BFE Fieldwork Grants Scheme

The British Forum for Ethnomusicology (BFE) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 Fieldwork Grants scheme. BFE Fieldwork Grants support doctoral candidates conducting ethnomusicological field research in the UK and abroad by contributing towards costs (e.g., for travel and subsistence). Three grants were awarded in 2023, together totalling £1800.

Eligibility

The BFE Fieldwork Grants scheme is open to all students enrolled on a PhD programme at a university in the UK who are conducting ethnomusicological research. Applicants must be 2024 members of the BFE to be eligible (the BFE membership year runs from January to December). You can join the BFE or renew your membership on the BFE website. Only one application per person is permitted and the fieldwork must start during 2024.

Criteria

The criteria of evaluation are (a) the quality, originality and significance of the research and its potential contribution to ethnomusicological knowledge, theory and debate; (b) the feasibility of the fieldwork; (c) the importance of the fieldwork for achieving the stated research aims and outcomes; and (d) the need of the applicant, i.e., the likelihood of being unable to obtain fieldwork funding from other sources. There is no preference for particular geographical areas or topics.

Application Procedure

To make an application, send the following materials to awardsatbfe.org.uk:

1) A letter addressing the grant criteria. The letter should also provide a clear indication of the fieldwork schedule, the expected costs, the amount of funding requested from the BFE scheme, and other sources of research funding received and/or applied for. The letter must not exceed 2 pages in length.
2) A short CV, not exceeding 1 page in length.
3) A short reference letter, not exceeding 1 page in length, in support of the application from the applicant’s PhD supervisor. Supervisors may also send reference letters by email directly to Amanda Villepastour (the Prizes Officer) at awardsatbfe.org.uk before the deadline (midnight GMT, 27 March 2024).

If you have any difficulties with the submission or renewal process, or any questions about the award or the application procedure, please email Morgan Davies at adminatbfe.org.uk.

Application Deadline and Decision Notification

Applications must be submitted by 27 March 2024. Applications will be evaluated by a BFE panel and applicants will be informed of the outcome of the awards by 19 April 2024. The decision of the panel is final, and the BFE regrets that it is unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications and decisions made by the panel.

Payment of Grants for Successful Applications

Successful applicants must liaise with the BFE Treasurer (treasureratbfe.org.uk

) before grants are disbursed. After completion of the fieldwork, payment will be made via bank transfer for receipted expenses up to the value of the award.

Post-Award Reports

Successful applicants are requested to submit a short fieldwork report – up to 500 words in length, accompanied by other media materials if appropriate – within three months of completion of the fieldwork. Fieldwork reports will typically be made public via the BFE website, social media, etc. Grant awardees may also be asked to discuss their fieldwork at a BFE meeting (e.g., at the AGM of the annual meeting). Any publications resulting from the fieldwork should acknowledge receipt of a BFE Fieldwork Grant.

 


BFE FIELDWORK GRANT AWARD WINNERS

Click on the links below to view previous recipients of the BFE Fieldwork Grant:

 

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2023

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2022

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2021

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2020

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2019

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2018

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2017

BFE Fieldwork Grant recipients 2016