British Academy International Writing Workshops 2025: Overview

The British Academy’s International Writing Workshops aim to support early-career researchers from developing countries.  This international writing workshop is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers from developing countries to polish their skills, and develop professional networks and research partnerships. This mentorship program is funded by the International Science Partnerships Fund that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) manages. The British Academy Program provides an opportunity for researchers to get career advice and pursue research writing. These workshops help participants publish in high-impact journals and foster professional networks. The British Academy is inviting proposals for Writing Workshops in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries. These workshops should aim to develop the skills of early career researchers, including supporting and promoting the uptake of their research in journals and publications.

The British Academy is the United Kingdom’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. It was founded in 1902 to promote excellence and advancement in disciplines that explore human culture, society, and behavior. The Academy supports research, fosters academic exchange, and engages in public outreach to share knowledge. The program opens applications on August 29, 2024, with a deadline of January 29, 2025, 17:00 GMT. Workshops are expected to start from March 1, 2025, with a duration of up to two years.

University/Institutions, Programs, and Duration

The lead applicant must be based at a UK university or eligible research institute, holding at least a postdoctoral-level position. The workshops involve partnerships between UK institutions and collaborators from countries such as Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, and others.

Institutions Involved:

Several renowned institutions are part of the program:

• Brunel University London (UK)
• University of Reading (UK)
• University College London (UK)
• University of Essex (UK)
• The Open University (UK)
• University of Cape Town (South Africa)
• University of Oxford (UK)
• University of Manchester (UK)
• University of Sussex (UK)

Additionally, these workshops include collaborations with international institutions from  Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries. The focus varies across workshops, from public health and sustainability management to decolonial studies and interdisciplinary research.

Country: UK/Different
British Academy Workshop Duration: 2 years

Study Areas

The British Academy International Writing Workshops focus on humanities and social sciences. These areas include but are not limited to:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Political Science
• History
• Philosophy
• Economics
• Cultural Studies
  The program encourages interdisciplinary research and aims to help early-career scholars from developing countries contribute to global academic discussions by publishing in impactful journals

Workshop Benefits

• Funding of up to £30,000 per award.
• Covers travel, subsistence, childcare support, conference costs, and consumables.
• It will be considered an eligible cost to support the contribution of non-UK-based Co-Applicants who are directly involved in helping to organize the workshop(s) in the country.
• Facilitates access to academic networks and journal editors.
• Aims to encourage and support early career researchers in developing countries to publish in high-impact journals
• These workshops are required to take place in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries.

Benefits Not Included

• Tuition fees or general academic scholarships.
• Workshops must align with the ODA eligibility criteria, focusing on development-related objectives.

Workshop Eligibilities

• The BA program is open to researchers from developing countries.
• Lead applicant must hold a postdoctoral or equivalent position in a UK-based research institution.
• The lead applicant must either be in a permanent position at the institution or have a fixed-term position for the duration of the award.
• Each application must have at least one co-applicant based in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and/or Least Developed Countries.
• Collaborations are required with partners from specified countries in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
• Projects must focus on research relevant to developing countries.
• ODA eligibility is an essential criterion – projects will only be deemed eligible for funding if they can demonstrate that they satisfy ODA eligibility criteria.

Required Documents

Applicants need to provide the following:

1. Project Proposal: A detailed outline of the workshop’s objectives, including how the research aligns with ODA (Official Development Assistance) guidelines.
2. Institutional Support Letters: Letters from both the UK institution and the partner institution(s) in the developing country, confirm their collaboration.
3. Budget Plan: An itemized budget showing how the grant will be used (e.g., travel, subsistence, childcare, and event costs).
4. CVs of Applicants: Curriculum vitae of the lead applicant and key collaborators, showcasing relevant research experience.
5. Evidence of Collaboration: Documents demonstrating the formal partnership with the co-researchers or institutions in eligible developing countries.

Application Process

1. Prepare a project proposal.
2. Collaborate with partners from eligible countries.
3. Submit your application through the Flexi-Grant® Grant Management System (GMS) system by the given deadline.

Tips for Successful Application

• Align your project closely with the ODA (Official Development Assistance) requirements.
• Highlight collaborative research efforts that benefit both the UK and partner institutions.

Why Choose This Program?

This workshop provides an excellent platform for early-career researchers to develop writing skills, engage with international networks, and publish in top-tier journals, enhancing their professional growth and contributions to global research.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the workshops?
   Postdoctoral researchers based at a UK institution, in partnership with eligible countries.
2. What are the funding limits?
   The maximum award is £30,000.
3. Can I apply without a partner from a developing country?
   No, partnerships with eligible countries are mandatory.
4. What costs are covered by the award?
   Travel, accommodation, childcare, and event organization costs.
5. When will the workshops begin?
   Earliest start date is March 1, 2025.

Official Link for More Details and Application

You can access full details and apply through the British Academy’s official website.