Our Research Fund supports members with limited access to research funds to start new projects, particularly those working in less well-funded institutes, those in developing countries and early career researchers.

Please note that from this application round, we are introducing new processes for successful applicants to accept and receive grant funding. Please read the Guidance for Applicants document carefully to ensure you are prepared for the changes.

 

Who can apply?

In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are an RSC member (AMRSC or above).
  • You hold an independent research post (please see the Guidance for Applicants document for full details).
  • You must not be currently holding another active Research Fund grant.
  • Current Research Enablement Grant holders may not apply for a Research Fund to support the same project. If, as a Research Enablement Grant holder, you apply to the Research Fund for a different project, reviewers will consider the application in the context of your current Research Enablement Grant.
  • Applications are limited to one per department and require support from your Head of Department.

Please ensure you read our Guidance for Applicants fully before you begin your application. Our Frequently Asked Questions document also provides further details about eligibility and the application process.

You can download an example application form here for your information. Please note that this is provided for information only and the real application form is subject to differ.

Institutions are encouraged to allow the maximum number of applicants they can over a 12 month period. If an unsuccessful applicant from the previous round wishes to apply again, their new application should be substantially different than the previous.

What can I request funding for?

✓

The scheme provides up to £5000 of funding for 12 months, covering:

  • Chemicals and/or equipment
  • Consumables
  • Licences for specialist software required for the project
  • Equipment repairs not covered by University funds
  • Equipment access, for example at a synchrotron facility

✕

  • Travel costs
  • Salary contributions
  • Departmental overheads (including office equipment)
  • Costs for the dissemination of the work (including conference attendance and publication costs)
  • Funding also should not replace or reduce institutional or funding agency support.

Application timelines

Applications open 30 October 2023
Application close 4 December 2023 1400 UK time GMT
Initial screening decisions Week commencing 18 December 2023
Funding decisions Early March 2024

The Research Fund will also open for two rounds of applications in 2024:

  • Round 1: 3 June to 8 July
  • Round 2: 28 October to 2 December

Assessment criteria

All applications will undergo an initial screening by staff. Applications will be rejected at this stage if:

  • You do not meet our eligibility criteria (see above).
  • Your application is incomplete.
  • Your application does not adhere to length limits instructed in the application system.
  • Your funding request exceeds the £5000 limit.

All remaining applications will undergo peer review by members of our Researcher Grants Peer Review Group and final funding decisions will then be overseen by:

  • Professor Andy Cammidge, University of East Anglia
  • Dr Vicky Hilborne, University College London
  • Dr Haresh Manyar, Queen’s University Belfast
  • Professor Gavin Miller, Keele University

Our reviewers will assess applications on:

Quality of science Reviewers will assess novelty and scientific impact of the proposed project.
Feasibility of proposal Your proposal must be clearly written and costed, and must be feasible to complete in a 12 month timeframe.
Situation of the applicant We will prioritise those with limited access to research funding or a short-term gap in funding which is impacting a specific project.
Impact of the funding Reviewers will assess how completion of your project will benefit your career. Examples include promotion/new position prospects or chances for further funding.

For full details, please see our Guidance for Applicants or contact us using the form below.

Downloadable documents

Funding

For all queries about available funding. Please ensure you state which grant your enquiry is about in your email.
Email:
Send us an email

Submit your application

Log in or register to create an application.

Apply now
< Back to search

Prizes & funding

Funding

For all queries about available funding. Please ensure you state which grant your enquiry is about in your email.
Email:
Send us an email

Share