We are delighted to announce that, in addition to our established BARS funding streams – most of which are limited to early career and postgraduate applicants – this year we are launching a new scheme open to our entire membership: the Open Fellowship.
The Open Fellowship is available to scholars at any career stage undertaking exceptional work at the forefront of Romantic studies to support research expenses of up to £2000. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, costs emerging from: travel and accommodation for research-focused or archival visits; photocopying and digitisation; caring commitments; producing and circulating teaching resources; organising and delivering public outreach activities; setting up and running networks or collaborations; set-up and maintenance costs for online platforms such as blogs and websites.
Awards will be made based upon the significance and relevance of the project rather than upon the career status or affiliation of the applicant. Application for the award is highly competitive and cannot be made retrospectively. Applicants are encouraged to consider applying for the maximum amount, if appropriate, although submitting applications below the threshold will not adversely affect the judgement of the awarding panel. Please indicate any relevant existing funding – match funding (whether cash or in-kind) will be looked upon positively. We anticipate awarding one Open Fellowship in any given year; in exceptional circumstances, additional awards may be made. Successful applicants need not be based in the UK, but must be members of BARS before taking up the award.
Please download and complete the linked form when applying for this scheme.
The name(s) of the recipient(s) will be announced on the BARS website and social media, and the awardee or awardees will be asked to submit a short report to the BARS Executive Committee within four weeks of the completion of all related activities and to acknowledge BARS in relevant publicity, including publications. Reports may also be published on the BARS Blog where this is appropriate. Applications and informal queries should be directed to the Bursaries Officer, Dr Gerard McKeever (gerard.mckeever@ed.ac.uk) at the University of Edinburgh. If you require further guidance about the funding aspects of the scheme, please feel free to contact the Treasurer, Dr Cassie Ulph (bars.treasurer@gmail.com). There will be one round of the BARS Open Fellowship in each calendar year: the closing date for the 2024 round will be 5pm on Friday, 10 November 2023. In usual circumstances, applicants will be informed of the panel’s decision within four weeks of this closing date. It is anticipated that the successful applicant(s) would take up their award as close to the commencement of 2024 as practicable.