Research Networks (RNs)

Research Network Banner

Research Network Funding

UACES Research Networks play a vital role in supporting our members and the broader European Studies community. From 2026, we are relaunching the programme with a new structure designed for maximum strategic impact and long-term sustainability.

Networks will be led by Convening Teams who act as custodians on behalf of UACES. We are inviting applications for networks that focus on strategically aligned thematic areas with high relevance to members and strong potential for advancing the field.

Eligibility
-All members of a Convening Team must hold a current UACES membership.

Key information
-Applications open on Monday 7 September 2026
-Applications close on Sunday 4 October 2026.
-Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line "UACES Research Network Application".
-Decisions will be announced by the end of November 2026 and funding will be available from 1 January 2027.

How to apply
To apply to run a network, please submit a proposal of no more than four pages covering the following:

Network details and leadership
The name of the proposed network
The Convening Team structure: at least two convenors who are current UACES members, including at least one based in the UK. We encourage mixed gender and diverse teams reflective of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and teams that represent different career stages
A written commitment from all convenors to the two-year term, with the potential for one renewal (four years maximum)
A Succession Plan showing how the network will mentor Early Career Researchers into future leadership roles
A list of at least ten potential members, excluding the convenors

Intellectual rationale and alignment

The network's purpose and intellectual rationale, showing how it contributes to all four of UACES's core mandates:

knowledge generation and dissemination

professional development and capacity building

inclusive and collaborative scholarship, including a plan for open membership

how it tackles key topics in European studies broadly defined

An inclusivity strategy covering perspectives, methodologies, experience levels and backgrounds

Workplan

A deliverable workplan for the two-year term

A budget proposal showing how requested UACES funds would support the workplan

A commitment from the intended network coordinator or a suitable Higher Education Institution officer to administer the network's finances. UACES cannot reimburse individuals directly

How applications are assessed

Strategic relevance and knowledge generation

Inclusivity and capacity building, including the quality of the Succession Plan

Viability and sustainability of the two-year workplan and budget

Value added: how the network complements rather than overlaps with existing UACES Research Networks

Running a network

Once established, networks are expected to remain active throughout the year by:

Submitting an annual report

Maintaining a current Succession Plan

Convening at least one workshop, seminar or mini conference per year

Contributing regular blog posts to Ideas on Europe

Acknowledging UACES as a source of support in all relevant materials

Tracking engagement to inform annual reporting

Funding and reporting

Funding is a reimbursement of expenses against receipts or an invoice, paid to an administering institution rather than to individuals. As networks operate on a two-year workplan and budget, expenses must be claimed annually: costs relating to year one must be submitted, along with the required annual reporting, by 31 December 2027, and costs relating to year two by 31 December 2028. Claims submitted after the relevant deadline will not be reimbursed.

If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Cole, Executive Director.