{"id":51502,"date":"2026-03-08T19:24:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T19:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/?page_id=51502"},"modified":"2026-05-11T13:32:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T12:32:48","slug":"international-research-support-grants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/international-research-support-grants\/","title":{"rendered":"International Research Support Grants"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The<strong> International Research Support Grant <\/strong>is a new research funding programme launched by the Society from March 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Grants are available to historians \u2014 who are current International Fellows or International Associate Fellows \u2014 to undertake research in archives, or similar, in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland*. For the purposes of this programme, international members of the Society are those with a residential address in countries other than the UK and Ireland.<\/p>\n<p>*If you are not a current member of the Royal Historical Society and wish to join, <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/membership\/\">please see here<\/a> for the options of Fellowship and Membership.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Applications for the first round of grants have now closed (Friday 8 May 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Further details of future calls for this programme will be made available via the Society in due course.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #003366;\">About this grant<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>International Research Support Grants provide funds of <strong>up to \u00a31000<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>per award<\/strong> to historians to undertake historical research, for a defined project, in the UK or Republic of Ireland. In this opening round, the Society looks to make up to five awards.<\/p>\n<p><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">This new scheme recognises that many of the Society\u2019s International Fellows and Associate Fellows require financial assistance to access research materials in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for a wide range of historical projects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Grants will support activities including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>visiting archives and historical sites in the UK or Ireland, and the accompanying costs incurred in doing so and obtaining archive materials;<\/li>\n<li>conducting in-person interviews with people resident in the UK or Ireland for the purposes of a research project;<\/li>\n<li>acquisition of documents from a repository or collection in the UK or Ireland that are not otherwise available;<\/li>\n<li>activities as described above undertaken by the grant recipient by or before 31 July 2027.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Please note<\/strong>: International Research Support Grants may not be used specifically for travel to or attendance at conferences in the UK. For support for conference attendance, eligible members of the Society (both UK-based and International) should consider either the Society\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/open-research-funding\/open-research-support-grants\/\">Open Research Support Grant<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/scouloudi-panel-grants\/\">Scouloudi Panel Grant<\/a> programmes.<\/p>\n<p>While International Research Support Grants are reserved for eligible RHS Fellows \/ Associate Fellows resident outside the UK and Ireland, the Society\u2019s other funding programmes remain available to all Fellows and Members in line with the stated terms and conditions of each award.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Notes on eligibility for this grant<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>International Research Support Grants are reserved for current International Fellows or International Associate Fellows of the Royal Historical Society. To join the Society,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/membership\/\">please see here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Eligible applicants will be current International Fellows or Associate Fellows of the Society with a residential address outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.<\/li>\n<li>Funding is reserved for research projects that are both clearly and predominantly historical in orientation, with a specific chronological remit.<\/li>\n<li>Applications are not open to international members of the Society who are currently studying for a research degree (Master\u2019s or PhD) and are registered as International Postgraduate Members of the Society.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants who have previously been awarded an RHS<a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/early-career-research-funding\/early-career-research-support-grants\/\"> \u2018Early Career Research Grant\u2019<\/a> or an \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/open-research-funding\/open-research-support-grants\/\">Open Research Support Grant\u2019<\/a>, within the past five years, will not be eligible for further funding under this scheme.<\/li>\n<li>Applications for retrospective research visits\/activities will not be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>How to apply<\/h3>\n<p>Applications, via the <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistorical.smapply.io\/prog\/international_research_support_grant_-_applications_portal_\/\">Society&#8217;s applications portal<\/a>, should comprise:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>short CV<\/strong>\u00a0(2-page max) for the applicant.<\/li>\n<li>a<strong>\u00a0statement<\/strong>\u00a0on the project and proposed use of funds (750 words max) to include details of the project, the sum requested, and the intended use of funds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When awarding International Research Support Grants, primary consideration will be given to the proposed quality and value of the research project; and the need for access to archives and archive collections in the UK or Republic of Ireland to undertake this research.<\/p>\n<p>Applications are invited for sums less than the maximum \u00a31000 per award, as required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Submissions for the 2026 round have now closed (8 May 2026).<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Guidance to help you when making an application<\/span><\/h3>\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\u2019s 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 International Research Support Grant should be sent to the Society\u2019s Membership and Grants Team at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:membership@royalhistsoc.org\">membership@royalhistsoc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\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<ol>\n<li><strong> Project Proposal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This should include a clear outline of your research activity, 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>Why in-person visits to collections \/ resources in the Uk or Republic of Ireland are required.<\/li>\n<li>Expected outcomes or progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Funding Request<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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\u00a0<strong>Eligible Research Support Costs<\/strong>\u00a0section below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> CV<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>As part of the application process, we require applicants to upload a short CV (2 pages max).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Eligibility criteria<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>To be eligible for International Research Support Grant, applicants must meet\u00a0<strong>all<\/strong>\u00a0of the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Membership:<\/strong>\u00a0International Research Support Grants are reserved for current International Fellows or International Associate Fellows 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,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/membership\/\">please see here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The scheme is not open<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>to<\/strong>:\u00a0members of the Society who are International Postgraduate Members, currently studying for a Master\u2019s or PhD degree.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research Focus:<\/strong>\u00a0The proposed research must be historical in nature and have a clearly defined chronological remit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Previous Funding<\/strong>: Applicants who have previously been awarded an RHS <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/early-career-research-funding\/early-career-research-support-grants\/\">\u2018Early Career Research Grant\u2019<\/a> or an <a href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/open-research-funding\/open-research-support-grants\/\">\u2018Open Research Support Grant\u2019<\/a>, within the past five years, will not be eligible for further funding under this scheme.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timing of Research:<\/strong>\u00a0Retrospective applications for research that has already been undertaken are\u00a0<strong>not eligible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants must ensure that all proposed costs fall within the scheme\u2019s 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\u00a0<strong>Eligible Research Support Costs<\/strong>\u00a0section 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<ol>\n<li><strong> Clarity and Focus<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>A clear explanation of the project and the purpose of the research trip\/activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Scholarly Significance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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 is necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Feasibility and Planning<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Value of the Funding<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>How the requested support will directly advance or enrich the project.<\/li>\n<li>Expected outputs or benefits (e.g. publication or presentation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> Applicant Circumstances<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Consideration will be given to financial need and applicants\u2019 access (or otherwise) to alternative 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<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Accommodation &amp; Subsistence<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Necessary overnight accommodation<\/li>\n<li>Meals and daily incidental expenses (within standard, reasonable rates)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Access &amp; Reproduction Fees<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Interview Costs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Travel to conduct interviews<\/li>\n<li>Room hire<\/li>\n<li>Recording equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> Post-Visit Collation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong> Accessibility-Related Costs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Paying someone else to conduct research on the applicant\u2019s behalf<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(e.g., hiring a research assistant, commissioning someone to visit an archive, or outsourcing research tasks)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Equipment purchases<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(e.g., laptops, cameras, phones, long-term recording devices)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conference fees or travel<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong>to such an event<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salary, stipends, or payments for the applicant\u2019s own time<\/span><\/strong><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Long-term software subscriptions<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regular living expenses<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(rent, utilities, everyday food not linked to travel)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Personal or leisure costs<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(tourism, souvenirs, personal items)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Retrospective claims<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for expenses made before the grant was awarded\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unreasonable or premium travel\/accommodation costs\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>where cheaper alternatives are available<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All enquiries about Research Funding should be sent to the Society\u2019s Membership and Grants Team at:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:membership@royalhistsoc.org\">membership@royalhistsoc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>HEADER IMAGE: Edward Collier, &#8216;Vanitas Still Life&#8217; (1662), detail, Rijksmuseum, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rijksmuseum.nl\/en\/collection\/object\/Vanitas-Still-Life--1407e257fd33f445b1a80b6a36900976?tab=data\">public domain<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The International Research Support Grant is a new research funding programme launched by the Society from March 2026. Grants are available to historians \u2014 who are current International Fellows or International Associate Fellows \u2014 to undertake research in archives, or similar, in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland*. For the purposes of this programme, <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/research_funding\/international-research-support-grants\/\">&#8230;Continue reading &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20210,"featured_media":51856,"parent":35013,"menu_order":2,"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-51502","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51502","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=51502"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52630,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51502\/revisions\/52630"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35013"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/royalhistsoc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}