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

November 2026

Up to £10,000 per award; two awards annually

Supports ambitious expeditions or research projects that deepen understanding of the planet, its cultures, peoples, and environments.

Project proposals directly related to PhD or MSc research are not accepted.

--- ## Description The Neville Shulman Challenge Award is designed to fund challenging and inspiring expeditions or research projects that advance geographical knowledge of the planet, its cultures, peoples, and environments. The award encourages physically and intellectually demanding projects that have both local and global significance, clear research objectives, and strong plans for sharing findings. Applicants must show how their project is innovative and contributes new insights to geographical understanding. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline (anticipated/projected): November 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Two awards are made annually. - Each award is up to £10,000. - It is expected that the grant will provide the majority of funding needed for the project. --- ## Eligibility - Open to both individuals and groups. - Projects must be challenging both physically and in terms of the research issue or question. - Proposals must have clear methods for data collection and a plan to disseminate findings widely. - Projects directly related to PhD or MSc research are **not** eligible. - The project should advance geographical knowledge and have elements of both local and global interest. - Applicants should ensure the grant will cover most of the project’s costs. --- ## Application Process - Review the [guidance for Society grant applicants](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/). - Prepare your application with a clear statement of challenge, research aims, methods, and dissemination plans. - Submit your application via email to [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org). - For questions or clarifications, contact the Society at the same email. --- ## Additional Information - Past recipients have undertaken expeditions and research in diverse global environments, often with a strong element of exploration and public engagement. - The award is highly competitive and prioritizes projects that are ambitious, original, and likely to have significant impact. - The grant is not intended to fund academic research directly linked to higher degree requirements. --- ## External Links - [Neville Shulman Challenge Award – Program Page](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/expedition-grants/neville-shulman-challenge-award/) - [Expedition Grants Overview](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/expedition-grants) - [Guidance for Society Grant Applicants](https://www.rgs.org/exploration/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [grants@rgs.org](mailto:grants@rgs.org) | | Phone | +44 (0)20 7591 3000 | | Address | 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, United Kingdom | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.rgs.org/about-us/contact-us/) | ---

Neville Shulman Challenge Award

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