Monday 20 February 2023

Decade of Centenaries Bursary scheme invites applications

The Decade of Centenaries bursary scheme was established to encourage and support new local research and local history studies in meaningful examination of local, regional, and national events during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period.

Applicants can be from researchers across all career stages, both professional researchers including doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as local historians, independent scholars etc. whose research focuses on a region or locality. The bursaries on offer are for amounts ranging from €1,000 to €10,000.

Typically awards will be made in the region of €5,000-€10,000 but smaller projects will also be considered.

Applications are welcomed which focus on any of the themes listed below:

  • New research to explore local legacies, personalities, places, events, and themes that have particular significance within communities, parishes and counties
  • New research to explore the fates of the minority communities on both sides of the border following Partition
  • New research to explore the contribution and experiences of women during this period, e.g. women's participation in political, military, professional and domestic roles
  • New research exploring Ireland and the Wider World, including local connections, emigration, and the role of the Irish Diaspora in the events that occurred during this period
  • Ireland's admission into the League of Nations and Ireland's membership of the International Labour Organisation
  • New research exploring a changing society during this period, focusing on social history, popular social, cultural, and civic movements, the Irish language; creative thinking and the arts; sport; and innovation
  • New research exploring nationhood, identity, and State-Building – the establishment of a new Irish Free State and the challenges faced by the emerging Irish State
  • New research exploring how the events of this period have been remembered and commemorated within families, communities and parishes over the past century – how the process of commemoration has evolved. 
  • New comparative research exploring the Irish period and associated themes in an International context.
  • New research exploring 'Emotions, experiences, and expectations' – what was felt and what was hoped for through revolution, civil war, and beyond
  • 'History and commemoration revisited' – new research reflecting on the Decade of Centenaries – its impact and legacy
  • New research exploring 'The process of rebuilding a nation' – reflections on healing, repairing, and re-building following the Civil War.

Further details, including guidelines, deadline, and an application form, can be found by clicking the image above. Any queries can be sent to grants@ria.ie.