Interdisciplinary Research Development Award

About the project

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The Interdisciplinary Research Development Awards offer up to £5000 to support the development of new interdisciplinary research ideas and collaborations aimed at generating future research outputs and funding. There will be three application rounds during 26/27 . Please refer to the call dates for full details.

Next call for applications: Opens: 4th August 2026 Closes: 15th September 2026, 5:00 PM (GMT)

Scheme Objectives

The aim of this scheme is to provide pump-priming funding to progress new collaborative interdisciplinary research ideas and other speculative early-stage activities (such as network development) to a point where a funding application can be submitted to an external funder for a significant research project or other long-term continuation of the pilot activity.

Research ideas submitted to this scheme should be beyond the speculative and shaping phase and should be aiming for proof of concept in order to strengthen a future funding application. Support for ideas that have not reached this stage is available through the IAS Conversations Link opens in a new window scheme.

Successful applications should clearly demonstrate how they will:

Applications focused on a single applicant or discipline, or those supporting already-established activities are unlikely to be funded. IAS funding is prioritised for projects which are not eligible for other Warwick funding. If you are eligible for Spotlight funding or Warwick Institute for Engagement (WIE) funding, please state in your application whether or not funding is also being sought from these and/or other sources, and why the IAS IRDA is most appropriate for your plans. This scheme does not provide funding to support conferences nor a project delivered by an individual researcher. IAS funding cannot be used for teaching buyout, but may be used to hire appropriate administrative or research support.

If successful, you will be required to report back to IAS over a period of three years following your award, so that outcomes can be tracked.

• Foster meaningful interdisciplinary research collaborations that may include international partners and must involve more than a single department.
• Collaborate across different departments/ research groups/ faculties.
• Contribute to the development of Warwick-centred research projects or networks
• Establish the basis for future research funding bids & longer term sustainability of the proposed activity.
• Result in tangible outputs (publications, grant applications)
• Clearly demonstrate value for money

Eligibility

Activities supported by this funding are expected to take place at Warwick or Warwick-affiliated locations such as Venice or The Shard.

Projects applying during Rounds 1-3 in 2026/27 should be completed and all expenditure incurred before the end of the next financial year (31/7/2027)

• Open to Warwick-based staff only
• Principal Applicants must be: Permanent (including probationary) Warwick academic staff, or Holders of externally funded fellowships that extend beyond the proposed activity
• Permanent (including probationary) Warwick academic staff, or
• Holders of externally funded fellowships that extend beyond the proposed activity
• IAS Fellows (P2K, EUTOPIA-SIF, Early Career, Associate) may also apply as Principal Applicants as long as their fellowship extends beyond the proposed activity
• Co-investigators can be from Warwick or other institutions

Assessment and Funding

Applications are assessed by our Peer Review College . Assessment will be based on how the proposed activity delivers the objectives of the scheme (see above), the quality and feasibility of planned activities and outputs, value for money, and the mechanisms for sustaining the activity, including any future funding applications. For IAS Fellows, the potential impact on career development is also considered.

You may request up to £5000 and all proposed budgets must be justified and compliant with Warwick’s financial procedures.

Once awarded the IAS will provide a cost code to the home department of the Principal Investigator. All administrative activity in support of the funded activity is the responsibility of the PI and the home department including any further approvals needed before the activity can commence (e.g Ethical approval or the appointment of staff).

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted during the each of the four annual calls Link opens in a new window with the decision announced within four weeks. If you’re considering applying and would like to discuss your ideas first, we encourage you to get in touch. Please contact the IAS at IAS@warwick.ac.uk. Link opens in a new window

Please complete the following:

This scheme is currently closed for applications. For the next call date please see the Key Dates

• Fill in the online Equal Opportunities survey Link opens in a new window
• Download the Application Form , and complete it fully, making sure it has been signed by the HoD. Application form must be saved in the following format: ( Applicant Last name, Department )
• Complete the form and upload the document below.

Research areas