Applying for an Archaeological Research for World Heritage Sites scheme grant

Information required to apply for 2024 

In order to make an application for funding you will need to familiarise yourself with the Guidelines for applicants document which you can view here.

Applications are accepted for the following 

Proposals for non-destructive archaeological research, which may include inter alia surveys, such as mapping, LIDAR, building surveys, measured surveys of earthworks, geophysics, fieldwalking, palynology, soil sampling and public archaeology initiatives.

How to apply 

A completed application form including: 

• A letter from one named referee who is independent of the project, verifying the applicant’s competence to undertake the research
• Where relevant, a letter from the landowner stating that the applicant has discussed the application with them and that there is permission in principle for the work
• Where relevant, a letter from the NMS stating that the applicant has discussed the application and that there is permission in principle for the proposed work
• Where relevant, a copy of the Ordnance Survey map with the site or sites marked.
• Where relevant, a copy of a detailed quotation received from proposed specialist/s.
• In the case of research applications associated with a Tentative List site, each application must be accompanied by a letter from the lead Local Authority/Steering Group stating that they agree to the proposal and outlining how it will help contribute to the development of related World Heritage Nomination Dossier.

An application will be deemed ineligible if it does not include all required supporting documentation and confirmations.

Costs and activities which are eligible 

• Research costs, specialist’s fees, travel and subsistence.
• Salary costs of grant recipients are considered an eligible cost if, in order to participate in the project they must have their time ‘bought out’, or they must take time out from their usual employment, or would not be funded to do this work without the grant funding and are not simultaneously in receipt of another income. As the Academy can only reimburse costs which are supported by evidence of payment any request to reimburse salary costs must be supported by evidence that the salary has been paid (in the form of payslips, paid invoices etc.) from the employing body.

Costs and activities which are ineligible 

• Applications for projects directly connected to postgraduate studies in a third level institution are excluded.

• The grant does not fund institutional overheads, and the grant cannot be used to cover any element that should be properly ascribed to institutional overheads.

• The purchase of items of equipment (e.g. cameras or survey equipment) that researchers would normally be expected to have are ineligible.

• Applications from any applicant who has an outstanding requirement to submit a report, under a statutory/consent or licence, shall be ineligible unless they have agreed a submission date for outstanding reports and have an official Compliance Letter from NMS agreeing to this.

Who can apply 

This scheme is open to archaeological researchers/archaeologists. It is not open to undergraduate or postgraduate students, or PhD candidates.

Submission deadline 

The Archaeological Research for World Heritage Sites Scheme opened on 4th September and will close on 12th October 2023.

All queries can be sent to grants@ria.ie