What we offer

• Grants of up to £30,000 for projects that address issues relevant to our project theme from science-engaged perspectives. (Grants above £30,000 may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.)
• Can be used to organize events and produce publications.
• Project teams should consist of at least one philosopher or philosophical theologian and one empirical scientist.
• We particularly welcome projects that are led or co-led by researchers from underrepresented religious traditions or underrepresented countries

Application process

The application process consists of three steps.

Step 1

Submit a brief letter of intent containing the following information a single PDF file by the end of 31/03/2025 (GMT):

• The total requested funding amount
• A list of key personnel
• 400-word description of the research focus and activities

Email your completed applications to gpr@contacts.bham.ac.uk with the following subject heading: “Project Grant [YOUR NAME]”.

Step 2

A small number of selected applicants will receive feedback from the review committee to improve their proposals.

Step 3

Selected applicants submit final detailed proposals consisting of the following:

• CV(s) of the applicant(s)
• A summary of the proposed project of no more than 200 words
• A project proposal of 1,500–3,000 words addressing:
  • the aim of the project
  • project activities
  • project outputs
  • a project timeline
  • a budget narrative
  • the qualifications of the applicant(s)
  • the host institution

Eligibility criteria

• The proposed project involves—either as project members or participants in project activities or outputs—researchers representing religious traditions or geographical regions that are currently underrepresented in Western philosophy of religion.
• The project team consists of at least one philosopher (or philosophical theologian) and one empirical scientist.
• The proposed project addresses philosophical topics relevant to the theme of GPR-2.
• The proposed project will end by June 30, 2027, and completed project outputs will be submitted by then, without delay.
• The project is to be hosted at a higher education institution or a traditional religious institution, such as a yeshiva, madrasa, or ashram that can demonstrate prior experience with administering research grants.
• No more than 20% of the proposed grant will be used for travel and lodging

We aim to make progress on central issues in the philosophy of religion by incorporating diverse religious and cultural perspectives. Therefore, proposals for projects that are primarily historical, anthropological, or exegetical, or whose focus is on promoting mere tolerance across religions, will not be funded.

Selection process

We will form a selection committee which involves members external to the project team. We will ensure that the committee members jointly represent a variety of traditions.  We will assess each application according to the following selection criteria:

• The quality of the summary and the proposal
• The relevance of the proposed project to the theme of GPR-2
• The applicant’s track record of publication and other relevant research activities commensurate with career stage
• The expected impact the proposed project will make on the globalization and diversification of the philosophy of religion

For full details, see this document