Every year the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) invites applications for our small Thematic Research Grants. These funds are usually dispersed through two calls for applications per year. This is the first call for applications in the 2021/22 year. Please pay attention to this webpage in November 2021 for the second 2021/22 grant call deadline information.
The BIEA invites applications for funding for
original research projects in any discipline in the humanities and
social sciences in eastern Africa. Projects that fall outside of these
disciplinary areas are not considered (for example, we do not fund projects in
STEM subjects). However, projects in Africa beyond eastern Africa may be
considered. We define eastern Africa as stretching from Sudan down to
Mozambique, and Zambia across to Madagascar. We particularly welcome
applications from researchers or research teams who have limited access to
other sources of funds, and which engage with one or more of the
following thematic areas. Priority is given to researchers
based in the UK or eastern Africa.
- Epidemics, pandemics and epizootics
- Citizens and science
- Knowing environments
- Technologies of politics
- Urban lives
- Retelling the past
The BIEA seeks to support early career researchers
and scholars in eastern Africa, and is keen to fund small projects that lay the
ground for larger projects. Researchers may include postgraduate students
in eastern African or the UK; people who have not followed conventional
research careers but whose local knowledge or contacts make them well-fitted to
conduct high quality research; and/or collaborative projects which might
involve more established scholars but where the resources are ring-fenced for early
career or Africa-based project partners.
Grants are normally between £500 and £1,000,
but up to £1,500 may be awarded. The grant should contribute towards actual
research costs and not include institutional overheads, equipment, and
applicant’s stipend or publication costs.
The application form with details of supporting documents required can be downloaded here. The form and all supporting documents (including two references) must be submitted by email to [email protected] by Friday 14 May 2021. Please note that late applications will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be notified in June 2021. If you have not heard from us by the end of June, please consider your application unsuccessful this time. Queries should be addressed to [email protected]