Catalyst Grants
Catalyst Grants support collaborative, innovative and inclusive research initiatives across the Methods North West (MNW) and NWSSDTP partner institutions. They are designed to bring together researchers to develop new methodological approaches, build networks and generate impactful research activity.
Format
Projects may take a variety of forms, including:
- Conferences and workshops
- Colloquia or symposia
- Interactive or experimental formats
- Hybrid or online collaborations
- Innovative or alternative research formats
Who can apply
- Postgraduate researchers (PGRs)
- Academic staff
Projects must involve collaboration between at least two MNW partner institutions.
PGR-led initiatives are strongly encouraged, with support from at least one academic.
Funding available
- Up to £6,000 per project
- Flexible funding to support a wide range of activities
- Smaller funding requests are welcome and encouraged
- Costs must be clearly justified
What can be funded
- Speakers' travel and accommodation. Speaker fees will not normally be covered if the speaker is an academic in standard employment, but will be considered on an ad hoc basis for community representatives, activists, freelance experts and others.
- Travel for PGR participants
- Catering
- Specialist equipment or software
The hosting institution will be expected to provide the venue and materials such as stationery, but these costs will be considered on an ad hoc basis if justified. Administrative costs and organisers' time are not normally covered.
Project expectations
Funded projects must:
- Be genuinely collaborative and methodologically innovative
- Be meaningfully inclusive of PGRs
- Benefit NWSSDTP-funded students and the broader North West PGR community
- Be open to a wider research audience where relevant
All successful applicants will be expected to submit a post-event report and contribute to the Methods North West seminar series.
Why apply
Catalyst Grants offer an opportunity to:
- Develop new research collaborations
- Pilot innovative methodological approaches
- Build research networks across institutions
- Enhance the research environment for PGRs
Deadlines
- Term 1: TBC – early January, with a deadline for internal friendly feedback in early December
- Term 2: TBC – early June, with a deadline for internal friendly feedback in early May
Get involved
If you are based at Keele and would like to discuss an idea, please contact Santiago Amietta: s.amietta@keele.ac.uk
