Expedition grants
RGS expedition and fieldwork grants fund innovative overseas research projects that advance geographical knowledge through original fieldwork and collaboration, with specialized awards for diverse scientific themes and career stages.
Funder: Royal Geographical Society
Due Dates: January 8, 2027 (RGS Explore Grants, Gino Watkins Fund, Neville Shulman Challenge Award, Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award, Journey in Audio) | February 15, 2027 (Peter Smith Award)
Funding Amounts: £500–£5,000 (RGS Explore Grants) | Up to £10,000 (Neville Shulman) | Up to £4,000 (Gino Watkins Fund, Ran and Ginny Fiennes, Environmental Changemakers) | £1,000 (Peter Smith Award) | Varies by scheme; some up to £15,000
Summary: Supports innovative, challenging fieldwork and expeditions worldwide to advance geographical knowledge, with multiple themed awards for different project types and career stages.
Description
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) offers a suite of expedition and fieldwork grants to support original, challenging overseas research and exploration projects. These grants are designed for teams and individuals at various career stages, from undergraduates to experienced researchers, aiming to advance geographical knowledge through field research, local collaboration, and innovative approaches. The programme encompasses a range of awards targeting specific themes, regions, and applicant backgrounds, including polar exploration, environmental change, audio storytelling, and more.
