Call for Applications: Francesc Moragas Research Grants 2026 (Spain)

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Francesc Moragas Research Grants, offered by the la Caixa Foundation, support master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral research in the social sciences and humanities. The grants fund research into the legacy, ideas, and social work of Francesc Moragas and the development of social welfare initiatives in Spain, with projects required to make substantial use of the la Caixa Historical Archive.

About the Francesc Moragas Research Grants

The Francesc Moragas Research Grants were created by the la Caixa Foundation to promote research into the thought and social work of Francesc Moragas, founder of the Caja de Pensiones para la Vejez y de Ahorros de Cataluña y Baleares. The programme focuses on the historical, cultural, and social impact of Francesc Moragas and the development of social welfare initiatives in Spain, particularly from the late 19th century to 1935. Research can examine how social institutions contributed to collective well-being and how social, educational, cultural, and economic initiatives developed in Catalonia and Spain. Funding Available The programme provides different levels of financial support depending on the research stage:

- Master’s thesis grants: €3,600 for 6 months.

- Doctoral research grants: €14,400 for 12 months.

- Postdoctoral research grants: €28,800 for 12 months.

The funding can cover eligible costs directly connected to the research project.

Master’s grants may cover:

- Transport. - Accommodation. - Meals. - Archival research. - Research materials. - Other expenses directly related to the thesis project. Doctoral and postdoctoral grants may support: - Research equipment. - Travel. - Conference registration. - Dissemination activities. - Research stays. - Research-related expenses. - Labour costs for the researcher and directly involved staff, where applicable. Research Areas Supported The grants support research in the social sciences and humanities related to Francesc Moragas, la Caixa, social welfare, and the historical development of social initiatives in Spain.

Potential research topics include:

- The origins and development of social action in Catalonia and Spain. - The role of social institutions in promoting collective well-being. - The historical evolution of la Caixa. - The impact of la Caixa’s social initiatives on living and working conditions. - Educational and cultural contributions of social institutions. - Organisational and institutional models. - The development of social welfare initiatives. - Comparative studies involving European and Mediterranean experiences. - The thought and social work of Francesc Moragas. - The historical and social impact of initiatives associated with Moragas. Use of the la Caixa Historical Archive A key requirement of the programme is that research projects must make substantial use of the la Caixa Historical Archive. Researchers may also use other sources to complement their work. However, the historical archive must play a significant role in the proposed research. This makes the grants particularly relevant to researchers working on historical documents, institutional development, social welfare, economic history, cultural history, and related areas of social sciences and humanities. Who Is Eligible? The grants are open to master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers of any nationality. Applicants must conduct their research at a Spanish university or research centre.

Eligibility by research level includes

- Master’s students: Students who are ready to begin their final master’s thesis or project.

- Doctoral candidates: Researchers starting or already undertaking doctoral research.

- Postdoctoral researchers: Researchers starting or already engaged in postdoctoral research.

- Nationality: Applicants of any nationality can apply.

- Host institution: Research must be conducted at a Spanish university or research centre.

Research Start Date All funded research must begin within the specified eligibility period. Research projects must commence between December 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed research schedule falls within this period. How the Grants Work The programme provides funding according to the applicant’s academic research stage.

- Choose the appropriate grant: Determine whether the project is at the master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral level.

- Develop the research proposal: Clearly explain the research question, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution.

- Connect the research to the programme: Show how the project relates to Francesc Moragas, la Caixa, social welfare, or the historical and social themes covered by the programme.

- Plan archive-based research: Explain how the la Caixa Historical Archive will be used as a substantial source for the project.

- Identify additional sources: Where appropriate, include other historical, academic, institutional, or comparative sources.

- Prepare the research budget: Identify the costs required to carry out the proposed research and ensure they are directly related to the project.

- Set the research timeline: Ensure that the research begins between December 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, and fits within the relevant grant period.

Why It Matters The Francesc Moragas Research Grants provide dedicated support for researchers studying the history and development of social welfare and institutional initiatives in Spain.

The programme can help researchers:

- Investigate previously unexplored historical material. - Study the legacy of Francesc Moragas. - Examine the development of social welfare in Spain. - Explore the historical evolution of la Caixa. - Study the relationship between social institutions and collective well-being. - Conduct research using archival sources. - Develop master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral research projects. - Compare Spanish experiences with European and Mediterranean approaches. Tips for Applicants Applicants should make a clear conn