Grant Competition | ISRF Goals | Scheme Conditions | The Application | How to Apply
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Early Career Research Support in Interdisciplinary Social Science for Academic Year 2012-3
PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW PASSED.
Aim: The Independent Social Research Foundation wishes to support independent-minded researchers to do interdisciplinary work which is unlikely to be funded by existing funding bodies. It is interested in original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems.
Eligible Applicants: Applicants should be within 5 years of first appointment at an institution of higher education and research within Europe. Career breaks may be taken into account. The awards are intended as providing full relief from all teaching duties and all associated academic administration for a period of (up to) one year; applications may be made by those whose sole or principal post is a part-time equivalent.
Eligible Research: Innovation that is driven by research which breaks with existing explanatory frameworks so as to address afresh empirical problems with no currently adequate theory or investigative methodology. Innovation may also come from controversial theoretical approaches motivated by critical challenge of incumbent theories. Interdisciplinarity in the generation of new investigative initiatives may be achieved by combining, cross-fertilising, and so transforming empirical methods and theoretical insights from the social sciences. Projects ranging across the breadth of the social scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields are welcome, and relevant applications from scholars working within the humanities are also encouraged.
Duration and Timing: The awards are intended as providing full relief from all teaching duties and all associated academic administration for a period of (up to) one year, and must be taken up no later than end of January 2013.
Value: The amount of an award depends on the nature of the work proposed and individual circumstances – the ISRF expects applications for grants up to a maximum of 50K sterling to buy-out the cost of all teaching and associated administration in the applicant’s home institution for up to 12 months. Necessary research expenses (included in this sum) may be awarded if the applicant’s institution cannot provide these; details should be given.
Joint/Group Applications: The competition is open to individuals who wish to undertake a piece of original research. Where more than one researcher wishes to seek funds for the same project, each person should submit a separate application and clearly demonstrate what his or her specific contribution to the project will be. Each application will be treated on its own merits, and applicants should be aware that the Committee may decide not to fund either or all individuals seeking funds for the same project.
Applications to Other Funding Bodies: Applicants may apply without prejudice to other funding bodies. If applications for identical projects are successful it would be expected that only one award (i.e. either the ISRF or another) would be accepted. If applications for either wholly or partly different projects are successful there should be no duplication in the budget headings funded by the ISRF and another body.
Institutional Approval: Applicants must confirm that their home institution is aware of their application, and should provide the contact details for the relevant Administrative Officer. Should your application progress, this Officer (Institutional Approver) will be asked to confirm, on behalf of your department and institution that:
- You will be granted the period and proportion of time requested in the Duration and Timing section;
- If replacement costs are requested, you will be in receipt of your normal salary during tenure of the award and the institution will provide cover;
- If research expenses are sought, this request has the support of the head of department/school and institution.
Therefore, it is advisable that you ensure that your Head of Department is in agreement with the content of your application before you submit.
Key Terms and Conditions: The ISRF reserves the right to extend the deadline for the competition. A short final report will be required. Award holders may be invited to present their findings in person to the Foundation’s academic representatives. ISRF’s support to be acknowledged in all public presentation of research. Full Terms & Conditions governing awards will be provided to successful applicants in their formal offer, based on the draft general terms and conditions available here.
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