Listen to Episode 1 of our new podcast

The Literary Encyclopedia Research Awards

The Literary Encyclopedia Research Awards support research by PhD students, early career researchers*, and established academics on a literary or related matter. These awards are funded through the donation of royalties by contributors and editors to the Encyclopedia.

Applications are accepted from members of an institution which subscribes to The Literary Encyclopedia, contributors to our publication, or individual subscribers.

Since 2025, as part of the publication’s commitment to lowering its carbon emissions and fostering greater inclusivity among researchers, the scope of our awards has widened to encompass applications that do not involve travel.

Awards of between £500 and £750 are available to fund a range of research activities within the following categories:

  • Travel costs for archival research
  • Research assistance to consult archives remotely
  • Training in new techniques/skills
  • Additional research costs, such as caring responsibilities
  • Support for access needs

Conference attendance will not be covered. Caring expenses will be funded only if they specifically enable a research trip.

There are two rounds of The Literary Encyclopedia Research Awards each calendar year. The first round is dedicated exclusively to PhD students and ECRs, while the second round is also open to established scholars. Details of the first round will be published soon on our website and will be circulated among our members.

Applications will be considered by The Literary Encyclopedia’s core editorial team whose decision is final. Money will be paid on presentation of receipts.

Successful applicants will be expected to write a formal report of their work to be published on our website. The contribution of the LE Research Award must be acknowledged in any publications resulting from an award.

Details of successful candidates and research proposals from previous years are available for consultation HERE.

(*An early career researcher is “an individual who is within eight years of the award of their PhD or within 6 years of their first academic appointment” (AHRC).)