Call for Applications!
Given the extremely challenging environment facing Early Career Researchers, the RMA has established a programme of single-year, non-renewal postdoctoral fellowships (the RMA 150th Fellowships; up to £3,000 each). The fellowships, open to applicants in all music sub-disciplines, will facilitate completion of a major musical research project by scholars not holding full-time, open-ended teaching and research, or full-time research-only academic posts in Higher Education. Major projects include (but are not limited to) books, articles, and substantial compositions or research-related concerts and events. A maximum of two awards will be made in 2025.
Eligibility
Successful applicants will be at work on projects of compelling academic excellence. They will be members of the RMA and will have obtained a doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, DMA) in the last 5 years; will be either independent scholars, or not currently in a full-time teaching-research or research-only academic post in Higher Education; will be carrying out research in a recognised music sub-discipline (e.g. musicology, ethnomusicology, performance, composition, music psychology, music education, music management); and will be either UK citizens, UK permanent residents, or non-UK citizens holding a doctorate from a UK institution.
Funds will be used for legitimate research expenses associated with a project. Receipts or other evidence will be required. Expenses can include, but are not limited to the following: travel/accommodation costs associated with research trips to undertake project work; travel/accommodation/registration costs for trips to conferences to present and receive feedback on research; costs associated with concerts and other events at which research is disseminated; costs of procuring essential research materials; and publication subventions (up to a maximum of £500).
Application Process
Applications will comprise a one-page project proposal, an indicative budget outline (up to a maximum of £3,000), and a two-page curriculum vitae. Successful candidates will be selected for the academic excellence of their proposals, and external markers of achievement, such as previous publications, compositions, performances, and prizes received.
Please submit your application materials via this Google Form ( https://forms.gle/AEGEceWG9GKm22rAA ), which will allow you to upload your application as a single file combining the project proposal, indicative budget and CV.
For informal enquiries prior to making an application, please contact the RMA President, Prof Simon Keefe (s.keefe@sheffield.ac.uk).
The deadline for applications is Monday 25 August 2025, 1pm. Successful applicants will be notified in early September 2025.