BU Research Blog

Following the success of our first call, applications for the second round of the Research Culture & Community Grant are open until Monday 9 March

This funding for BU’s Early Career Researchers is to secure the resources needed to innovate, collaborate, and lead. Whether you are planning a training workshop or a creative networking event, use these grants to strengthen BU’s research environment and turn your vision into reality.

Explore the two dedicated funding streams

Stream 1: Researcher Development (Grants up to £500)

• Supports the organisation of skills focused workshops, events, or initiatives.
• Grants of up to £500 per activity are available.
• Examples: specific research methods workshops, guest speakers, writing sessions etc.

Stream 2: Research Culture and Community (Grants up to £300)

• Supports the delivery of research culture and community building, well-being or social activities.
• Grants of up to £300 per activity are available.
• Examples: cultural and social events, wellbeing enhancing activities.

Submission Guidelines

To ensure your proposal aligns with our criteria, please note the following:

Inclusivity: Activities must be engaging and accessible to the entire ECR community

Timeline: All initiatives must be delivered and invoiced by 31 July 2026

Originality: Proposals should complement, rather than duplicate, existing BU provisions

Accountability: As a primary organiser, you will be responsible for the promotion, delivery, and evaluation of the project. (Note: ECRs may lead only one activity per cycle)

How the Funding is Being Used

Get inspired by how funds have been used to launch high-impact projects and creative research:

Learn how ECR funding supported the Swash Channel Wreck Book Launch, celebrating a major archaeological milestone.

Explore reflections from the SPROUT Network Event, where funding helped facilitate vital conversations on balancing high-quality research with the long-term well-being and sustainability of the researchers themselves.

Discover the impact of the Body Map Storytelling Workshop & Research Seminar, supported by PGR funding, which explored embodied research through creative practice.

Submit Your Application

Take the lead in shaping the future of community and development at BU.

Access the Application Form Here

Final Deadline: 4pm, Monday 9 March

Refining Your Proposal

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your application before you submit. Please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager, at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk for guidance.

The Researcher Development and Culture Team