CRASSH hosts several Research Networks every academic year, which are convened or co-convened by Cambridge postgraduate students, postdocs and/or academic staff.
In this blog post, our Research Networks Manager answers some of the most frequently asked questions about running your own Research Network at CRASSH, and how to apply for it.
Find out more about CRASSH’s Research Networks funding round for the 2024 – 2025 academic year.
Q. What is the purpose of a research network?
CRASSH networks encourage experimental forms of engagement between academic staff, postdocs and postgraduate students, working together with a common interdisciplinary research interest. We are keen to support new ideas for a wide range of activities and to encourage new collaborative initiatives that reach across disciplinary boundaries, including those between the sciences and the humanities. Activities may include seminars, reading groups, discussion forums, guest speaker talks, performances, film screenings, guided walks, visits to museums/collections, hands-on workshops and any other activities. Some Networks go on to form the basis of collaborative publications or grant applications.
Q. How much funding will I get?
Our Research Networks programme offers funding of up to £1,500 per academic year, plus an in-kind contribution in the form of administrative assistance, a platform for virtual and hybrid sessions, and help with running in-person or online events. You will also receive a page for your network on the CRASSH website and help in promoting your events through CRASSH’s communications channels. Networks funds cannot be carried over to the next academic year and any unspent sums in the agreed budget revert to the CRASSH Research Networks support fund.
Q. I am a PhD student/post-doc/professor/lecturer/researcher at Cambridge University, am I eligible for a Research Network?
The short answer is yes! Your network’s lead applicant should be a member of academic staff (UTOs/CTOs), postdocs or postgraduate students based at Cambridge University, and they should represent at least two different disciplines.
Q: Where and how often will I be able to run events?
You will be offered free fortnightly slots for in-person or hybrid events in the Alison Richard Building throughout the academic year. Some networks also choose to hold their events in a Department or College. Network events should be designed in a way that provides genuine opportunities for discussion and collaboration and should be open to anyone.
Q. How do I apply for a network?
Visit the apply for research network funding page on the CRASSH website for detailed information on how to apply. Only online applications via the application portal will be accepted: please do not send applications by post or email.
You should discuss your plans with the Faculty Advisors who will support you. Faculty advisors should be from at least two different academic disciplines. Your proposal should also be accompanied by two letters of support from referees, at least one of whom should be from Cambridge University.
You are also welcome to email CRASSH’s Director Professor Joanna Page, with enquiries about the academic focus or scope of your proposed Network.
Q. What is the role of Faculty Advisors?
Faculty Advisors do not need to be involved in the running of your events programme, but they can give guidance, suggest speakers or advise on research matters.
Q. What happens after a network ends?
Some networks carry on meeting elsewhere, some become research grants, and some even publish books! Take a look at the video below to see accounts from past network convenors about the afterlives of their CRASSH research networks. Discover further network trailers, recordings and other network outcomes.
Q. I have more questions about networks and the funding round, who should I contact?
Please contact me! I am available at networks@crassh.cam.ac.uk and will be happy to answer any further questions you have.
