Postcolonial Studies Association Funding Schemes

The PSA administers three funding schemes. We expect to make several small awards each year to support the work of PSA members. Particularly in these straitened times for research funding, it is hoped that these funds will help to encourage new and important work in postcolonial studies.

There will be three schemes under which applications for funding can be made:

1.    Conference / Symposium Organisation Assistance Fund

This scheme welcomes applications for up to £250 to assist with costs towards the staging of an academic conference or symposium in an area of postcolonial studies. For the 2011-2012 funding competition, the event should be held between 30 November 2011 and 1 December 2012. Events that make special provision to serve the needs of postgraduate students in postcolonial studies will be particularly favourably considered although events of all types are eligible.

Conference Organisation Assistance Application form

2.    Scholars from Lower-Income Countries Conference Assistance Fund

This scheme welcomes applications for up to £250 from scholars from lower-income countries to assist with expenses incurred through attendance at a conference in the UK. Scholars usually resident in countries that fall within PSA membership categories B & C are entitled to apply. For the 2011-2012 funding competition, the costs should be incurred between 30 November 2011 and 1 December 2012. Applications can be made to cover travel costs, accommodation, or conference fees, but awards can only be made on the production of original receipts.

Lower Income Countries Conference Attendence Application form

3.    General Research Fund

This scheme welcomes applications for up to £500 to assist with research costs in an area of postcolonial studies. For the 2011-2012 funding competition, the costs should be incurred before 30 November 2011. It is expected that applications will be made for such expenses as travel costs, or for access for necessary resources, but all requests that can demonstrate a benefit to postcolonial studies scholarship will be considered. Please note that small applications for any amount are equally welcome under this scheme. Applications unsuccessful under the first two schemes will automatically again be considered under the general research fund.

General Research Fund Application form

Only paid-up members of the PSA are eligible to apply. Application for all funds will be on a competitive basis and should be made using the attached application forms; further details of the schemes can also be found on these forms. The forms will also be available on our website shortly.

A new funding committee is being convened to advise the Executive Committee on which applications should receive funding. Applications will be assessed according to the viability and originality of the proposed research project, the ability of the applicant to carry it out successfully, and the possible benefit to postcolonial studies scholarship generally.

The deadline for the 2011-12 round of the schemes will be 31 August 2011, with decisions being announced by the end of October.

Any queries regarding the schemes should be directed to the Treasurer of the PSA, Nicholas Dunlop via funding@postcolonialstudiesassociation.co.uk

We view the foundation of these schemes as a significant step forward in furthering the PSA’s aim of promoting and encouraging the development of postcolonial studies and we look forward to being able more directly to support the exciting work carried out by our members.