The Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards provide up to £2,000 to support individual travel-based research and practical projects focused on contemporary Asia and its recent history. Open to UK-resident applicants aged 21–28, the awards prioritise projects on colonial legacies, post-1900 Asian histories, technology and the state, and the politics of memory, with applications closing on 31 January 2026.
Overview
The Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) Travel Awards support early-career researchers, writers, and practitioners undertaking travel-based projects in Asia that contribute to scholarly or public knowledge.
The awards are designed to enable independent, practical research and field-based exploration, including projects linked to postgraduate study, journalism, and travel writing. The Society’s focus is on contemporary Asia, including the Middle East, and its recent historical developments.
What the Travel Awards Support
The Travel Awards fund projects that deepen understanding of Asia through original research, observation, or documentation.
Supported projects must demonstrate clear intellectual purpose, feasibility, and relevance to the Society’s thematic focus. Projects should be designed for individual travel and independent work rather than participation in organised programmes.
Priority Research Themes for the Current Round
While a broad range of Asia-focused projects are eligible, priority will be given to proposals aligned with the following themes:
The legacies of colonialism and imperialism in Asia
Geographical, environmental, cultural, or historical studies of post-1900 Asia
The relationship between technology and the state, including infrastructure, surveillance, and communication
The politics of memory, including how history and collective memory are constructed and used for political purposes across Asia
Award Value and Benefits
The Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards offer both financial and professional support.
Award details include:
Grants of up to £2,000 per recipient
Two years’ membership of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs
Access to the Society’s professional network, lectures, and events
Subscription access to the Society’s journal, Asian Affairs
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be aged between 21 and 28 on the application closing date.
Residency and Nationality
Applicants may be of any nationality
Applicants must be normally resident in the United Kingdom
Normal residence includes lawful and voluntary residence, such as foreign students studying at UK institutions
Other Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must be applying as individuals, not groups
Applicants must be able to accept the award if successful
Staff and trustees of the Society, as well as their close relatives, are not eligible to apply
What Is Not Funded
The Travel Awards have clear restrictions on ineligible activities.
Funding may not be used for:
Commercial projects or profit-making activities
Medical electives or clinical placements
Participation in trips, programmes, or activities organised by another organisation
Group travel or institutional field schools
Applicant Responsibilities and Expectations
Successful applicants are expected to contribute back to the Society’s intellectual community.
Within twelve months of taking up the award, recipients must:
Either deliver a presentation at a Royal Society for Asian Affairs meeting
Or submit an article based on their research to the Society’s journal, Asian Affairs
Failure to meet this requirement may result in the award being revoked and funds being returned.
Applicants also acknowledge that all risks associated with travel and project execution are their own responsibility.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process.
Assessment criteria include:
Originality and clarity of the project proposal
Coherence and feasibility of the research plan
Potential contribution to scholarly or public knowledge
Alignment with the Society’s thematic focus
Applications are primarily assessed based on written submissions, though interviews may be requested in some cases. All decisions made by the Society are final.
How to Apply for the Travel Awards
Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline and include all required information.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Develop a clear project proposal aligned with the Society’s focus on Asia
Ensure eligibility requirements, including age and UK residency, are met
Prepare a strong written application explaining the project’s purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes
Submit the complete application by the deadline
Application Deadline and Notification
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Applicants will be informed of the outcome by: 28 February 2026
Why These Travel Awards Matter
The Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards play a key role in supporting early-career exploration and independent research.
The awards matter because they:
Enable first-hand engagement with Asian societies and histories
Support original, field-based research and writing
Encourage nuanced public and scholarly understanding of Asia
Provide professional exposure through publication and presentation opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Proposing projects outside the Society’s Asia-focused remit
Applying for group travel or organised programmes
Failing to clearly explain the project’s contribution to knowledge
Submitting vague or overly broad research proposals
Overlooking the post-award presentation or publication requirement
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly define the research question or project objective
Demonstrate why travel is essential to the project
Show how the work fits within the Society’s priority themes
Explain the intended scholarly or public impact
Ensure the proposal is realistic within the budget and timeframe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards?
They are competitive travel grants supporting individual research and practical projects focused on contemporary Asia and its recent history.
How much funding is available?
Awards are worth up to £2,000 per successful applicant.
Who can apply for the Travel Awards?
Applicants aged 21–28 who are normally resident in the UK, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply.
Can the award be used for postgraduate research?
Yes. Projects linked to postgraduate degrees are eligible, provided they involve independent travel and research in Asia.
Are group or institutional projects eligible?
No. The awards are intended solely for individual travel and independent work.
What are recipients required to do after completing their project?
Within twelve months, recipients must either present their work at a Society meeting or submit an article to the journal Asian Affairs.
When will applicants be notified of the outcome?
Applicants can expect to receive a decision by 28 February 2026.
Conclusion
The Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for young researchers, writers, and practitioners to pursue independent, Asia-focused projects with meaningful scholarly or public impact.
By combining financial support with professional recognition and publication opportunities, the awards help cultivate the next generation of informed voices engaging with Asia’s contemporary realities and historical legacies.
For more information, visit RSAA.
