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.
We would like to thank former RSC President Professor Charles Rees CBE FRS FRSC and his wife Tricia, whose kind legacy, in addition to supporting the Charles Rees Award, contributes towards the Research Fund and the Researcher Mobility Grant.
Who can apply?
In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are an RSC member (AMRSC or above) at the time of the application deadline. Please note that it is not sufficient to have only applied for membership – you must have already been admitted. Membership applications can take up to 2 months to process and approve. If you have any questions, please contact our Membership team.
- You hold an independent research post.
- 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 terms & conditions fully before you begin your application. Our Frequently Asked Questions document also provides further details about eligibility and the application process.
Scientific referees can download the scientific referee form here.
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?
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The scheme provides up to £4000 of funding for 12 months, covering:
- Chemicals and/or equipment
- Consumables
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Funding cannot be used for travel or departmental overheads and should not replace or reduce institutional or funding agency support.
Application timelines
| Applications open | 01 November 2021 |
| Application close | 13 December 2021 1400 GMT |
| Initial screening decisions | Week commencing 20 December 2021 |
| Funding decisions | By mid-March 2022 |
Applications should be for projects to be completed within 12 months from the funding decision date.
Details about the next round of applications will be announced in 2022.
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 £4000 limit.
All remaining applications will undergo peer review by our reviewers. Final funding decisions will then be overseen by:
- Professor Andy Cammidge, University of East Anglia
- Professor John Dean, Northumbria University
- Professor Alison Hulme, University of Edinburgh
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 terms & conditions or contact us using the form below.
Funding
- Email:
- Send us an email
Funding
- Email:
- Send us an email