FAQs
Project Proposal
Am I required to include a visiting scholar in my project proposal?
No--a visiting scholar is encouraged but not required to make an application.
I am already undertaking a funded research project based on a Cambridge collection--am I still eligible to apply for project funding?
No--but you may be eligible to apply for a Visiting Scholar for your existing collections research project. Please refer to the Call for Proposals for further details.
Am I required to include a visiting scholar in my project proposal?
No--a visiting scholar is encouraged but not required to make an application.
I am already undertaking a funded research project based on a Cambridge collection--am I still eligible to apply for project funding?
No--but you may be eligible to apply for a Visiting Scholar for your existing collections research project. Please refer to the Visiting Scholar Guidance and FAQs below.
May I propose participation in more than one Research Growth Network?
Not quite--We ask that you select one RGN as your primary network, but you can clarify how the project will complement the other Research Growth Networks.
My project proposal focuses primarily on one Cambridge collection--is my application still eligible?
Proposed research projects can centre on a primary collection, but there must be an indication that you will explore more than one collection, preferably within more than one University collecting institution.
Is there a deadline for using the funds?
Projects are expected to be undertaken during the 2021-2022 academic year, including the tenure of the Visiting Scholar (if applicable). However, proposed timings will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and can be extended beyond the 2021-2022 academic year in exceptional circumstances.
I am not on a full-time research contract--am I still eligible to apply?
Yes! Applicants holding a current contract of employment with Cambridge University or a Cambridge College (but not visiting or affiliated researchers), and whose role includes research activity, are eligible. This includes:
- Staff on academic-related contracts who are research active.
- Senior Research Associates or Research Associates.
- College Teaching Officers and Junior Research Fellows.
Visiting Scholar Scheme
Are non-Cambridge researchers permitted to submit an application?
No--the application must come from a Cambridge researcher, who applies on the behalf of the proposed Visiting Scholar to collaborate on a collections project that is either part of the RCP’s Research Growth Networks or based on a Cambridge collection.
Can I submit a proposal for a UK-based Visiting Scholar?
Yes--whilst we encourage overseas Visiting Scholars, this does not preclude an application for a Visiting Scholar based in the UK.
I am already undertaking a funded research project based on a Cambridge collection that is not part of the Research & Collections Programme--am I still eligible to apply for Visiting Scholar funding?
Yes--whilst you are not eligible to apply for project funding, the Visiting Scholar scheme is open to Cambridge researchers with an existing collections research project, whether within the Research & Collections Programme or related to the research aims of the Programme.
What support will be provided for the Visiting Scholar?
Each department or institution will have its own procedures for administering the induction of a visiting scholar. The RCP will support the Cambridge academic in providing a smooth transition into the Programme’s RGNs and the wider collections community. We encourage the Cambridge host to enquire about visiting rights at their College (where applicable) to provide further support for the visiting scholar. The RCP Manager can assist with facilitating conversations with College where appropriate.
What if the proposed Visiting Scholar does not have residence rights/right to work in the UK?
Visiting scholars who do not have residence rights/right to work in the UK will require an applicable visa in order to undertake this role within the UK. In most cases this will be the ‘Government Authorised Exchange T5’ temporary worker visa route, where you will be sponsored by the University as a visiting scholar. However, a case by case assessment will need to be made to assess full eligibility. For that, please contact the host department to initiate visa discussions, who will in turn speak with the University’s immigration compliance office to determine individual eligibility for the visa.