IAS Call for Research Development Projects 2025/26

Supporting interdisciplinary  research

The IAS is a home for growing big ideas.  We support a broad and inclusive interdisciplinary community from across the full spectrum of Durham academics, where different perspectives are brought together to develop creative approaches to interesting and important problems.

Research funding for early stage ideas

In addition to funding large scale Major Projects each year, the IAS funds several Research Development Projects (RDPs) which support the early-stage development of ambitious interdisciplinary research ideas and projects that have the potential to develop into future IAS major projects and/or external funding.

Funding of up to £1500 is available for RDPs in 2025/26, and it can be used to support, for example, research conversations, workshops, and network building.

Funds can be used to support costs to fund short visits of external visitors to Durham (travel and accommodation); fund the hosting of conferences and workshops (travel and accommodation for key participants); or to fund short visits for Durham research staff to visit other key researchers. 

Applying

The lead applicant must be an employed member of Durham University staff. The full application process is detailed here. Application is an easy online process.  

Applications must be made by midday Thursday 08 May 2025,  and the outcome will be communicated by w/e 23 May 2025. 

Support and guidance

The IAS staff are happy to discuss prospective applications in advance of the deadline, including the Director, Professor Alex Easton (alexander.easton@durham.ac.uk), or any of the IAS Co-Directors: Professor Gretchen Larsen (DBS, gretchen.larsen@durham.ac.uk); Professor Nayanika Mookherjee (SS, nayanika.mookherjee@durham.ac.uk), Dr Margarita Staykova (SCI, margarita.staykova@durham.ac.uk); and Professor Patrick Zuk (A&H patrick.zuk@durham.ac.uk).

Enquiries can also be made to the IAS Manager, Linda Crowe (ias.manager@durham.ac.uk).