The Nuffield Foundation - Social Science Small Grants Scheme

This Scheme makes small grants for social science research expenses. Awards are normally up to £7,500, although in exceptional circumstances awards may be made of up to a maximum of £12,000. The Scheme has no closing date. Applicants must be resident and working at a UK institution, although the research may be undertaken outside the UK.

The Scheme has three priorities for funding:

• projects that develop social science research capacity particularly by supporting the work of those new to social science research;


• self-contained or pilot or preliminary projects that address the wider objects of the Foundation, namely a broad concern with the 'advancement of social well-being';


• outstanding small projects in the social sciences.

These grants are intended for self-contained research projects in the social sciences, including pilot studies. Their main purpose is to meet the cost of research assistance, research materials, data collection and analysis, and travel and subsistence in this country and overseas.

All applicants to the Social Science Schemes need to comply with Nuffield Foundation policy on independent ethical scrutiny.

Please read the statement on the ethical review of research projects before completing your application. You must address this issue in the research statement you submit as part of your application.

Elgibility
The Nuffield Foundation make awards only to people who have a post with a permanent contract, or a research contract of three years or more, in a university or independent research institute in the United Kingdom. The grants are administered by the researcher’s institution and are not paid to applicants personally.

You can apply to the Scheme even if you have applied before, once any current award is completed. Each project will be judged on its merits, but they accept resubmissions only if these have been invited by trustees.

Exclusions
Research students, whether working for a PhD or other higher degrees, are NOT eligible.

Grants are not usually given for:

• subsistence for work from home


• attendance at conferences or courses


• conferring with colleagues in other institutions


• the organisation or holding of academic conferences or seminars


• the purchase of computer hardware or software


• work in progress or projects that are already grant aided (but see point 9 in Notes for completing the application form)


• literature and systematic reviews


• publication and printing costs


• health and medical research

The Scheme does not cover replacement teaching costs, nor does it pay salaries of permanent university staff in receipt of the HEFCE subsidy.

Information from www.nuffieldfoundation.org on 14/11/08.
Please check website for up to date guidance before making any application and if you are a member of staff in the OU faculty of Arts, please make sure you discuss your proposed application with the Research and Enterprise Support Team (REST) at least 4 weeks before you intend to submit your application.

For more information see: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/go/grants/smallgrants/page_123.html