Here you can find more information about our internal funding schemes managed by LSE Research and Innovation. Our revamped funding calls were introduced from the 2024/25 academic year to ensure better thematic alignment, clear governance and assessment criteria, and defined outcomes for projects.
These schemes support the full research and innovation lifecycle, helping applicants navigate toward clear outcomes and achievements aligned with the objectives of our Research for the World Strategy.
Timeline
Open-ended and responsive schemes: Urgency Fund, Bridging Fund, Innovation Fund, REF Impact Case Study Support Fund
Scheduled internal funding schemes: The timeline below applies to the remaining internal funding schemes, which operate through scheduled funding calls
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Term
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Opening date
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Closing date
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Outcomes
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Autumn
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September 2026
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5pm, Friday 9 October 2026
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From Wednesday 9 December 2026
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Spring
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5pm, Friday 19 March 2027
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From Thursday 20 May 2027
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As part of an ongoing system migration, the application form will be temporarily unavailable from 7 to 21 September. During this period, you will not be able to access or submit an application form. If you are planning to apply in the upcoming Autumn call, please take this temporary closure into account when planning your application.
Support & Guidance
All the latest updates are reflected in our revised forms and guidance. Please make sure to use the most recent published versions on the scheme pages.
If you are considering applying, please contact the relevant team below ASAP for support before submitting your proposal:
For full details of of the team member supporting your unit/ department/ centre, please refer to our Contacts Page or to the individual scheme’s page.
For any questions related to this new funding structure, please contact ri.internalschemes@lse.ac.uk
Internal Funding Schemes
The Defence Spotlight Theme aims to bring interdisciplinary social-science expertise to bear on defence, security and societal resilience, supporting projects that strengthen, scrutinise or critically examine defence policies, institutions and technologies.
Please note that the Spotlight Theme is not a discrete funding scheme. Applicants must apply to either the Seed Research Fund, Engagement and Partnerships Fund, Impact Fund or Innovation Fund, indicating that you are applying to the ‘Spotlight Theme’ rather than the ‘Open’ call.
Please click HERE for further information.
The Seed Research Fund aims to fund world-class research undertaken to acquire new knowledge and early-stage impact activity linked to the research that is known at the time of application. Successful proposals will have new and larger scale research ideas for external funding, that raise awareness and visibility of research, and develop research management skills.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the Seed Research Fund.
The Engagement and Partnerships Fund aims to fund communication, dissemination, and other engagement activities with non-academic audiences, or scope and develop emerging connections for engagement and collaboration, or grow existing relationships into more strategic and sustainable ones. Successful proposals will articulate plans to identify and engage new audiences, or establish/develop collaborations and partnerships, in ways that create pathways from ongoing or completed research to impact and downstream benefit.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Engagement & Partnerships Fund.
The Impact Fund aims to fund projects that develop, grow, and strengthen pathways to non-academic impact of all kinds with clearly identified collaborators, partners, and/or beneficiaries. Projects will outline convincing plans to develop, evaluate, and/or collect evidence of impacts and must be demonstrably connected to ongoing and completed research. Anticipated impacts may be in local, national, or international contexts.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Impact Fund.
The REF Impact Case Study Support Fund aims to support the School's preparation of excellent impact case studies to be submitted to REF 2029. It can be used to support one or more case studies, at any stage of the process. This may include new, unexpected, but high-potential opportunities or maximising and/or accelerating impacts of projects already in train to raise the quality and likely score of an existing draft.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE REF Impact Case Study Support Fund.
The Innovation Fund aims to fund novel and ambitious innovation activity based on LSE research and early-stage impact, that seeks to translate research into new products, processes, and services for a target audience or customer. Successful proposals will have ideas for innovative products, processes, and services, or the development of innovation pathways and evidence, and business and commercial skills.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Innovation Fund.
The Urgency Fund provides funding for unexpected and urgent research activities that meet two essential criteria: excellence and immediacy. The scheme supports urgent research where immediate data collection is required, world-class research addressing unpredictable and abrupt events—such as pandemics, conflicts, environmental impacts, and policy changes—that deliver short-term impact and enhance LSE's reputation.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Urgency Fund.
The LSE Bridging Fund is designed to provide short-term financial support to fixed-term research and policy staff who experience a gap between the end of one externally funded project and the start of another confirmed project.
This fund aims to retain research talent and ensure continuity in research activities during transitional periods.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Bridging Fund.
Collaborative Research Funding Schemes with Global Partners
The International Strategy and Academic Partnerships (ISAP) team, within LSE Philanthropy and Global Engagement (PAGE), manages various collaborative funding opportunities to support research collaboration between LSE and its global partners across a wide range of disciplines.
Our global partners have matched LSE’s committed funds, increasing the overall pool of available funding.
Browse the schemes below for specific guidance and deadlines.
The LSE-Georgetown University Research Seed Fund supports collaborative research between LSE and Georgetown University. Each awarded project will receive up to £20,000 (approx. $25,800) in total, with up to £10,000 contributed by each institution. To be eligible, proposals must include at least one researcher from each university. Prior collaboration is not required.
Successful proposals will demonstrate that, if funded, they may lead to external joint funding proposals by identifying potential funders or schemes; and/or contribute high-quality, peer-reviewed co-authored research papers for publication in top journals in the relevant field, as well as high-quality policy-related papers; and/or strengthen long-term academic collaboration between LSE and Georgetown University.
Applications will reopen in 2026
Please click HERE for the 2024/2025 guidance on making an application to the LSE-Georgetown University Research Seed Fund.
The LSE-NYU Research Seed Fund supports research projects in one of three themes: Data Science, AI & Society; Urban Challenges, and Media and Communications. Funding of up to £10,000 per project is available. To be eligible, proposals must include at least one researcher from each institution – prior collaboration is not required. Faculty may partner with colleagues from any of NYU’s global branches, including Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and the newest addition, NYU London.
Successful proposals will demonstrate that, if funded, they may lead to external joint funding proposals by identifying potential funders or schemes; and/or contribute high quality, peer-reviewed co-authored research papers for publication in top journals and/or high-quality policy-related papers; and/or strengthen long-term academic collaboration between LSE and NYU.
Applications now open
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE-NYU Research Seed Fund.
Researchers from LSE and NYU who are interested in forming new collaborative teams for the LSE-NYU Research Seed Fund are invited to complete this short form by 11 February 2026 to share your interests and connect with LSE and NYU researchers for potential collaborative projects.
LSE and Singapore Management University (SMU) supports projects in one of the following key themes: Urban Sustainability; AI and the Future of Work, and Longevity and Healthy Ageing. Funding of up to £15,000 per project is available for LSE Principal Investigators (PIs), and up to SGD 25,000 per project for SMU PIs.
Applications now open
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE-SMU Research Seed Fund.
The inaugural research seed fund is open to researchers from all schools and research centres at both SMU and LSE. Proposals must include at least one researcher from each institution. This fund supports both existing LSE-SMU collaborators and new partnerships - prior collaboration is not required. Looking for an SMU collaborator? Please complete this networking form by 13 February 2026.
Successful proposals will demonstrate that, if funded, they may lead to external joint funding proposals by identifying potential funders or schemes; and/or contribute high quality, peer-reviewed co-authored research papers for publication in top journals and/or high-quality policy-related papers; and/or strengthen long-term academic collaboration between LSE and SMU.
The LSE-Tsinghua University Sustainability Research Fund is a seed funding scheme available to researchers from all schools and research centres at both universities working across key sustainability themes, including:
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Generating sustainable growth and energy transitions
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Creating sustainable finance and business models
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Mobilising political, legal, and governance systems for sustainability
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Protecting and enhancing nature and biodiversity
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Building sustainable societies
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Promoting sustainability in public health and well-being
Applications now closed
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to LSE-Tsinghua University Sustainability Research Fund.
Call open date to be advised
The CIVICA Call for Thematic Activities supports faculty, postdocs and PhD students in creating workshops, conferences and research events that strengthen collaboration across the alliance. CIVICA will fund small-scale workshops, conferences and collaborative research events that strengthen ties across the alliance. Activities should connect to CIVICA’s core themes, involve several partner universities, and highlight the added value of European collaboration. Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students are encouraged to participate as part of the project teams. Only CIVICA faculty, postdocs and PhDs can receive funding. Applications take the form of a joint proposal with colleagues from at least four CIVICA universities.
Applications to this call are supported by Research and Innovation & PAGE.
Contact: Rebecca Sealy, European Partnerships Co-ordinator (CIVICA)
This call is closed to applications
The CIVICA Faculty Short Visits scheme supports faculty and postdoctoral researchers from CIVICA universities who wish to spend 2–5 days at another partner institution. The visits are designed to foster cross-university collaboration, expand research networks and strengthen CIVICA’s European academic community. Activities may include giving a CIVICA-branded talk, participating in conferences, running workshops for PhDs or exploring new joint research projects.
Applications to this call are supported by Research and Innovation & PAGE.
Contact: Rebecca Sealy, European Partnerships Co-ordinator (CIVICA)
Other match-funded joint schemes with LSE’s global partners are currently under development. Further details will be published here soon, so please check this page regularly.
If you have any questions about the collaborative research funding schemes, please contact global@lse.ac.uk.
Further information on existing internal funding opportunities can be found below.
Research-related internal funding opportunities
| Centrally Coordinated Schemes |
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| Link and brief abstract | Administering unit | Closing date |
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GSoS PhD Small Project Grants
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Research and Innovation
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Open - rolling call
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The Global School of Sustainability (GSoS) PhD Small Project Grants Scheme supports doctoral researchers to undertake primary research and engagement activities. Its aim is to embed real‑world engagement and impact early in doctoral study, while strengthening the School’s research culture and interdisciplinary collaboration. Read more
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Global Sustainability Research Fund
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Research and Innovation
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13th February 2026
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The Global Sustainability Research Fund is LSE’s flagship research fund for ambitious, creative, and impactful sustainability research activities that increase the stock of knowledge on this crucial topic, and/or that supports impact, knowledge exchange, and communications activities delivered through dissemination and outreach to key stakeholders including the general public. Read more
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LSE Global Research Consortium Fund
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Research & Innovation & PAGE
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30 January 2026 and 15 May 2026
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The Global Research Consortium Fund (GRCF) supports larger interdisciplinary teams - with at least three LSE Principal Investigators - in developing ambitious international research networks or consortia tackling global challenges. Activities may include development meetings, joint seminars, and intensive workshops. Projects should outline a clear pathway to outcomes such as: applying for external funding, producing high-quality co-authored publications or policy papers, establishing strategic research partnerships or networks with global partners. Funding available: up to £10,000 per project. Read more
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Summer of Research Culture Pilot Projects
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Research and Innovation
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25 April 2025
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LSE is inviting applications to the internal call for second round of the Summer of Research Culture Pilot Projects. The purpose of this funding is to provide Departments, Institutes and Centres with funds that can be used to support initiatives that contribute to the enrichment of the School’s research culture. Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. Research culture at LSE is the way we approach, conduct and understand research and impact, and how we support the diverse people in our research environment. Further information on research culture at LSE can be found here.
Grants up to £5,000 will be provided to support the implementation of innovative projects that demonstrate the potential to significantly enhance the research culture within the respective department, centre, or institute and have the potential of being adopted across the School.
This initiative is funded by Research England’s Enhancing Research Culture fund. The funds are distributed to HEIs to pilot new initiatives, increase the scale of already-proven activities and continue activities already supported via this funding stream, in accordance with the Government’s R&D People and Culture Strategy.
The scheme will prioritise projects that work across multiple departments, centres and/or institutes to achieve the aims of the scheme.
The intended outcomes of the scheme will be to support strategy outcomes:
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The environment in which researchers work allows them to flourish, maximise their potential and achieve their aspirations.
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The research ecosystem at LSE encourages and facilitates innovative, creative thought leadership through a vibrant, exciting and progressive mix of initiatives, opportunities and support.
All funds must be spent by Thursday 31 July 2025. Awardees will be requested to submit a report by the end of September 2025 on the activities undertaken, the levels of engagement and the proposed next steps. See section 3 for the full eligibility criteria.
Please download the full Guidance Notes HERE.
Further help and support on developing research culture ideas can be obtained by contacting Senior Research Culture Manager, Catherine Ulmer. If you’d like to arrange a meeting with Catherine to discuss your application in more depth, please contact her by Friday 4 April 2025 so a meeting can be organised before the School’s spring closure period.
Applications should be submitted by the Head, Director, Manager or agreed research delegate via the following link: Summer of Research Application Form for Depts.
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LSE Global Research Fund
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Research and Innovation & PAGE
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30 January 2026 and 15 May 2026
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The Global Research Fund (GRF) supports individual LSE researchers in research-led activities, especially collaborative research that leads to publications and grant applications involving international research partners. Activities may include development meetings, joint seminars, and intensive workshops. Funding available: up to £5,000 per project. Read more
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CIVICA Thematic Research Activities
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Research and Innovation & PAGE
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To be advised
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The CIVICA Call for Thematic Activities supports faculty, postdocs and PhD students in creating workshops, conferences and research events that strengthen collaboration across the alliance. CIVICA will fund small-scale workshops, conferences and collaborative research events that strengthen ties across the alliance. Activities should connect to CIVICA’s core themes, involve several partner universities, and highlight the added value of European collaboration. Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students are encouraged to participate as part of the project teams. Only CIVICA faculty, postdocs and PhDs can receive funding. Applications take the form of a joint proposal with colleagues from at least four CIVICA universities.
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Open Access Article Processing Charges (APCs)
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Library
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Open
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Funding is available for APCs from the following sources: UKRI, European Commission and LSE. LSE provides an internal fund to support the publication of outputs which haven't received any funding and are going to be accepted in born open access journals. Contact the Library team to apply
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Unit Coordinated Schemes
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Link and brief abstract
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Administering unit
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Closing date
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Research Project Proposals
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Hellenic Observatory
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To be advised
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Applications open once per year from researchers to conduct time-sensitive and globally competitive policy relevant research on contemporary Greece and/or Cyprus. Awards of up to £20,000 or £8,000 depending on the theme. Applicants must be associated with LSE and have at least two years post-doctoral experience. Read more
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Research Funding Programme
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International Growth Centre (IGC)
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Biannual call
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Funding research projects relevant to economic growth policies in developing countries, across the four IGC research themes. The Research Programme focuses on cutting-edge, policy-relevant academic research shaping effective economic growth policies in the global south. The Country Programme focuses on high-quality economic growth research addressing the policy needs of IGC’s partner countries. Read more
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AFSEE Atlantic Equity Challenge
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International Inequalities Institute
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To be advised
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The AEQ research grant offers researchers and practitioners an opportunity to undertake innovate, solutions-oriented, collaborative research and thinking directed at tackling social and economic inequalities. Open to any LSE academic or research staff. Funding up to £100,000. Read more
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Research Innovation Fund
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International Inequalities Institute
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To be advised
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Up to £10,000 to support and facilitate research and research-related activities relevant to any aspect of inequality will be considered. Grants are for members of LSE academic staff on salary band 7 or above, whose continuous employment demonstrates a substantial long-term commitment to the School. Read more
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LSE Kuwait Academic Collaborations
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Middle East Centre
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EOI: 3 April 2026
Full application: 4 May 2026
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This call invites applications for academic collaborative research projects in social, political, and economic sciences between researchers at LSE and at universities and research institutions in Kuwait. Up to £90,000 for each project is available. Please click HERE for further guidance on how to apply.
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SEAC Research Fund
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Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
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To be advised
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SEAC's Research Fund provides support to LSE academic staff at Assistant Professor/Assistant Professorial Research Fellow level or above, and SEAC Associates. The Fund aims to promote high-quality research on the Southeast Asia region. For any queries or more information on this scheme please email: seac.admin@lse.ac.uk. Read more
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SEAC Seminar Series and Networking Grant
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Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
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Open
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Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC) welcomes applications from staff and early career researchers (including PhD students) based at LSE to produce seminar series, study groups or networking events focusing on social science issues relating to Southeast Asia. Read more
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SEAC Stipendiary Visiting Researcher Scheme
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Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
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To be advised
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SEAC stipendiary visiting appointments are normally up to 3 months (minimum duration 6 weeks) and the Centre does not normally host appointments outside of LSE term dates. Read more
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STICERD Grants for LSE Staff
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STICERD
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Biannual call
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STICERD provides grants to fund research and research-related activities from LSE staff whose continuous employment demonstrates a substantial long-term commitment to the School. Support is offered in two main categories: Small Grants and Conferences. Applications will be considered twice a year at the Winter and Spring term meetings of the Steering Committee. Read more
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Full details of funding opportunities for KEI and research engagement activities can be found here.
Other internal funding opportunities (non-research)
| Link and brief abstract | Administering unit | Closing date |
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Eden Catalyst Fund
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Eden Centre
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Open
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The fund supports initiatives which contribute to the development and delivery of education enhancement activity at the School in line with LSE 2030. Up to £10,000 is available. Read more
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Fellowships for LSE Staff
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Eden Centre
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Various
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The Eden Centre offers a number of different fellowship schemes for LSE academic staff:
Eden HEA Fellowships
SOTL Fellowships
Inclusive Education Action Plan Fellowships focussed on Decolonising
Eden Development Fellowships
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STICERD Visitors Programme
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STICERD
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Open
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Enables academics, normally from abroad, to visit the School for an extended period and interact with staff and students. Funding up to £2k per month, with the nominating individual/unit offering matching funding. Read more
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Can't find relevant funding?
Contact Research and Innovation on +44 (0)20 7852 3727 or rescon@lse.ac.uk.
If your academic unit or division funds research or other activities that are not listed here, get in touch.