Here you can find more information about our internal funding schemes managed by LSE Research and Innovation. Our revamped funding calls are being introduced from the start of academic year 2024-25 to ensure better thematic alignment, clear governance and assessment criteria, and defined outcomes for projects.
These schemes focus on the whole research and innovation lifecycle, facilitating easier navigation to distinct outcomes and achievements for applicants in alignment with the objectives outlined in our Research for the World Strategy.
Timeline
The below timeline applies to all new internal schemes barring the LSE Urgency Fund. Due to the nature of this fund, the scheme is open-ended and responsive.
| Term |
Opening date |
Closing date |
Outcomes |
| Autumn |
Sunday 1 September 2024 |
Friday 11 October 2024 |
From Monday 9 December 2024 |
| Winter |
January 2025 |
Friday 31 January 2025 |
From Monday 31 March 2025 |
| Spring |
April 2025 |
Friday 16 May 2025 |
From Monday 21 July 2025 |
Support & Guidance
A guidance document has been developed which explains the process of applying to the School's internal funding schemes.
If you are unable to find the answer to your questions, please leave a comment via our FAQ feature. Colleagues will endeavour to respond to your query as soon as possible.
If you are considering making an application, we strongly encourage you to contact one of the designated research managers for your chosen scheme as soon as possible. They can provide valuable support and guidance before you submit your application.
For information on the designated contacts for each scheme, please refer to the individual scheme pages.
For any questions related to this new funding structure, please contact Mariane Bignotto.
New Internal Funding Schemes 2024-2025
This scheme 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 LSE Pilot Research, Dissemination and Impact Fund.
This scheme aims to fund new non-academic partner scoping, development of emerging connections for engagement and collaboration, or growth of existing relationships into more strategic and sustainable partnerships. Successful proposals will establish new partnerships in external funding and strategic ventures in-line with LSE strategy, opening novel impact pathways, and developing networking skills.
Please click HERE for guidance on making an application to the LSE Engagement and Partnerships Development Fund.
This scheme aims to fund outstanding knowledge exchange and engagement projects with clear pathways to impact and clearly identified partners and beneficiaries. Projects will outline convincing plans to develop, evaluate, and evidence impacts and must be demonstrably connected to excellent 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 Development and Evaluation Fund.
This scheme 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.
Funding is available for unexpected and urgent research activities that meet two essential criteria: excellence and immediacy. The scheme supports two categories: (1) urgent staff bridging to extend contracts during gaps between excellent external research awards and (2) 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.
Further information on existing internal funding opportunities can be found below.
Research-related internal funding opportunities
| Centrally Coordinated Schemes |
|---|
| Link and brief abstract | Administering unit | Closing date |
|---|
|
Summer of Research Culture Pilot Projects
|
Research and Innovation
|
To be advised
|
|
LSE is inviting applications for 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. 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. Read more
|
|
LSE Global Research Fund
|
Research and Innovation & PAGE
|
25 March 2025
|
|
The Global Research Fund (GRF) supports research-led activities, especially collaborative research that leads to publications and grant applications involving multiple partners. Applicants are invited to submit applications to support collaboration with UK institutions and/or international institutions. Read more
|
|
CIVICA Thematic Research Activities
|
Research and Innovation & PAGE
|
To be advised
|
|
LSE faculty, along with postdoctoral researchers and/or doctoral students in CIVICA universities are invited to submit proposals for Thematic Research Activities (workshops, conferences, etc) and/or research proposals for seed-funding. The call aims to foster collaborative research activities, to further existing links within the alliance, or to establish new ones. Applications should be made via the Research Development team in Research and Innovation. Read more
|
|
Open Access Article Processing Charges (APCs)
|
Library
|
Open
|
|
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
|
|
Unit Coordinated Schemes
|
|
Link and brief abstract
|
Administering unit
|
Closing date
|
|
Research Project Proposals
|
Hellenic Observatory
|
To be advised
|
|
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
|
|
Research Funding Programme
|
International Growth Centre (IGC)
|
Biannual call
|
|
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
|
|
AFSEE Atlantic Equity Challenge
|
International Inequalities Institute
|
To be advised
|
|
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
|
|
Research Innovation Fund
|
International Inequalities Institute
|
To be advised
|
|
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
|
|
LSE Academic Collaboration with Arab Universities. Funded by the Emirates Foundation.
|
Middle East Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
The programme supports academic collaboration and knowledge transfer between researchers at LSE and Arab universities. The projects involve collaborative research or academic capacity building.
Aims:
• Promote high calibre research by scholars at LSE and Arab universities.
• Support academic excellence at Arab universities.
• Strengthen academic collaboration and knowledge transfer between LSE and Arab universities. Read more
|
|
LSE Kuwait Academic Collaborations
|
Middle East Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
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.
|
|
LSE Kuwait Fellowships
|
Middle East Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
Based in the Middle East Centre, or in one of LSE’s research centres or academic departments, this Fellowship will enable the successful candidates to pursue research relevant to the Kuwait Programme for three months. Applications are invited from researchers based at academic or research institutions in Kuwait who have a PhD or equivalent experience and wish to develop their research capacity and output. Read more
|
|
LSE Kuwait Programme Research Grants
|
Middle East Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
This call invites applications from LSE colleagues to conduct time-sensitive and globally competitive policy-relevant research on contemporary Kuwait. Up to £34,000 for each project is available. Read more
|
|
SEAC Research Fund
|
Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
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
|
|
SEAC Seminar Series and Networking Grant
|
Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
|
Open
|
|
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
|
|
SEAC Stipendiary Visiting Researcher Scheme
|
Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
|
To be advised
|
|
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
|
|
STICERD Grants for LSE Staff
|
STICERD
|
Biannual call
|
|
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
|
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 |
|---|
|
Eden Catalyst Fund
|
Eden Centre
|
Open
|
|
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
|
|
Fellowships for LSE Staff
|
Eden Centre
|
Various
|
|
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
|
|
STICERD Visitors Programme
|
STICERD
|
Open
|
|
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
|
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.