Frequently Asked Questions: Research Grants

General

How can I find out when new grant deadlines are released?

Please sign up for Email Bulletins if you wish to be informed as new deadlines are announced.

Does my referee have to be based in the UK?

No, references from appropriate overseas referees are welcomed by the Academy.

I am currently a Principal or Co-Investigator on another British Academy grant. Am I eligible to apply?

If you are currently a principal investigator on an Academy research grant, you may not apply as either principal or co-investigator on another research grant until the conditions relating to the award held as principal investigator have been met.

However, if a person is currently a co-investigator on an Academy research grant, then they may apply as a principal or co-investigator on another research grant.

The Academy will accept concurrent applications / awards for research grants with conference grants.

What is the latest I can apply to start my project?

The Academy will accept applications for activity starting up to one year from the published decision date.

Please note:An exception to this may be made if applying to use British Academy premises in a Conference Support application, due to the notice period required. If you require further guidance, please contact the Research Grants Department, who will be happy to help.

I am currently studying a post-graduate course. Are there any funds I can apply to?

Unfortunately, the Academy does not have any funds available to provide funding for students. Funding is provided for research at post-doctoral level only.

I have just completed my Ph.D. Can I apply for a grant?

The Academy welcomes applications from recent post-doctoral graduates. In order to be eligible, you must have successfully passed your viva voce examination and completed any corrections.

I am not affiliated to a UK academic institution. Can I apply for funding?

Applicants only need to be employed by a UK research institution in order to be eligible for funding under any of the schemes offered on a Full Economic Costing regime. This is not a requirement for Small Research Grants, Overseas Conference Grants or Conference Support Grants.

Who can offer institutional authorisation for my application?

This is variable at each institution and the Academy does not prescribe. You should seek advice at your home institution.

My project/conference is due to start before the decision date. Can I apply?

No. Please see the Notes for Applicants, in which the Academy announces the earliest date that research/conferences may commence on or after for each deadline.

I am not sure whether to list someone as a Co-Investigator or other participant. What is the difference?

A ‘co-investigator’ is a joint director of the project with equal responsibility for the academic management of the project.

How do I provide a reference and/or Head of Department (HoD) statement in e-GAP2?

For instructions on how to provide a reference/HoD statement in e-GAP2 please click here.

BARDA

Can I apply for teaching replacement costs?

You may not apply for teaching replacement costs. What you may apply for is your time spent on the project. An estimate of the number of hours to be spent on the project should be costed against your salary, producing a value for your time.

How is established defined?

There is no set definition of established, and there are no age or status constraints. If you feel you meet the criteria set out in the notes; 'Applications are particularly encouraged from scholars who can demonstrate that they are developing an innovative line of research, with the potential to make a significant difference to their field and to their career profile', then an application may be submitted.

I wish to apply for a BARDA, but do not have five years post-doctoral experience. Can I apply?

Five years post-doctoral experience is not an eligibility criteria for the scheme. However, priority will be given to applicants who have at least five years postdoctoral experience. When deciding whether to make an application, please consider that you will be competing for funds with well-established scholars. You may wish to consider applying for a Small Research Grant instead.

I am employed by an academic institution on an open research, part-time or temporary contract. Can I apply for a BARDA?

Providing you are on the institution’s payroll, you are eligible to apply for a BARDA. If employed on a temporary contract, the Academy will expect applicants to hold a contract covering the period of research as defined in the application as a minimum. If employed on a part-time contract, you are only eligible to claim for time ordinarily covered by your existing contract of employment.

Conference Support

I am organising a panel as part of a larger conference. Can I apply for a Conference Support Grant?

No, you must be the main conference organiser in order to apply for funds.

How far in advance of my conference do I need to apply for Conference Support

The next deadline for applications for 2009-10 is to be confirmed.

If you are applying for free use of the British Academy as a venue for your conference, then you should apply at least 6 months in advance of the conference, subject to application closing dates.

I am interested in holding my conference at the British Academy. Is there any general information on the facilities available?

Yes. Information about the Academy’s rooms and about catering menus can be found at http://www.britac.ac.uk/misc/facilities/index.cfm

I would like to apply for free use of the British Academy as the venue for my conference. Can I check whether my preferred dates are still available in the Academy’s diary?

No. I am afraid we cannot entertain queries about whether space in the Academy is available on specific dates. Where free use of the Academy is granted, the most convenient match will be offered.

Do I need to hold my conference in British Academy premises in order to have the proceedings of the conference considered for publication?

No. However, where no prior commitment to another publisher exists, the Academy is happy to consider publishing a volume arising from the conference. Details can be found under note 12(c) of the “Notes for Applicants”. Please note that applications for publication alone will not be accepted, and funds may not be requested for publication by another publisher.

Overseas Conference Grants

When I applied for the award of the OCG, my paper had not yet been accepted by the conference organisers, but I have since heard that my paper has been accepted. How do I let the Academy know this?

The e-GAP2 system does not allow for an automatic update. You must send an email outside the system to grants@britac.ac.uk stating that your paper has now been accepted for oral presentation (poster presentations are not eligible for support). There is no need to supply any supporting evidence, an email from you will suffice.