The major aim of the Fund is to encourage postgraduates to pursue fieldwork, and so to develop their careers as anthropologists/archaeologists. The awards are made to those who have the potential to be outstanding anthropologists/archaeologists and whose projects will make a contribution to the disciplines of anthropology and archaeology.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be Nationals of the United Kingdom, the Irish Republic or Commonwealth citizens.
- There are no restrictions on age, gender identity, religion, belief or ethnic origin.
- Grants will not be made for undergraduate or Masters-level fieldwork projects.
- Grants are normally made for research that will contribute to the award of an MPhil/PhD degree. Those already in possession of a doctorate are not eligible.
- Preference will be given to those who propose to do fieldwork outside the United Kingdom.
- Grants are not made for library research, for University fees or for subsistence in the applicant’s home institution.
- Funds cannot be awarded for a joint research project, but individuals who are members of such a project can apply for a grant, provided that its leader holds a PhD or is similarly qualified
- Permission to undertake field research must be cleared with the relevant authorities and communities before an application is submitted.
- If your first degree is not in anthropology/archaeology, please indicate what courses you have taken in anthropology/archaeology during your degree studies.
Nature of the Awards
Each year the Trustees will make awards of up to £10,000 per project.
All award holders are required to submit interim and final reports on their fieldwork and research findings. The Trustees pay particular attention to these reports which are an important component of the award. Repayment of awards may be requested in the case of inadequate or absent reporting, or if the fieldwork has not been carried out in accordance with the plans approved by the Trustees. All final reports will be posted on the RAI website.
The closing date for applications is 31 March each year. The application must be submitted electronically as a PDF to admin@therai.org.uk, with the three references sent separately as a PDF by the referees, direct to the Assistant Director (Administration). Short-listed candidates will normally be required to attend an interview in London in late-May/early-June. Grants to successful candidates will be paid at the start of their fieldwork.
All applications must be made using the official application format, which is also available from the Assistant Director (Administration).
