In the ever-evolving landscape of research and academia, the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries. The British Academy recognizes the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and its impact on the fields of humanities and social sciences. To nurture this spirit of collaboration, innovation, and international exchange, the British Academy is delighted to announce the launch of the ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024, inviting proposals from UK-based early career researchers. This unique initiative aims to foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects that traverse the realms of humanities and social sciences while embracing the principles of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Unveiling the Purpose
At the core of this scheme lies a commitment to catalyze the growth of new, ODA-eligible international interdisciplinary research. With the support of the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund, which is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, this initiative aims to create a fertile ground for innovative, problem-focused explorations that span across diverse disciplines. The ultimate goal? To unleash the true potential of interdisciplinary research and its role in addressing global challenges.
The Tapestry of Research
The ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024 is all about convergence and cohesion. The Academy places paramount importance on projects that seamlessly blend both humanities and social sciences. This integration is not just a preference, but a fundamental requirement. Applications that lack a clear demonstration of interdisciplinary collaboration will find themselves ineligible for the assessment process.
Furthermore, while the scheme is rooted in the humanities and social sciences, it doesn't shy away from encouraging collaborations across natural, medical, and engineering sciences. In fact, the Academy extends a warm invitation for applications that are spearheaded by the humanities, recognizing their unique ability to enrich and enhance interdisciplinary endeavors.
The Academy envisions these awards as a bridge between disciplines, cultures, and values. This expansive scope is indispensable in bringing together the myriad facets of humanities and social sciences that form the foundation of international interdisciplinary research. From languages and traditions to justice and heritage, the interdisciplinary projects funded through this program are expected to delve deep into the tapestry of human understanding and knowledge exchange.
Nurturing Future Leaders
Central to this initiative is the empowerment of early career researchers. The ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024 offers a remarkable platform for these researchers, both in the UK and around the world, to step into leadership roles and manage international interdisciplinary projects and teams. This program is a crucible for honing their skills, fostering international collaboration, and embracing cross-disciplinary research. As the torchbearers of future research, these early career researchers are poised to drive the fields of humanities and social sciences to new horizons.
The Value Proposition
A total funding pool of up to £300,000 over 2 years per award awaits the visionary minds who dare to dream big. Within this financial framework, the Academy offers the award at 80% Full Economic Cost (FEC). This means that the total contribution requested from the Academy must not exceed £300,000, and the overall project value at 100% FEC cannot surpass £375,000.
Embarking on the Journey
The voyage of exploration under the ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024 is set to span 24 months. The projects are slated to commence between March and April 2024, creating a dynamic timeline for groundbreaking research to unfurl.
Inclusivity Knows No Bounds
The global stage is set, and the ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024 extends its embrace to UK-based early career researchers. However, the magic truly comes to life when these researchers collaborate with their counterparts in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, and Least Developed Countries. In alignment with the principles of Official Development Assistance (ODA), the scheme is open exclusively to ODA-eligible research proposals.
Eligibility: Forging the Pathway
For those eager to embark on this journey, a set of eligibility criteria guides the way:
- Each project must be led by a Principal Investigator (PI), whose expertise resides in the realm of social sciences or humanities.
- The PI should hold a postdoctoral position or higher, equipped with a wealth of research experience. Their affiliation must be with an eligible UK university or research institute, and their tenure should span the duration of the grant.
- Flexibility reigns as the PI can dedicate between 20% to 100% of their time to the grant, ensuring a dynamic engagement with the project.
- A key stipulation ensures that PIs cannot hold multiple British Academy awards of a comparable nature concurrently.
- The mantle of eligibility extends to UK-based early career researchers within the humanities and social sciences, defined as those with 0-7 years post-PhD experience.
- Nationality is no barrier; researchers from around the globe are invited to apply.
- Holding a doctoral degree (or equivalent research experience) is a foundational requirement.
- The scheme supports individuals within an institutional context, nurturing collaborative efforts.
- Notably, awards are prospective in nature, underscoring the need for new and pioneering research concepts that are truly at the cutting edge.
A Glimpse Ahead
As the wheels of progress turn, the ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects Scheme 2024 envisions forging a new era of collaboration, innovation, and global impact. With a funding pool dedicated to propelling early career researchers into leadership roles, the program aims to bridge continents, languages, and disciplines. The humanities and social sciences are poised to become dynamic forces of change, advocating for values, heritage, and justice on the international stage.
For those who wish to learn more, discover, and contribute to this transformative journey, the doors of the British Academy are wide open. Join hands with fellow researchers from diverse corners of the world, as we embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of our shared human experience.
For additional information and to explore the possibilities, we invite you to visit https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk. The call for proposals is an invitation to be a part of something larger than research – it's an invitation to shape the future.
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