Interdisciplinary Research Development Award

Scheme Objectives

The aim of this scheme is to provide pump-priming funding to progress new interdisciplinary research ideas and other speculative early-stage activities (such as network development) to a point where a funding application can be submitted to an external funder for a significant research project or other long-term continuation of the pilot activity.

Research ideas submitted to this scheme should be beyond the speculative and shaping phase and should be aiming for proof of concept in order to strengthen a future funding application. Support for ideas that have not reached this stage is available through the IAS ConversationsLink opens in a new window scheme.

Successful applications should clearly demonstrate how they will:

• Foster meaningful interdisciplinary research collaborations that may include international partners
• Contribute to the development of Warwick-centred research projects or networks
• Establish the basis for future research funding bids & longer term sustainability of the proposed activity.

Applications focused on a single applicant or discipline, or those supporting already-established activities are unlikely to be funded. We encourage you to consider Spotlight funding and the Warwick Institute for Engagement (WIE) if your applications are relevant to these categories. If this is the case, please state in your application whether funding is also being sought from the Spotlights/WIE, and if not, why this is the case. This scheme does not provide funding to support conferences.

---

Eligibility

• Open to Warwick-based staff only
• Principal Applicants must be:
  • Permanent (including probationary) Warwick academic staff, or
  • Holders of externally funded fellowships that extend beyond the proposed activity
• IAS Fellows (P2K, EUTOPIA-SIF, Early Career, Associate) may also apply as Principal Applicants as long as their fellowship extends beyond the proposed activity
• Co-investigators can be from Warwick or other institutions

Activities supported by this funding are expected to take place at Warwick or Warwick-affiliated locations such as Venice or The Shard.

Projects should be completed and all expenditure incurred before the end of the financial year (31/7/2026)

---

Assessment and Funding

Applications are assessed by non-specialist reviewers. Assessment will be based on how the proposed activity delivers the objectives of the scheme, the quality of planned activities and outputs, value for money and the mechanisms for sustaining the activity, including any future funding applications. For IAS Fellows, the potential impact on career development is also considered.

You may request up to £5000 and all proposed budgets must be justified and compliant with Warwick’s financial procedures.

Once awarded the IAS will provide a cost code to the home department of the Principal Investigator. All administrative activity in support of the funded activity is the responsibility of the PI and the home department including any further approvals needed before the activity can commence (e.g Ethical approval or the appointment of staff).