Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme for Early Career Scholars

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme supports early career scholars undertaking interdisciplinary research in intellectual history and the history of science using archival collections. The scheme encourages researchers to explore the Royal Society’s collections and other relevant archives, with particular emphasis on Early Modern science and European networks. It aims to encourage cross-disciplinary research connecting the humanities, arts, and natural sciences.

About the Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme

The grant is designed to help early career researchers undertake archival research and develop interdisciplinary approaches to the study of intellectual history and the history of science. Research may involve the Royal Society’s collections as well as other relevant scholarly collections. The scheme particularly encourages research connected with: - Intellectual history. - History of science. - Early Modern science. - European scholarly networks. - Cultural history. - Philosophy of science. - History of art. - Historical geography. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum total award is £8,000. Funding can include support for research subsistence and international travel. Research Subsistence Applicants may request up to £2,000 per month for research subsistence for a maximum of three months.

This support can help cover:

- Living expenses. - Domestic travel. - Research-related subsistence while working at the Royal Society and nearby scholarly collections. International Travel Up to £2,000 is available for international travel to relevant research destinations or events. The combined funding available under the scheme cannot exceed the overall maximum award of £8,000. Who Can Apply? The scheme is open to both UK-based and international scholars who meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

- Doctoral candidates who are at least one year into their thesis stage. - Early career researchers within ten years of completing their PhD. - Researchers holding posts or fellowships at universities. - Researchers holding posts or fellowships at accredited not-for-profit organisations. Royal Society Research Requirement Applicants seeking subsistence funding must include research at the Royal Society in their proposal. This requirement also applies to applicants based outside the UK. The scheme therefore provides particular support for researchers who can make meaningful use of the Royal Society’s collections as part of their proposed research. Interdisciplinary Research Focus The Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme encourages research that crosses traditional academic disciplines. The programme aims to bring together perspectives from: - Humanities. - Arts. - Natural sciences. - History. - Philosophy. - Geography. - Cultural studies. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their research connects different fields and contributes to a broader understanding of intellectual and scientific history. Research Areas The scheme welcomes a diverse range of interdisciplinary subjects.

Examples include:

- Intellectual history. - Cultural history. - Philosophy of science. - History of art. - Historical geography. - History of science. - Early Modern science. - European intellectual and scientific networks. Research proposals should demonstrate a clear connection to the archival collections and the interdisciplinary objectives of the scheme. Support for Diverse Research Backgrounds The scheme welcomes applications from researchers from diverse backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to propose original research questions and interdisciplinary approaches that can broaden understanding of intellectual history, scientific history, and related fields. Where Can the Research Take Place? Grant-supported research can involve the Royal Society’s collections and other relevant archives and scholarly collections. For applicants requesting subsistence support, research at the Royal Society must form part of the proposed project. International travel funding can also support travel to relevant research destinations or events, subject to the programme’s funding limits. When Must the Research Take Place? Funded research must take place within 12 months of the award. Specific eligible research periods are outlined for each application round. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed research schedule fits within the relevant research period and the overall 12-month requirement. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong proposal should clearly explain the research question, archival resources, interdisciplinary approach, and importance of the proposed work.

Applicants should demonstrate:

- A clear research question. - The relevance of the Royal Society’s collections or other archives. - The interdisciplinary nature of the research. - The significance of the proposed research. - How the research will contribute to intellectual history or the history of science. - Why the requested subsistence or travel support is needed. - A realistic research timetable. - How the project can be completed within the required research period. Applicants seeking subsistence funding should clearly explain the role of research at the Royal Society. Key Facts About the Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme

- Programme: Lisa Jardine Grant Scheme

- Maximum award: £8,000

- Research subsistence: Up to £2,000 per month

- Maximum subsistence period: Three months

- International travel: Up to £2,000

- Eligible applicants: UK-based and international scholars

- Doctoral applicants: At least one year into thesis stage

- Early career researchers: Within 10 years of completing a PhD

- Eligible institutions: Universities and accredited not-for-profit organisations

- Research focus: Intellectual history and history of science

- Archival focus: Royal Society collections and other relevant archives

- Special emphasis: Early Modern science and European networks

- Research period: Within 12 months of the award

- Royal Society requiremen