Research Engagement Fund
Please note: this funding is only available to doctoral researchers who have been awarded funded studentships from SGSAH through the Applied Research Collaborative Studentships (ARCS), AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) and the AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDAs).
The Research Engagement Fund supports doctoral researchers to undertake activities that enhance their research, training and professional development.
The Research Engagement Fund can cover the following types of training and development activities:
- Essential language learning
- Fieldwork and archival visits
- Practice-based research costs, including materials, hire and artistic collaboration costs
- Specialist research and relevant professional training
- Knowledge Exchange (KE) and impact activities
- Visiting Doctoral Researcher Scheme (AHRC funded researchers only)
- Doctoral internships and artist residencies (further details of the separate application process in the Teams channel)
- Please note that conference funding is available to SFC-funded ARCS students only through the Research Engagement Fund.All AHRC-funded DTP researchers must apply directly through their institutions for funding to attend conferences through the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).
Visiting Doctoral Research
The Visiting Doctoral Researcher (VDR) Scheme forms part of the Research Engagement Fund which is available to doctoral researchers who are AHRC-funded via the DTP or CDA. The scheme offers the chance for visiting doctoral researchers to be hosted by an HEI external outwith Scotland, typically abroad, for up to six months. Previous SGSAH students have received funding to study at prestigious institutions in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and the United States, under the supervision of leading experts in their fields.
Please note:
- The VDR Scheme is available to AHRC-funded doctoral researchers only.
- Researchers may not undertake more than one VDR placement or Research Internship/Artist Residency during their doctoral studies.
- Applications should be submitted at least six months before the proposed start date.
Guidelines and Eligibility
Before applying, please read the Research Engagement Fund Guidance, which provides detailed information on:
- Eligibility
- Eligible and ineligible costs
- Budget preparation
- Assessment criteria
- Award administration
Read the Research Engagement Fund Guidance (PDF via Google Drive; opens in a new tab).
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the SGSAH online application portal using a single application form for both Research Engagement Funding and the Visiting Doctoral Researcher Scheme.
Application closing dates: 17:00 on the first Monday of every month (excluding public holidays).
We recommend submitting applications:
- At least three months before research engagement activities such as fieldwork, archival visits or training.
- At least six months before the planned start date of a VDR placement.
- Retrospective applications cannot be considered.
- Research Engagement Fund Guidance (PDF via Google Drive; opens in a new tab)