RFAs: Archaeology Research Excavation Grant Programme (Ireland and UK)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Archaeology Research Excavation Grant supports archaeologists and archaeological researchers in Ireland and Northern Ireland undertaking research excavations, archaeological surveys, analysis, reporting, publication, and archiving. The scheme aims to encourage innovative research into Ireland’s archaeological heritage while supporting the preservation and interpretation of the island’s finite archaeological resource. The grant particularly encourages projects examining the impacts of climate change on archaeological heritage, in line with national climate adaptation plans. Funding can support activities from pre-excavation surveys and excavation through post-excavation analysis, scientific testing, publication, and archiving.

About the Archaeology Research Excavation Grant

The Archaeology Research Excavation Grant is designed to support research-based archaeological projects in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scheme seeks to encourage researchers to develop innovative research questions and generate new knowledge about Ireland’s archaeological heritage. Supported projects can involve different stages of archaeological research, including: - Pre-excavation surveys - Archaeological excavation - Post-excavation analysis - Specialist scientific analysis - Research and interpretation - Archaeological reporting - Publication - Archiving of archaeological materials The scheme also recognizes the importance of protecting archaeological resources from emerging environmental threats, particularly those associated with climate change. What Does the Grant Support? The grant can support a broad range of activities that are directly connected to an eligible archaeological research project.

Supported activities may include:

- Archaeological site surveys - Pre-excavation investigations - Research excavations - Post-excavation analysis - Scientific testing - Specialist archaeological services - Preparation of excavation reports - Academic publication - Archiving - Documentation and interpretation - Travel connected to the research - Site-related expenses All proposed expenditure should be directly related to the research project and supported by appropriate documentation. Climate Change and Archaeological Research The scheme gives particular encouragement to research addressing the impact of climate change on archaeological heritage. Climate change can create risks for archaeological sites and materials through factors such as changing weather conditions, flooding, coastal erosion, soil changes, and other environmental pressures. Research projects can therefore investigate how archaeological resources are being affected and how they can be documented, interpreted, protected, or managed in response to climate-related risks. Projects addressing these issues should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed research and relevant national climate adaptation priorities. Eligible Project Costs Funding may cover costs that are necessary for carrying out the proposed archaeological research.

Eligible costs can include:

Staff Wages Funding may support staff costs directly associated with the research project. Staff expenditure should be clearly linked to the proposed archaeological activities. Equipment and Site Expenses Applicants may include costs for equipment and other expenses required to conduct fieldwork, excavation, surveys, or related research activities. Specialist Services Projects may require specialist expertise for archaeological or scientific analysis. Eligible expenditure can include specialist services that are directly connected to the research objectives. Travel and Accommodation Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses related to carrying out the research may be included where they are directly connected to the project. Scientific Testing The grant can support scientific testing and analysis where these activities are necessary to answer the project’s research question. All costs should be properly documented and justified as part of the proposed research. Research Excavations and Post-Excavation Work The scheme supports both fieldwork and activities that take place after excavation. Post-excavation work can be particularly important because archaeological discoveries often require detailed analysis before their significance can be fully understood.

Supported activities may include:

- Processing archaeological materials - Specialist analysis - Scientific testing - Interpretation of findings - Preparation of archaeological reports - Publication of research results - Archiving of project materials This allows funded projects to progress from excavation through to the documentation and dissemination of research findings. Who Is Eligible? The scheme is open to archaeologists and archaeological researchers working in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Eligible applicants can include:

- Professional archaeologists - Archaeological researchers - Academic researchers - PhD students - Researchers based on the island of Ireland Priority is given to applicants who are based on the island of Ireland. Researchers based outside Ireland may also be considered, but their applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Excavation Licence Requirement Applicants must normally hold the relevant archaeological excavation licence required for the proposed work. The licensing requirement is important because archaeological excavation must comply with applicable statutory requirements and professional standards. Applicants should ensure that all necessary permissions and licences are in place or clearly addressed in the application. Who Is Not Eligible? The scheme does not support several categories of archaeological work or applicants.

Funding is generally not available for:

- Commercial excavations - Developer-led excavations - Undergraduate projects - Master’s-level projects - Institutional overheads - Applicants with overdue excavation reports, unless the relevant compliance