Forthcoming RSA research funding opportunities

​The Regional Studies Association (RSA) provides a range of research funding opportunities to suit different career stages, and we are pleased to share details on forthcoming application deadlines with you.

We encourage non-members to apply for a grant and join the RSA simultaneously.

2022

Small Grant on Pandemics, Cities, Regions & Industry

This scheme aims to support a discrete piece of regional studies and/or regional science research on the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on regions, cities and industries. Topics could address specific countries, regions or cities, providing that wider implications for global audiences are addressed. This award is open to single applicants or a team of researchers. 

Value: up to £4,000 (c. $5,300; c. €4,700)

Application deadline: 5th September 2022

Research Network Grant Scheme

RSA Research Networks are formed by RSA members interested in meeting to examine an issue that responds to the aims and goals of the Association and is of interest and concern to members of the Association as well as non-members. The issue needs not necessarily have a direct policy focus, but the examination normally leads to policy-related conclusions.

Value: up to £10,000 (c. $12,000; c. €11800)

Application deadline: 29th November 2022

2023

Early Career Research Grant Scheme

This award is open to single applicants in their early career (a maximum of five years between the date shown on the PhD certificate and the application deadline). This funding supports a discrete piece of regional studies and/or regional science research. The grant has a maximum period of 18 months, and reporting conditions apply.  

Value: up to £10,000 (c. $13,300; c. €11,800)

Application deadlines (Expression of Interest): 10th May 2023

Membership Research Grant Scheme (MeRSA)

The RSA Membership Research Grant supports a discrete piece of regional studies and/or regional science research. This research funding scheme is intended primarily to provide opportunities for mid-career scholars who have already published in the regional studies and science field and who are Individual Members of the RSA. The award has a maximum period of 18 months, and reporting conditions apply.

Value: up to £5,000 (c. $6,600; c. €5,900)

Application deadline (Expression of Interest): 10th May 2023

Fellowship Research Grant Scheme (FeRSA)

This award is open to Fellows of the RSA only. RSA Fellows are members who have been continuous members for a minimum of 5 years and who have also been defined as “active members”. This means that they have contributed to the life of the Association through serving on the Board or committees, have spoken at conferences, have applied for funding etc.

Value: up to £7,500 (c. $10,000; c. €8,900)

Application deadline (Expression of Interest): 10th May 2023

Travel Grants

The RSA offers its members up to £500 towards travel costs when attending a non-RSA event. Recipients of the Travel Grant must be members of the Association at the time of the application, at the time of travel and the claim.

Value: up to £500 (c. $600; c. €570)

2023 Application deadlines: 23rd February, 25th May, 28th September and 23rd November 2023

RSA Awards 2023

Nominations (both self-nominations and third-party nominations) of current members are being sought for the following awards in regional studies and related fields:

  • Nathaniel Lichfield recent Master’s Award – for recent Master’s graduates who have graduated within the previous year;
  • Paul Benneworth PhD Student Award– for registered PhD students who have not yet received their certificate;
  • Routledge Early Career Award– for early career researchers defined as being within five years of their PhD certificate or equivalent date.

Value: £500 (c. $600; c. €570) and a certificate

Application deadline: 20th April 2023