British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
British Academy launches new Research Professorships scheme
The British Academy has announced the creation of a new scheme of Research Professorships, each with a fixed value of £150,000 over three years, made possible thanks to the generosity of the Wolfson Foundation.
The purpose of these awards is to give an opportunity for extended research leave for three years to a small number of exceptional, outstanding scholars, enabling them to concentrate on a significant research programme, freed from normal teaching and administrative commitments. In selecting the successful candidates, considerable emphasis is being placed by the Academy and the Wolfson Foundation on award-holders’ plans for communicating their research to a broad audience.
The awards will be made at a fixed value of £50,000pa for three years, to cover the costs of replacement teaching and research expenses. It is expected that four British Academy Wolfson Research Professorships will be available, to start work in the autumn of 2009.
The President of the British Academy, Baroness O’Neill, said, “I am delighted to welcome this new collaboration between the British Academy and the Wolfson Foundation. Alongside our substantial support for postdoctoral and mid-career researchers, this will enable us to provide opportunities for some of the country’s most distinguished and expert scholars to pursue important new research in the humanities and social sciences.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Executive Secretary of the Wolfson Foundation said, “We are very pleased to announce this new funding partnership with the British Academy. These awards will support research at the highest level, allowing scholars to concentrate on producing exceptional new work.”
The closing date for applications is 14 November 2008. Application forms and further details are available from the British Academy’s website.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Published:
30 September 2008
The Wolfson Foundation is a charitable foundation set up in 1955 with an income of some £38 million. Grants are generally given to act as a catalyst, to back excellence and talent and to provide for promising future projects which may currently be underfunded. There is a continued emphasis on science and technology, health, education, and the arts. A significant proportion of the Foundation’s income is allocated for universities, including for student accommodation, new buildings, equipment for research, and libraries. More information about the Foundation’s work is available at www.wolfson.org.uk.
The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Its purpose is to inspire, recognise and support excellence in these disciplines throughout the UK and internationally, and to champion their role and value. More information about the Academy’s work is available at www.britac.ac.uk. Enquiries about the new scheme should be directed to Dr Ken Emond, Interim Head of Research Awards, on 020 7969 5265 (email: posts@britac.ac.uk)