Norman Richardson Postgraduate Research Fund

How to apply

The award panel meets once each term, and decisions are usually communicated within three weeks of the application deadline. To apply, complete the form below and submit.

Once you receive the online form submission back, send a copy to your supervisor and ask them to submit an official supporting letter to the College Administration Coordinator at ustinov.college@durham.ac.uk.

Evidence of costs included on the form (travel, hotel etc) must also be sent to the College Development Administrator to accompany your application.

All relevant documents must be provided by the deadline. 

Assessment criteria

Applications are judged on the following criteria:

• Clearly articulated research project and appropriate research questions and methods.
• Specificity – sufficient, detailed information of the specific content and context of the outlined research; a clear and accurate budget detailing the proposed use of funds, with evidence for costs; and planned outputs and outcomes.
• Academic reference, including their assessment of the originality and significance of the outlined research project to the academic field in question
• Financial need – priority may be given to self-funded students. Students whose funding includes an adequate amount for field work are not eligible for funding from this source.
• Suitability of the research activity at the applicant’s stage of study.

Terms and conditions

• Students should be during the registration phase of their studies, in exceptional circumstances students on continuation may be considered.
• Eligible costs include travel, accommodation, exceptional living costs, library fees, language learning, and other reasonable expenditure related to the research activity.
• The fund is not intended to cover costs for attending conferences or workshops.
• If the research visit fails to take place or is curtailed, or the student withdraws from their study during the research trip, the student must inform the Secretary to the Awards Committee.
• Applicants may only receive one award from the Fund per academic year.
• Travel and other expenditure under the grant must take place before the next term’s deadline for applications. Applications for retrospective travel and other research related costs are not permitted. The panel meets once each term.
• Successful applicants must submit an article (500-1000 words) about their research activity, with photos, which may be published in the College magazine and online blog, The Ustinovian, and on the College website. If an award holder does not wish their name/photo to be used on the website, they should inform the College Secretary at the point of the award being made.