Research funding

UK bodies that offer research funding in LIS. This page was last updated June 2012.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) - Universities and HEIs
British Academy - For individual scholars
Eduserv Research Programme - Funds activity that aims to inform better use of technology and shared services in the public sector, health and academic communities. Findings are channelled into new and existing services and to increase understanding about the effective use of ICT within those communities
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC); funding opportunities – Universities and HEIs, plus general invitations to tender
Leverhulme Trust - Small grants to HEIs
LIRG research awards - for innovation to individuals for research work
Research Councils UK - Links to all major funding bodies
UK eInformation Group (UKEIG) awards - For individual professionals

Note: The British Library is currently not funding research.

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
Joseph Rowntree Trusts - Covers social justice which may tie in with LIS research. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is not a grant-making organisation and generally does not accept speculative enquiries for funding. They issue ‘calls for proposals’ and invite submissions to them.
LIRG Scan award – £500 to communicate existing research to practitioners
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust - Individual travel to make a difference

Bodies issuing grants aimed at institutions or individuals specifically based in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland

Arts Council England (successor to the MLA) – Supporting Libraries
CyMAL grants (Wales)
Libraries NI – Not currently funding research
Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)
Funding Scotland - General funding database which may include LIS research opportunities
Creative Scotland investment opportunties - individuals or organisations

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