ANCLAS is pleased to announce the second round of 2023 small research grants to support projects that examine socio-economic challenges in Latin America such as those triggered by political turmoil, economic disparities, environmental degradation, demographic change and demands for indigenous rights. The theme of socio-economic challenges follows the focus of earlier funding rounds on “transformation” and “response to crisis.”

Governments in the region have been particularly tested by the global economic downturn in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been compounded by rising crime, political instability, persistent inequality and ongoing environmental threats. ANCLAS welcomes applications to fund innovative projects that will advance our understanding of the impact of these challenges, mitigation measures, and possible pathways towards more equitable futures. We also welcome projects that direct attention to culture, history, languages and the arts, and their potential roles in transforming structural, institutional, and historical conditions.

This second round of funding to conduct research on socio-economic challenges in Latin America can be for stand-alone projects, pilot studies, or to support the development of a grant applications such as for ARC or NHMRC schemes. It may be used to gather qualitative or quantitative data, to fund data collection by field partners, to analyse and/or address social or policy questions through evidence-based research. We also support applications that seek to develop non-traditional research outputs (NTROS).

Objectives

This grant round seeks to build research capacity in Latin American Studies at the ANU. Projects with outputs that raise the profile of Latin American area studies while simultaneously contributing to wider strategic research priorities within the University will be prioritised. Impact and benefits should be clearly stated in the proposal.

Who can apply?

ANCLAS welcomes applications from all academic disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary projects. Research partnerships with other institutions can be funded, but the primary applicant must be an ANCLAS affiliate at the ANU.

HDR students are eligible to apply for funds in partnership with a supervisor.

When are applications due?

Opening: 21 August 2023

Closing: 22 September 2023

Notification of Outcome: 29 September 2023 *Subject to ethics approval

Applications for funding

• Up to $4,000 can be requested for research projects led by current ANCLAS affiliates; smaller projects will also be considered if the budget is justified
• We will fund a maximum of 3 projects in this round, subject to budget requests
• Ethics approval: projects can be submitted to this grant round prior to approval by the relevant ANU Ethics Committee. Where applicable, ethics approval must be obtained before the funding is allocated.
• All projects will be featured on the ANCLAS website, and should include some content generated by the research for public outreach and dissemination. Expenses for such outputs can and should be included in the budget, and these outputs should be detailed in the project proposal. Applications that develop a funding proposal for a larger granting body should also produce an output for public dissemination.

What does funding cover?

• A research plan that complies with current ANU travel advice is essential to the success of applications.
• Funding requests can include (but are not strictly limited to): research assistance; appropriate and justified teaching relief to support research; expenses related to remote meetings, research, and field partnerships; fieldwork; payment for research subjects and other participants; software; survey expenses; access to archives; creation of digital platforms, tools or resources.
• Expenses related to public dissemination (such as podcast or video recording, website hosting, and so on) are supported.
• Major equipment purchases will not be eligible.
• The proposed budget must be justified fully.
• There is no expectation that funds will be sought from other sources, but please indicate in the application if other funds have been secured or of any intentions to apply for additional funds.

Application materials:

The application template should include the following:

• Outline of the project including its aims, significance and method, and role of each researcher (500-1,000 words)
• Planned outputs and an estimated timeframe (300 words maximum)
• A justified budget (1 page maximum)
• Abbreviated CVs (2 pages maximum per participant)
• A statement of any factors that should be considered ‘relative to opportunity’ (max 300 words). This may include research/teaching/personal disruptions, as we are very aware of the challenges faced by many of our affiliates at present.

Eligibility criteria:

• A well-designed project with clear aims, methods, and significance.
• Feasibility within the proposed timeframe.
• Planned publications, grant proposals, and outreach; outputs should include content that supports ANCLAS.
• Strong research record, relative to opportunity.
• Justified budget.
• Ethics clearance (in process or completed – funding is subject to clearance being obtained where required).

How to apply

Download and complete all sections of the project proposal template (attached at the bottom of the page). Email the proposal to anclas@anu.edu.au with 'ANCLAS Small Grants - Second Round' in the email subject line.