The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) invites applications for its Early Career Fellowships. This program supports groundbreaking and independent social research addressing pressing societal challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Program Overview:

The ISRF Early Career Fellowship provides funding for researchers to undertake bold, boundary-pushing projects that challenge conventional disciplinary methods and frameworks.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: February 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM GMT. Early submissions are recommended.
  • Fellowship Duration: Up to 12 months, starting no later than January 2026.

Funding Amount:

  1. Up to €81,500 (or £67,500 for UK-based applicants).
  2. Funding covers teaching buy-out, research assistance, travel costs, equipment, and consumables.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Experience: Applicants must be within 10 years of receiving their PhD. Allowances for career breaks (e.g., parental leave, health issues) will be considered.
  • Position: Must hold a salaried academic position at a European institution. Independent scholars affiliated with a host institution are also eligible.
  • Focus: Research must propose innovative, interdisciplinary methods to address significant social issues and move beyond established academic paradigms.

Application Requirements:  Research Proposal:

  • Clear objectives, rationale, and methodology.
  • Detailed work plan and intended outcomes.
  • Explanation of how the project challenges disciplinary norms and contributes to social sciences.

Anonymized Documents:

  • Project budget.
  • Bibliography and publication list.

Institutional Support: Formal approval from your employing institution, ensuring you can dedicate time to the fellowship.

References: Contact details for two referees who can provide supporting letters.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed on their:

  • Originality and Impact: How innovative and transformative the project is within its field.
  • Feasibility: The practicality of the proposed research plan.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Incorporation of multiple disciplinary perspectives.
  • Societal Relevance: Potential contribution to addressing real-world social challenges.

Application Process:

  • Submit your application through the ISRF online portal.
  • Ensure all submitted documents are anonymized to maintain a fair review process.
  • Results will be announced by September 2025.

Why Apply? The ISRF Early Career Fellowship offers scholars the chance to step away from traditional academic constraints, enabling them to:

  • Pursue ambitious, high-risk projects.
  • Develop interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Advance their career while contributing to meaningful societal progress.