[Royal Geographical Society](https://www.rgs.org)

January 2027 (Application deadline, projected)

Up to £4,000 per award; annual competition; typically supports multiple expeditions each year.

Supports expeditions advancing knowledge of the polar regions through challenging and inspiring fieldwork.

This is a forecasted call—dates and details may shift; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Gino Watkins Fund Awards provide financial support for expeditions that contribute to the diffusion and improvement of knowledge of the polar regions. The awards are designed to enable fieldwork and research that expands our understanding of polar environments, geography, and related scientific fields. The fund particularly encourages applications from early-career researchers and teams aiming to develop enterprise, endurance, and leadership through challenging work in polar environments. Expeditions can focus on both the Arctic and Antarctic, though ventures to Iceland in summer and to Norway are not usually supported. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (anticipated application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards of up to £4,000 per expedition. - Funding is typically provided as part of an annual competition, with multiple awards made each year. - The fund may prioritize projects where this support will make a critical difference to the expedition’s viability. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers, expeditioners, adventurers, and organized groups planning expeditions to the polar regions (Arctic or Antarctic). - Early-career applicants and those providing training/experience to young people are especially encouraged. - Expeditions must have clear scientific, educational, or exploratory objectives related to the polar regions. - Expeditions to Iceland (in summer) and Norway are generally not eligible. - Applications are evaluated on scientific/educational merit, planning, safety, and the potential for successful completion. - The fund values both scientific research and the development of polar travel experience. --- ## Application Process - Submit a completed Gino Watkins Fund application form. - Provide a one-page summary CV of the project leader and brief summaries (max 100 words) for each team member. - Name two referees; referees submit their forms directly to the fund. At least one referee for research projects must be qualified to assess the scientific aspects. - Applications and references are submitted by email to [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org). - Applications are reviewed by a committee of experienced polar expeditioners and scientists. - Successful applicants are typically notified by early April (following the application deadline). --- ## Additional Information - The fund is supported by the Augustine Courtauld Trust and the Arctic Club, with a special Arctic Club Award also available for selected expeditions. - The Gino Watkins Fund was established in memory of Henry George ('Gino') Watkins, a pioneer in polar exploration. - Awardees are expected to submit preliminary and final reports and may be asked to share their findings through the Society’s channels. - Past recipient reports and further details are available on the [Scott Polar Research Institute’s Gino Watkins Fund page](https://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/about/funding/ginowatkins/grants/). --- ## External Links - [Gino Watkins Fund Awards Program Page (RGS)](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/expedition-grants/the-gino-watkins-fund-awards/) - [Application Form (DOC)](https://www.rgs.org/media/k35bgh4g/gino-watkins-fund-grant-application-form-2026.docx) - [Guidance for Society Grant Applicants](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/) - [Past Award Recipients (SPRI)](https://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/about/funding/ginowatkins/grants/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org) | | Funder Website | [https://www.rgs.org](https://www.rgs.org) | | Postal Address | 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, United Kingdom | | Phone | +44 (0)20 7591 3000 | | Contact Page | [https://www.rgs.org/about-us/contact-us/](https://www.rgs.org/about-us/contact-us/) |

The Gino Watkins Fund Awards

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