Funding Opportunities - Research

Welcome to the DPIR Research Funding Opportunities page

There is a wealth of research funding opportunities available in politics and international relations, for academics at all career stages. If you’re not quite sure where to start, or would like some help navigating the funding landscape or brainstorming ideas, the best approach is often to contact a member of the DPIR Research Facilitation Team. We will arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and aspirations, and talk you through the most suitable options.

For those already based at Oxford:

Look out for the DPIR research newsletter, sent to the Academic Staff and Research Staff mailing lists every other week. If you are not receiving this newsletter please email the DPIR Research Facilitation Team to be added to the mailing list.
Consult the Social Sciences Division (SSD)'s SharePoint, which hosts a substantial list of external funding opportunities and internal opportunities administered by the Division.
Subscribe to the monthly SSD Funding and Opportunities Digest (a very informative "research opportunities" newsletter sent out by Division, which complements the DPIR research newsletter and can be tailored to your interests and career stage). Please note that some of the opportunities advertised by SSD may not be supported by DPIR – please always check with the DPIR Research Facilitation Team to be sure.

We are in the process of populating the below list of funding opportunities offered by DPIR, but it is not yet comprehensive. If you would like to apply for a scheme that is not listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact the DPIR Research Facilitation Team.

Open Society Foundations: Open Society initiative for Eastern Africa

The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) plays an active role in encouraging open, informed dialogue on issues of importance in Eastern Africa.

Rolling deadline

Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants

Research Project Grants for innovative and original research projects with a maximum grant value of £500,000.

Rolling deadline

John Fell Fund (JFF)

This is a great, flexible option if you are seeking a relatively small amount of funding, and you can make the case that it would pump-prime for a larger, external grant application.

Deadline:

15 Jan 2025

Horizon Europe

The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.

Rolling deadline

ESRC responsive mode grants (£350k - £1m) (internal University of Oxford applicants only)

This is one of the most "classic" and flexible grant opportunities. There are no constraints in terms of topic.

Rolling deadline

ESRC New Investigator Grant (internal University of Oxford applicants only)

Are you an early career researcher? Would you like to gain experience of managing and leading research projects and teams?

Rolling deadline

ESRC Grand Union DTP Postdoctoral Fellowships: 2025 entry

This Fellowship provides a 1-year (or 2-year part-time) career development opportunity for those in the immediately postdoctoral stage of their career. The aim is to support Fellows in consolidating their PhD (for example through producing publications, building networks or developing funding proposals.) Fellows should not undertake major new research during the grant. However, limited additional research (up to 25% of the programme of work) directly linked to the PhD can be undertaken.

Carnegie Corporation of New York

The Corporation supports innovative projects, organisations, and individuals striving to create meaningful change.

Rolling deadline