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For the last 15 years, supported by the AHRC, the Society has hosted PhD students working collaboratively on the Collections. Currently, this is supported through the Science Museums and Archives Consortium (SMAC) (along with the Science Museum Group Museums, BT Archives, the Royal Society, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

All projects involve a collaboration between a university-based researcher and the staff and (archive) materials at one of the CDP consortium institutions. We have also previously partnered with other Doctoral Training Partnerships. Those applying to SMAC for a project involving the Society are strongly encouraged to submit a parallel application to other equivalent schemes (where applicable).

In spring 2023, SMAC received funding to support nine studentships over three years, with the first cohort of students starting from October 2024.

Applications open for 2026

Applications are now open for projects to start in 2026. Proposals for new studentships are made jointly by a member of staff within a SMAC organisation and a member of staff at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI). Projects can involve multiple SMAC organisations and partner organisations outside the SMAC.

Information about the application process, including research priorities and assessment criteria, can be found on the .

The deadline for Stage 1 proposals is Friday 10 October at 5.00pm.

At the Society, we are keen to encourage proposals for PhD projects within the remit of AHRC that relate to the Society’s Collections, current strategy, opportunities afforded by the Wiley Digital Archives digitisation project, and engagement with new audiences. We encourage any prospective applicants to look at the projects currently supported and earlier Collections-based projects including our Crossing Continents community collaboration and Hidden Histories of Exploration.

Please contact us at rhed@rgs.org to discuss potential applications.