In 1985, the RSA Board agreed to introduce Research Networks (formerly referred to as Working Groups) to our activity portfolio. In 2015, the Research Network funding award was increased as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Association. The maximum funding for Research Network is:
- £10,000 (c. $13,300; c. €11,800) for newly established networks;
- £7,500 (c. $10,000; c. €8,900) for renewing networks.
RSA Research Networks are formed by RSA members interested in collaborating to examine an issue that responds to the aims and goals of the Association, and which is of interest and concern to both members and non-members. These issues need not necessarily to have a direct policy focus, but the examination would normally lead to policy-related conclusions.
The RSA research portfolio raises the profile of regional research. It champions regional studies and science in all its forms, providing state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and delivering a public and policy facing narrative which demonstrates value in improving the day to day lives of citizens’ globally. The RSA welcomes research from any discipline contributing to advancing our understandings of regions and regional development. We adopt an open and plural definition of regions, focusing on dynamics of regional (subnational) change whether this is in global megaregions or more remote, peripheral locations. Key characteristics of research in the RSA portfolio is research that has impact, asks critical questions about data and methods, and pushes the scientific frontiers of theoretical and conceptual development.
A Research Network proposal can link to one or more of the Association’s prioritised research themes which include but are not restricted to:
• Global geopolitics, infrastructure and security
• Crises, external shocks and resilience
• North-south relations and southern urbanism
• Varieties of capitalism and the role of the state
• Informal economies, urbanisation and development
• Digitalisation, AI, Industry 4.0
• Global production networks, value/supply chains and trade
• Entrepreneurship, technology and innovation
• Agglomeration, industrial districts, clusters and networks
• Finance, knowledge and skills
• Territorial politics, policy and governance
• Regionalism, identity politics and citizenship
• Governance, planning and place leadership
• Planning, design and the built environment
• Settlements, land and housing
• Climate change adaptation, energy and sustainable transitions
• Food, water and poverty
• Inequalities, cohesion and spatial justice
• Demography, migration and work
• Health, well-being and creativity
The Research Network must be organised and managed by RSA members, with all organisers remaining members of the Association throughout the entire duration of the Research Network. A Research Network is made up of individuals from different countries, although they can be from any membership category. The full Terms and Conditions governing this grant are available in the Research Network Handbook.
Please note, if you are successful your institution will be required to confirm agreement to the relevant sections of the Research Network Handbook in order for the appropriate administration of the grant. For clarity, funding can only be provided through a Higher Education Institution.
2024 application deadline: TBC
Please send your applications and queries to researchnetwork@regionalstudies.org
A list of current and previous Research Networks is available below.