban districts (Built4People Partnership)
HORIZON-CL5-2024-D4-02-05
Deadline: 21 January 2025
Proof of Concept Grant
Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects. Proof of Concept Grants are therefore on offer only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.
Award: up to € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
Deadline: 17 September 2024 (tentative deadline)
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Advanced Grant
Summary: The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.
Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: 29 August 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
ERC Starting Grant
Summary: ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country. Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply.
Award: € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years (pro-rata for project of shorter duration). An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities.
Deadline: TBA November 2024, tentative deadline
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
British Academy ODA Challenge-Oriented Research Grants 2024
Summary: The British Academy is inviting proposals on specific global challenges from researchers based in the UK, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries.
The aim of this call is to support ODA-eligible international research collaborations between humanities and social sciences researchers in the UK and researchers in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries on the following themes:
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Culture, Heritage and Climate Action
- Environmental Resilience and Climate Action
- Pandemic Preparedness
- Power and Voice in Climate Action
- Societal Challenges and Approaches to Responsible Technologies
- Social Determinants of Health
- Women and Climate Action
The Academy wishes to support diverse policy-relevant thinking related to these challenges. The Academy does not have any pre-determined ideas regarding the exact type of project, outputs, and dissemination of the research other than that it must be policy-relevant.
Applications must demonstrate a dedicated focus on Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries.
Award: Up to £200,000 for 18 months in duration with Full Economic Costing (FEC) at 80%.
Deadline: 10 April 2024
Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.
Deadline: 11 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards
Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Award: Limit not specified. It is expected that the PI requests an amount that is appropriate to the project.
Deadline: 16 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Council International Collaboration Grant
Summary: Our International Collaboration Grants encourage new bilateral and multilateral partnerships, providing funding to enable organisations to make and develop creative artwork with their international peers, and help individual artists find innovative ways of collaborating.
Applications must demonstrate genuine international collaboration and deliver explicit benefit to participating UK artists and organisations and their international partners. Projects can address any theme and we ask applicants to share their approach to diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability in the delivery of their project.
Each project should include at least one UK-based organisation and one organisation based in the countries listed below as part of the partnership.
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Mainland China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Montenegro, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
Award: Between £25,000 and £75,000.
Deadline: 30 April 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner
Leverhulme Visiting Professorship
Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.
Award: Applications are invited for a minimum of £10,000 and a maximum of £150,000.
Deadline: 02 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship
Summary: For well-established, distinguished researchers in the humanities and social sciences to complete a piece of original research
Fellowships are particularly aimed at those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research.
Award: Replacement salary costs for duration of fellowship.
Deadline: 10 May 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
British Academy Small Grants
Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research.
Award: Up to £10,000 for projects between 1 and 24 months in duration.
Deadline: 05 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Leverhulme Trust Research Centres
Summary: For UK universities to set up a Leverhulme Research Centre for outstanding original research aspiring to achieve a step-change in scholarship
The Trust aims to encourage new approaches that may establish or reshape a field of study and so transform our understanding of a significant contemporary topic.
Given the Trust’s commitment to multiple existing research centres at Cambridge, the Trust is excluding Cambridge as a lead institution in the upcoming round of competition. *Cambridge may still partner in applications led by other universities.
Award: Up to £10,000,000 for 10 years.
Deadline: 07 June 2024
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik
Large Grant Contribution Fund
Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.
Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.
Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk
REF Impact Funding
Summary: Internal funding is available from the Research Strategy Office to support the development of the University’s REF impact submission. It is expected that successful applications will fund impact activities that may feed into potential impact case studies only where no other monies are available. Applications will be reviewed by the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
Submissions may include (but are not restricted to):
- Support for gathering feedback from public engagement activities
- Economic health monitoring
- Surveying/engaging with research users to evaluate impact
- Independent evaluation of impacts
- Resource to collate citations in policy documents
Award: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Please contact your relevant member of the Impact and Knowledge Exchange Team.
All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call
Summary: The All-Council Rapid Response Impact Acceleration Account Call is now open to support a wide range of impact activities when researchers are confronted by time-sensitive opportunities or need to test new ideas quickly. This call supports interdisciplinary projects, open to PIs and ECRs with PIs as co-applicants.
Proposed projects must support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities, which enable researchers at all levels to engage with the public, private and third sectors, and provides a sustainable support structure within the University to promote wider and more effective engagement with external non-academic organisations.Project can be up to three months in duration.
Award: Up to £15,000 per application.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme
Summary: The AHRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship Scheme promotes strategic partnerships with non-HEI organisations across the arts and humanities at the University of Cambridge. The fund supports partnership building with specific organisations such as (but not limited to) museums, theatres, social enterprises, NGOs, and government departments. Funds are available for a range of activities including teaching replacement costs, costs for incoming fellowships from the partner organisation, postdoctoral or administrative support, travel and subsistence expenses, and workshops. The scheme aims to allow researchers to create new partnerships with external entities more generally, collaboratively shape research agendas, contribute to future research funding applications (including match-funding for studentships in the DTPs), and further facilitate impact generating activities.
Award: Up to £20,000 cover 100% of directly incurred costs.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman
Cambridge Humanities Research Grants
Summary: The Cambridge Humanities Research Grants scheme (CHRG) supports research in the arts, humanities and social sciences across the University. The scheme welcomes applications from any independent researcher holding a current contract of employment at the point of application.
The Scheme is designed to enable researchers to conduct small-scale research activities, of the highest quality, that will enable them to bid successfully for larger-scale funding from external sponsors, and/or to generate publications, and/or to contribute materially in other ways towards the research objectives of their home institution.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, for the next available gathered field, with outcomes known approximately six weeks later.
Award: varies depending on scheme between £1,500 and £20,000
Deadline: 25 March 2024
Contact: AHSS Research Strategy at: AHSSresearchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk
Returning Carers' Scheme
Summary: The latest round of the University’s Returning Carers’ Scheme is now open for applications until 4 April 2024. The fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to support employees who have taken a career break or a period of leave for caring responsibilities. Full details, including the eligibility criteria, examples of what the grant can be used for and how to apply can be found on the HR website.
Award: Up to £10,000
Deadline: 04 April 2024
Contact: returningcarers@admin.cam.ac.uk
RD Enhanced Funding
Summary: The applications for this term’s RD Enhanced Funding are now open. This fund is intended to enable Schools, Faculties and Departments to deliver Researcher Development events and programmes for their PhD students and postdocs.
The application round for this Term is now open and can be found here: Enhanced Funding Application. Applications will be accepted until midnight on Monday 8 April.
You can read more about the RD Enhanced Funding scheme, guidance, and application process on our website.
Please note:
- A copy of the application questions can be viewed on our website
- The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on the 8 April
- Successful applicants will have 12 months to spend awarded funds.
- Individual researchers are not eligible to apply for Enhanced Funding
- A short evaluation will be requested from all successful applicants (more information and evaluation form you can find on the website).
Award: varies
Deadline: 08 April 2024
Contact: researcher.development@admin.cam.ac.uk
Registrations for European Research and Innovation Week 2024
registration open
event dates: 18 to 21 March 2024, Brussels
Registrations are now open for the EC’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event which will take place between 18th – 21st March 2024 in Belgium. This event brings together policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs for debates, workshops and networking opportunities. For further details including the programme and registration, please go to the European Commission website.
Towards a National Collection: Designing and Co-Designing Experiences for Digital Collections
06 March 2024, 2:00-3:30pm
Online
This Towards a National Collection (TaNC) webinar provides a platform for researchers from our Unpath’d Waters and Our Heritage, Our Stories Discovery Projects to share unique insights into co-designing virtual reality environments, transcribing co-design, working with community generated digital content (CGDC) and more.
- Jonathan Combey, Royal Museums Greenwich: To err is human: Transcription accuracy in co-design
- Ashleigh Hawkins, The National Archives: The UK General Data Protection Regulation and the re-use of community generated digital content (CGDC): Capturing the people of today in the cultural heritage data of tomorrow
- Scott Carballo, Glasgow School of Art: Unpath’d Waters: The co-design of the Unpath Navigator
Ideas Incubator Final Event
08 March 2024, 15:45 - 18:30
Hauser Forum, 3 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0GT
To conclude our second edition of the CRoSS Ideas Incubator, we invite you to “Pitch In!” as part of a welcoming and constructive audience for our outstanding teams.
Our Ideas Incubator programme focuses on research-based social innovations from the University of Cambridge. It has been invigorating to support 13 exciting teams from across the social sciences as they ramp up their ambitions, design and refine their plans, develop entrepreneurial skills and make meaningful connections to the Cambridge ecosystem.
Will you join us to give these teams a boost as they enter Cambridge’s wider innovation community?
We are asking our audience to join us in the spirit of “Pitching In” – whether through your feedback, introductions, support, mentoring, funding or encouragement. Help us to transform these ideas into high-impact products, services and ventures.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about this event, please contact ahss@enterprise.cam.ac.uk.
Register
Towards a National Collection: Language & Access. Machine Learning for Digital Collections
13 March 2024, 2:00 - 3:30pm
Online
This Towards a National Collection (TaNC) webinar will explore how machine learning technologies may enhance discoverability of digital collection content and contribute to a better understanding of biased language, bringing together researchers from two of our Discovery Projects, Our Heritage, Our Stories and Transforming Collections.
- Tehmina Goskar, Decolonising Arts Institute, UAL: Learning the biased languages of benevolence, equity and the machine
- Youcef Benkhedda, University of Manchester: Unlocking community-generated digital content: enhancing discoverability with advanced NLP and knowledge graphs
The webinar will begin with Tehmina Goskar, discussing her collaboration with the Creative Computing Institute to experiment with machine learning to better understand biased languages of benevolence and equity in organisational texts of public art collections, and how this might inform long-standing and systemic concerns about bias and discrimination. Youcef Benkhedda will talk about cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) techniques and how they may be used to enhance the discoverability of community-generated digital content (CGDC) in digital collections. There will then be an open Q&A session.
Towards a National Collection Project Webinar: Heritage Data Practices & Decentralisation
19 March 2024, 2:00 - 3:30pm
Online
This Towards a National Collection (TaNC) webinar will focus on navigating responsible data practices and decentralization in digital cultural heritage, bringing together researchers from two of our Discovery Projects, The Congruence Engine and The Sloane Lab.
- Foteini Valeonti, University College London: Decentralising Digital Humanities
- Anna-Maria Sichani, University of London: From collections-as-data to responsible data: data-driven approaches and ethics in digital cultural heritage
The webinar will begin with Foteini Valeonti, discussing a synthesis of web3-related technologies for digital humanities infrastructures, exploring opportunities of decentralisation and open access data storage, as well as associated risks and challenges. Anna-Maria Sichani will talk about data-related infrastructure requirements in cultural heritage institutions, exploring data-specific issues, from legacy and inconsistent datasets’ descriptions, resistance to standardisation to hidden bias and positionality in various data-related processes.
Ideas to reality - Spring 2024 Programme
26 March – 13 June 2024
If you are an academic, researcher or PhD student based within the University of Cambridge, and would like to learn more about how to commercialise the outcome of your research or how to use your existing skills and resources to make an impact, this is the place to start!
The programme focuses on the different routes to commercialisation open to you, including using your expertise as a consultant, collaborating with external companies, and creating a new company or social enterprise.