The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) 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.

The Foundation intends to make a small number of awards to support original interdisciplinary research, across the range of the social sciences, to be held from a start date no later than the end of December 2021. Scholars from within Europe are eligible to apply.

The award is intended to enable a scholar at the mid-career stage to pursue their research full-time, for a period of up to 12 months; applications may be made by those whose sole or principal post is a part-time equivalent. The amount will be offered to buy out the costs of replacing all teaching and associated administration in the applicant’s home institution, and will be considered to a maximum of £70,000 or €83,000* per successful applicant. Within that sum, reasonable support for research expenses may be considered on a matched-funding basis with the host institution.

The applicant should normally hold a salaried position at an institution of higher education and research, and be 10 years or more from the year of their PhD award. However, a shorter time from PhD award may exceptionally be considered, if the candidate has other qualifications to be considered as mid-career. Independent Scholars are also eligible to apply, and should consult the relevant FAQs.

Applicants should consult the Criteria as set out on the ISRF Website (see link below) and show that they meet them.

Applicants should follow the Application procedure and should present their Proposal in the format specified there.

To Apply: http://isrf.org/funding-opportunities/grant-competitions/mcf5/

Closing date for applications is4pm (GMT) on 14th February 2020.

*Applicants based in the UK must apply in GBP (£), up to the limit of £70,000. All other applicants must apply in EUR (€), up to the limit of €83,000. These amounts are fixed as of 1st January 2020, and will not be adjusted in the event of GBP/EUR currency fluctuations.