LSW launches new funding opportunities to strengthen research capacity, collaboration and research culture in Wales
The offer of our Researcher Development Programme continues to grow. We are thrilled to launch three funding opportunities designed to support researchers and professionals across Wales in developing collaborations, strengthening research culture, and building the connections and capacity needed to support a thriving research environment.
The schemes reflect the Learned Society of Wales’s commitment to supporting research and researchers in Wales and to investing in the partnerships, networks and opportunities that enable research to flourish. We are pleased to work with a range of stakeholders, including Medr, Welsh Government and Academi Heddwch Cymru, to develop funding that supports collaboration across organisations and sectors, and strengthens Wales’s connections with the wider international research community.
Research Culture Networks Grants
A new round of the Research Culture Networks Grants, funded by Medr, will support researchers, professionals and research communities working together to address challenges and strengthen research culture. Applicants may apply for up to £3,000 to support their proposed activities and outputs.
The new round also offers an opportunity for networks supported by the previous LSW funding call to build on their work and advance their activity. Existing networks applying for further funding should clearly demonstrate the added value of the proposed new activity, set out the expected new outcomes, and show how the work remains focused on addressing the relevant research culture issue.
Application deadline: 14 October 2026
Research Culture Networks Grants – more information and how to apply
Wales–Ireland Early-Career Researcher Mobility Scheme
The newly launched Wales–Ireland Early-Career Researcher Mobility Scheme will support early-career researchers in Wales to develop research collaborations with partners in Ireland.
Delivered by LSW in partnership with the Welsh Government, the scheme forms part of a wider commitment to strengthening research and innovation links between Wales and Ireland. It will provide support for short research trips that can help early-career researchers undertake primary research, establish new collaborations and networks to develop larger bids, or access equipment or training not available in Wales. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their proposed activity aligns with the six agreed policy areas set out in the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030.
The scheme complements the Ireland–Wales strand of the Charlemont Grant Scheme, administered by the Royal Irish Academy, creating reciprocal opportunities for early-career researchers in Wales and Ireland.
Application deadline: 27 October 2026
Wales–Ireland Early-Career Researcher Mobility Scheme – more information and how to apply
Research Workshop Grant Scheme
The Research Workshop Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,000 to support collaborative projects at an early stage of development across the following themes: Wales Studies, Early Career Researcher, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and Pathways to Peace (sponsored by Academi Heddwch Cymru). Workshops in the Pathways to Peace stream, that include an international partner, may apply for up to £2,000.
Application deadline: 14 October 2026
Research Workshop Grant scheme – more information and how to apply
“These grants provide valuable opportunities for researchers to develop new ideas, strengthen collaborations and build networks that can lead to longer-term research partnerships. We are delighted to work with our stakeholders to bring further support and opportunities to the research community across Wales,” said Dr Barbara Ibinarriaga Soltero, the LSW’s Programme Manager for Researcher Development.
Find out more and apply
Researchers interested in these opportunities are encouraged to find out more about each scheme, including eligibility, available funding and application deadlines. An individual may apply as the Lead Applicant in only one of the LSW grant schemes. However, they may be named as a collaborator or participant in applications submitted to any other LSW grant scheme.
