{"id":34925,"date":"2023-01-13T10:34:48","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T10:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/?page_id=34925"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:13:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:13:47","slug":"early-career-research-support-grants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/early-career-research-funding\/early-career-research-support-grants\/","title":{"rendered":"Early Career Research Support Grants"},"content":{"rendered":"<img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-34989 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1204\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54.png 1204w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-1024x313.png 1024w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-768x235.png 768w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-946x289.png 946w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-200x61.png 200w, https:\/\/files.royalhistsoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/13163127\/Screenshot-2023-01-13-at-16.29.54-624x191.png 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1204px) 100vw, 1204px\" \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Early Career Research Support Grants<\/strong> provide funds to early career historians (historians who are within 5 years of submitting their corrected PhD in a historical subject) to undertake research. Applicants must also be members of the Royal Historical Society. If you wish to join the Society, please <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/membership\/\">see here for details<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/guide-for-members\/\">benefits of RHS membership<\/a>. Applications are welcome at any time.<\/p>\n<p>Supported activities include visiting archives or historic sites, and conducting interviews. Please note that this grant cannot be used to support attendance at, or the organisation of, conferences.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">Key Dates and Application Timeline<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In 2026, <strong>grants of either \u00a3500 or \u00a31000 per grant<\/strong> (based on the research activity to be undertaken) will be awarded by the Society. The closing dates for applications in 2026 are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Friday 5 June 2026 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistorical.smapply.io\/prog\/early_career_research_support_grant_-_applications_portal\/\">now open<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Friday 4 December 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Calls for this programme are made twice a year. The opening of the next call usually takes place about two months after the close of the previous application round.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Applications for the next round of Early Career Research Support Grants should be submitted via the <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistorical.smapply.io\/prog\/early_career_research_support_grant_-_applications_portal\/\">Society\u2019s application platform.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Applicants should ensure they read the full guidance below for this scheme before beginning their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will receive confirmation of submission by email.<\/p>\n<p>All applications for this and other Research Support grant scheme are reviewed by the RHS Research Support Committee, formed of members of the Society&#8217;s Council. Review of applications will not take place until the deadline for submission has passed. An average timeline for review, ratification and notification of the outcome of an application is around six weeks after the deadline. Please note that all applications, successful or otherwise, will be directly notified of their outcome.<\/p>\n<p>All enquiries about the Early Career Research Support Grant Scheme should be sent to the Society&#8217;s Membership and Grants Team at <a href=\"mailto:membership@royalhistsoc.org\">membership@royalhistsoc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">How to Apply<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Project Proposal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This should include a clear outline of your research activity (up to 500 words), including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The aims of the project.<\/li>\n<li>The significance of the research.<\/li>\n<li>Why the proposed activity (e.g. archive visit, interviews etc) is essential.<\/li>\n<li>Expected outcomes or progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Funding Request<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This should include a detailed summary of the costs for which you are applying, showing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A breakdown of anticipated expenses.<\/li>\n<li>Justification for each cost.<\/li>\n<li>Confirmation that all items fall within the schemes eligible cost categories. For further information on eligible research support costs, please refer to the <strong>Eligible Research Support Costs<\/strong> section below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. CV<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As part of the application process, we require applicants to upload a short CV in PDF format (normally 1-2 pages).<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Academic Reference<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An academic reference is required for this scheme and applicants must arrange for a referee to submit a supporting statement through the portal. Please note that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Applications will only be considered complete once the reference has been received. You will not be able to submit your application until your reference has been uploaded to your application.<\/li>\n<li>Please allow sufficient time for your referee to provide this before the deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">Eligibility Criteria<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>To be eligible for an Early Career Research Support Grant, applicants must meet <strong>all<\/strong> of the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Membership:<\/strong> Early Career Research Support Grants are reserved for those who are current members of the Royal Historical Society, with the subscription fee for the current membership year fully paid at the time of application. To join the Society, <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/membership\/\">please see here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Applicant Status<\/strong>: Applicants must be within five years of submitting their corrected doctoral thesis in a historical subject. For the purposes of this scheme, this is defined as within five years of PhD completion, excluding periods of parental leave, illness or caring responsibilities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The scheme is not open<\/strong> <strong>to: <\/strong>postgraduate research students or applicants who are more than five years beyond submission of their doctoral thesis in a historical subject.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research Focus:<\/strong> The proposed research must be historical in nature and have a clearly defined chronological remit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage of Research:\u00a0<\/strong>Proposals should demonstrate sufficient preparation and capacity to carry out the proposed research.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Previous Funding<\/strong>: Applicants who have previously been awarded an &#8216;Early Career Research Support Grant&#8217; are not be eligible for further funding under the same scheme.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timing of Research:<\/strong> Retrospective applications for research that has already been undertaken are <strong>not eligible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants must ensure that all proposed costs fall within the scheme&#8217;s eligible expenses and that any necessary ethical approvals, practical arrangements or access permissions are in place for the proposed research activity. For further details on eligible research support costs, please refer to the <strong>Eligible Research Support Costs<\/strong> section below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">Assessment Criteria (What We Look For)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When reviewing applications, we consider:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Clarity and Focus<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A clear explanation of the project and the purpose of the research trip\/activity.<\/li>\n<li>Well defined research questions and (if relevant) emerging findings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Scholarly Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Evidence of the historical or disciplinary importance of the project.<\/li>\n<li>A convincing case for why the proposed activity (archive visit, interviews, conference etc) is essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. Feasibility and Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A realistic plan for the research activity, with appropriate preparation.<\/li>\n<li>A clear, reasonable budget that follows eligible cost guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>4. Value of the Funding<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How the requested support will directly advance or enrich the project.<\/li>\n<li>Expected outputs or benefits (e.g. chapter progress, article development, conference presentation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>5. Applicant Circumstances<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Consideration will be given to financial need and access to other sources of support. This information may be used to prioritise applications for funding; however, access to other sources of funding alone will not invalidate an application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">Eligible Research Support Costs<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>1.Travel\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Standard Class transport<\/li>\n<li>Mileage at reasonable or institutional rates<\/li>\n<li>Local transport during the research trip<\/li>\n<li>Travel insurance where required or recommended for the trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Accommodation &amp; Subsistence<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Necessary overnight accommodation<\/li>\n<li>Meals and daily incidental expenses (within standard, reasonable rates)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. Access &amp; Reproduction Fees<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Archive\/library access fees or reader cards<\/li>\n<li>Entry fees for historic sites<\/li>\n<li>Photocopying, scanning, digital reproduction charges<\/li>\n<li>Photography permits (where applicable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>4. Interview Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Travel to conduct interviews<\/li>\n<li>Room hire<\/li>\n<li>Recording equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>5. Post-Visit Collation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Data collection or preparation services<\/li>\n<li>Short-term software licenses needed for analysis (e.g. transcription or qualitative analysis tools)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>6. Accessibility-Related Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Support required to enable researchers with disabilities to carry out fieldwork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Costs Not Covered<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Paying someone else to conduct research on the applicant\u2019s behalf<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(e.g., hiring a research assistant, commissioning someone to visit an archive, or outsourcing research tasks)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Equipment purchases<\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(e.g., laptops, cameras, phones, long-term recording devices)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conference fees or travel<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0not\u00a0directly related\u00a0to the funded research activity<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salary, stipends, or payments for the applicant\u2019s own time<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Long-term software subscriptions<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Regular living expenses<\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(rent, utilities, everyday food not linked to travel)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Personal or leisure costs<\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(tourism, souvenirs, personal items)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Retrospective claims<\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for expenses made before the grant was awarded<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Unreasonable or premium travel\/accommodation costs<\/span><\/strong><span lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>where cheaper alternatives are available<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span dir=\"ltr\">All enquiries about Research Funding should be sent to the Society\u2019s Membership and Grants Team at: <a href=\"mailto:membership@royalhistsoc.org\">membership@royalhistsoc.org<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366\">Early Career Research Support Grant recipients in 2026<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Basudhita Basu \u2013 awarded January 2026<\/li>\n<li>Gabriel Lawson \u2013 awarded January 2026<\/li>\n<li>Larissa Johanna Kraft \u2013 awarded January 2026<\/li>\n<li>Waliu Ismaila \u2013 awarded January 2026<\/li>\n<li>Nilakshi Das &#8211; awarded January 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>HEADER IMAGE: Henry Heide Confectionary Co.- Seven Buildings Occupied by the Business, after 1882, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, public domain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Early Career Research Support Grants provide funds to early career historians (historians who are within 5 years of submitting their corrected PhD in a historical subject) to undertake research. Applicants must also be members of the Royal Historical Society. If you wish to join the Society, please see here for details and the benefits <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/early-career-research-funding\/early-career-research-support-grants\/\">&#8230;Continue reading &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20210,"featured_media":0,"parent":34912,"menu_order":55,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-34925","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20210"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34925"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51015,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34925\/revisions\/51015"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34912"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}