In 1985, the RSA Board agreed to introduce Research Networks (formerly referred to as Working Groups) to our activity portfolio, and in 2015, as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Association, the Research Network funding award was increased.
The maximum funding for Research Network is:
- £10,000 (c. $13,033; c. €11,925) for newly established networks;
- £7,500 (c. $9,775; c. €8,944) for renewing networks.
RSA Research Networks are formed by RSA members interested in collaborating to examine an issue that responds to the aims 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’s aims are to
- Lead the regional research, policy and practice communities
- Develop our members and support our community
- Deliver high quality regional research
- Influence policy debate and practice
- Innovate in publishing
- Acknowledge excellence in our field
A Research Network proposal can link to one or more of the Association’s prioritised research themes.
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.
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.
Application deadline: 24th October 2025, 23:59 BST.
If you are wanting to apply for a Research Network, please complete the online application process. To access this, please login to RSA Lounge, and click on Community, Grants. If your membership status is eligible, you will see the link to apply for a Research Network.
The handbook includes all the details require to apply for this grant. For your convenience, please find an Research Network Application Template to assist planning. This includes all the fields required for the online application.
Please send any queries to researchnetwork@regionalstudies.org. For any technical issues, please email alex.holmes@regionalstudies.org