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The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

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Applying for a Decade of Centenaries Bursary

The Decade of Centenaries bursary scheme in honour of the late Dr Éamon Phoenix.

The aim of this scheme which was established by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as part of the commemorative programme for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries is to encourage new local research and local history studies (local, national and regional) as a means of recognising the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study relating to the struggle for independence and the civil war period within their communities;

The scheme also aims to prioritise making the outputs of the research freely available to the public with a view to contributing to a significant and publicly accessible legacy for the Decade of Centenaries;

  • The purpose of this grant is to provide support for the direct costs of research up to a maximum of €10,000;
  • Typically awards will be made in the region of €5,000-€10,000 but smaller projects will also be considered;
  • The full guidelines for the scheme can be found here
  • ​The application form is available here

All queries can be sent to grants@ria.ie

Applications are welcomed which focus on any of the themes listed below:

  • New research to explore local legacies, personalities, places, events, and themes that have particular significance within communities, parishes and counties;
  • New research to explore the fates of the minority communities on both sides of the border following Partition;
  • New research to explore the contribution and experiences of women during this period, e.g. women’s participation in political, military, professional and domestic roles;
  • New research exploring Ireland and the Wider World, including local connections, emigration, and the role of the Irish Diaspora in the events that occurred during this period; Ireland’s admission into the League of Nations and Ireland’s membership of the International Labour Organisation.
  • New research exploring a changing society during this period, focusing on social history; popular social, cultural, and civic movements; the Irish language; creative thinking and the arts; sport; and innovation;
  • New research exploring nationhood, identity, and State-Building – the establishment of a new Irish Free State and the challenges faced by the emerging Irish State;
  • New research exploring how the events of this period have been remembered and commemorated within families, communities and parishes over the past century – how the process of commemoration has evolved.
  • ​New comparative research exploring the Irish period and associated themes in an International context.  
  • New research exploring ‘Emotions, experiences, and expectations’ – what was felt and what was hoped for through revolution, civil war, and beyond. 
  • ‘History and commemoration revisited’ – new research reflecting on the Decade of Centenaries – its impact and legacy.
  • New research exploring ‘The process of rebuilding a nation’ – reflections on healing, repairing, and re-building following the Civil War

How to apply

A completed application form, which will include the name and contact details of two referees and a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the proposal

Who can apply

  • We invite applications from researchers across all career stages, both professional researchers including doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as local historians, independent scholars etc. whose research focuses on a region or locality
  • There is no requirement for an applicant to be a university graduate however applicants must demonstrate that their research is likely to constitute a significant and scholarly contribution to historical knowledge
  • The grant is open to candidates engaged in historical research on fields of study relating to the Struggle for of Independence and the Civil War period in Ireland within their communities in line with the themes listed above
  • ​All applicants, whether based in Ireland or elsewhere must propose working on an Irish local history project, drawing on Irish-based sources

Submission deadline

The Centenaries Bursary opens on 15 February 2023 and closes on 5 April 2023.

All queries can be sent to grants@ria.ie

Appeals

The Royal Irish Academy has an agreed set of procedures and responsibilities for appeals in connection with a decision to decline funding of a grant application. For further information see here

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