RSC Research Fund Grant

The RSC Research Fund Grant provides crucial support for early career researchers and those in developing countries who face limited access to research funds. With grants of up to £5000 for a duration of 12 months, eligible applicants can fund essential project components such as equipment, consumables, and software licenses. This initiative aims to empower researchers to initiate innovative projects that may otherwise lack financial backing, thereby fostering scientific advancement in underrepresented communities.

Our Research Fund supports members with limited access to research funds to start new projects, particularly those working in less well-funded institutes, those in developing countries and early career researchers.
What can I request funding for?
The scheme provides up to £5000 of funding for 12 months, covering:

• Chemicals and/or equipment
• Consumables
• Licences for specialist software required for the project
• Equipment repairs not covered by University funds
• Equipment access, for example at a synchrotron facility

Eligibility

In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:You are an RSC member (AMRSC or above).
You hold an independent research post (please see the terms & conditions document for full details).
You must not be currently holding another active Research Fund grant.
Current Research Enablement Grant holders may not apply for a Research Fund to support the same project. If, as a Research Enablement Grant holder, you apply to the Research Fund for a different project, reviewers will consider the application in the context of your current Research Enablement Grant.
Applications are limited to one per department and require support from your Head of Department.Typically, eligible applicants are:undertaking self-directed research, and
not employed on a supervisor or Principal Investigator’s grant, and
not otherwise benefiting from funding from a supervisor or Principal Investigator.Researchers employed on a Fellowship may apply but should be aware about explaining the need for the Research Fund grant on top of funds already included as part of the Fellowship; part of the grant's assessment criteria is the funding situation of the applicant
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

Departmental overheads (including office equipment)
Costs for the dissemination of the work (including conference attendance and publication costs)
Funding also should not replace or reduce institutional or funding agency support.We typically would not expect postdoctoral research associates (or equivalent) to be eligible