British Academy Research Development Awards (BARDAs)

The purpose of these awards is to enable established scholars to develop a significant research project. 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. Priority will be given to applicants who have at least five years postdoctoral experience.

Applications for collaborative or individual research projects are equally welcome under this scheme. Applications from international groups of scholars are welcome, provided there is a UK-based scholar as lead applicant.

BARDAs provide a flexible package of support from which the applicant is free to choose which elements will best facilitate the successful achievement of a distinctive programme of research. Applicants may choose to focus their research effort over a concentrated bloc of time, or to spread their research effort, in shorter recurrent periods, over up to three years. Funds are available to facilitate initial project planning and development; to support the research expenses of an approved programme of activity; and to enable the advancement of research through workshops, or visits by or to partner scholars. Applicants may seek support for any combination of eligible activity and cost up to the overall limit of award. The Academy will assess applications equally on their merits, with no preference as to mode of enquiry.

Awards are not intended to support interchange between UK and overseas scholars where there is no planned programme of activity to meet a clearly specified research objective; nor are they intended to support attendance at open conferences organised by a third party or international organisation.  

All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the project. 

The BARDA scheme replaces the Larger Research Grants and Research Leave Fellowships schemes, which are no longer offered by the Academy. 

Financial basis of the scheme: This scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. Proposals will be considered for projects costing between £15,000 and £150,000 at Full Economic Costs, lasting for up to three years. The Academy will contribute 80% of the Full Economic Costs of the project (£12,000 to £120,000).  If an award is offered, the host institution must ensure that any part of the Full Economic Costs of the project not funded by the British Academy award is committed to the project before it starts.

This scheme is intended to support relatively small-scale research programmes, and it is expected that the majority of awards will be made towards the middle of the eligible price range.

Level of award: £15,000 to £150,000 FEC (Academy contribution: £12,000 to £120,000).
Period of award: Grants are tenable for up to three years.
Annual competition (two-stage process)
Applications available from: 2 November 2009
Deadline for submission of applications: 15 December 2009
Results of outline stage expected: end January 2010
Research beginning on or after: 1 June 2010

A smaller group of the most outstanding applicants will then be invited to submit second-stage applications for a deadline in March 2010, final decisions in May

Further information: view Frequently Asked Questions.
Method of application: Applications must be submitted via e-GAP2, the Academy's electronic grant application system.

Contact the Research Grants Department for further information.

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