International Partnerships (Africa/ the Middle East/ South Asia)

In an initiative developed by the British Academy's Area Panels, awards of up to £10,000 a year for up to three years are available to support the development of ongoing links between research centres or institutions, within the humanities and social sciences in the UK and in Africa, the Middle East or South Asia. The link would be built around a specific research theme of mutual interest. This could be carried forward through visits in both directions; workshops; seminars and lecture programmes; collaborative research; and joint publications. The programme might form part of either institution's training programme and will ideally involve participation from more than one overseas institution, and might also involve more than one department/university/group/research centre in the UK.

Aim of the award: The scheme is intended to foster links between the UK and Africa, the Middle East or South Asia, with an emphasis on helping scholars to develop research skills and to produce a joint research outcome.  Applicants must have identified an academic partner based in an institution in Africa, the Middle East or South Asia, who will act as the co-applicant on the award. 

Scope: Priority will be given to projects with a training element, such as the support and development of staff or postgraduate students (in the UK and overseas). The scheme is intended to benefit early-career scholars from both the UK and overseas, and projects will be highly regarded where they include junior academics from both sides. Visits might be undertaken for staff exchange, supplying teaching elements to courses and developing joint curricula. Workshops and seminars should form an integral part of the programme, and involve both staff and postgraduate students. It is expected that each programme should produce papers or some other joint research outcome designed for publication.

Please note that for the purposes of this scheme South Asia includes the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.  For enquiries regarding eligible countries in Africa and/ or the Middle East, please contact the Academy. 

Level of award: Grants are offered up to a maximum of £10,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Period of award: up to 3 years. Funding for years 2 and 3 will be conditional upon receipt of satisfactory annual progress reports.
Closing date: 20 April 2010.  Decisions will be announced in mid-July
Further information: view Notes for Applicants.  Please note that all candidates must read the Notes for Applicants carefully before applying for this scheme
Method of application: Applications must be submitted via e-Gap2, the Academy's electronic grant application system. The Notes for Applicants are also available through the e-Gap2 site. 

For help using e-GAP please visit Frequently Asked Questions 

See past awards under the International Partnerships scheme

Please email partnerships@britac.ac.uk or phone 020 7969 5235 for further advice.