Funding Opportunities

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.

Postdoctoral fellowships

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is keen to support applications from early career scholars who have recently completed their doctorate, or are in its final stages, both from the UK and internationally. The applicant’s research area should be within the scope of the Department’s expertise.

Funding scheme deadlines & application processes

For the Postdoctoral Fellowship funding schemes listed on our Research Opportunities webpage, which are very popular and highly competitive, we have annual internal review deadlines. All potential applicants to these schemes must submit an application for internal review by the stated DPIR deadlines, regardless of the scheme’s own deadline.

All potential applicants (internal or external) must submit an application for internal review and need to contact at least one member of DPIR’s permanent academic staff to explore mentoring arrangements prior to submitting an application.

DPIR Postdoctoral Fellowship funding schemes

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships

These Fellowships enhance the creative and innovative potential of researchers holding a PhD and who wish to acquire new skills through advanced training, international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to excellent researchers of any nationality.

Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants

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

Rolling deadline

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

European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant

Are you 7-12 years post PhD, looking to establish a research team and continue developing a successful career. The ERC Consolidator Grant could be for you. You can also apply if you have recently created an independent, excellent research team and want to strengthen it.

European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant

Are you an established, leading principal investigator who wants long-term funding to pursue a ground-breaking, ambitious project?

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)

Internal Oxford applicants only. Applications can be for a wide range of activities such as surveys, travel, or staff costs.

Rolling deadline

Carnegie Corporation of New York

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

Rolling deadline

British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship

The primary emphasis of this grant is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.