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Call for Proposals: Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund (UK and Hungary)

Deadline: 07-Jan-2026

The Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund provides targeted support for research on antiquities, historical geography, early history, and arts related to ancient India, China, and Iran. Grants of up to £3,500–£5,000 fund exploratory projects over a maximum of 24 months, covering direct research expenses for British or Hungarian postdoctoral researchers and equivalent scholars.

Programme Overview

The Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund, managed by the British Academy, aims to support exploratory research that enhances understanding of ancient civilizations in India, China, and Iran. It prioritizes original, methodologically sound, and feasible projects with a clear plan for research outcomes.

Eligible Research Areas

  • Antiquities

  • Historical geography

  • Early history

  • Arts of regions linked to ancient India, China, and Iran

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Typically £3,500; exceptional cases up to £5,000

  • Duration: Up to 24 months

  • Eligible Costs:

    • Travel and accommodation for research purposes

    • Planning and development costs

    • Consumables and research materials

    • Research assistance

    • Specialist software

    • Interpreters

    • Short-term consultancy

    • Preparation of essential illustrative materials

    • Certain translation, conservation, or childcare costs under specified conditions (Additional Needs Fund)

  • Ineligible Costs: Institutional overheads, hardware, books, permanent equipment, editorial tasks, publications, teaching replacement, personal maintenance, non-research travel, and conferences for dissemination

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality: British or Hungarian

  • Experience: Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience

  • Project Status: Must be original, clearly defined, and not yet commenced

  • Grant Limitations:

    • Only one British Academy grant may be held/applied for at a time

    • No applicant may be listed on more than two projects under this call

    • Outstanding reports from previous grants must be resolved before applying

  • Collaborations: Individual or collaborative applications accepted

  • Independent Scholars: Can apply directly; British Academy acts as approving organization

Application Process

  1. Submission Deadline: 7 January 2026, 5pm GMT

  2. Application Format: Online only; must meet all eligibility and documentation requirements

  3. Required Documentation: Detailed project proposal, budget, CVs, and supporting materials

  4. Evaluation: Assessment based on academic merit, originality, significance, feasibility, clarity of objectives, and applicant track record

  5. Research Start: Between 1 April 2026 and 31 December 2026

  6. Results Announcement: By 31 March 2026

  7. Post-Award Requirements: Grant funds provided directly; receipts for all expenditures must be retained

Why This Fund Matters

  • Encourages exploratory and original research on ancient civilizations

  • Supports high-impact academic work with direct research expenses

  • Provides funding to enhance understanding of cultural and historical heritage

  • Fosters scholarly activity for postdoctoral and equivalent researchers from the UK and Hungary

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Ensure research is methodologically sound, feasible, and clearly defined

  • Request funding only for direct research costs

  • Submit complete applications well before the deadline

  • Limit participation to no more than two projects under this call

  • Resolve any outstanding reports from previous grants before applying

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? British or Hungarian postdoctoral or equivalent researchers.
2. What is the maximum grant? Typically £3,500; exceptional cases up to £5,000.
3. What projects are eligible? Original, exploratory research on antiquities, historical geography, early history, or arts of ancient India, China, and Iran.
4. What costs are covered? Direct research expenses including travel, consumables, research assistance, software, interpreters, consultancy, and illustrative materials.
5. Are conferences or publications eligible? No, these costs are ineligible.
6. When does research funded under this call begin? Between 1 April 2026 and 31 December 2026.
7. Can independent scholars apply? Yes; the British Academy acts as the approving organization.

Conclusion

The Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund 2026 provides crucial support for postdoctoral researchers exploring ancient civilizations in India, China, and Iran. By funding direct research expenses, it enables scholars to conduct original and methodologically sound exploratory projects, contributing to the global understanding of historical and cultural heritage.

For more information, visit The British Academy.