SHS Next Economy Trust Research Fellowships

Next Economy Trust is a media and production company dedicated to developing programs designed to support the next economy. The trust aims to support academic research and share findings to its membership, which is comprised of 50% women/non-binary individuals, 50% persons from underrepresented groups, and 20% Black individuals. Founded in 2021, the Next Economy Trust has produced ground-breaking work around valuing the intangible economy and developing a world class perspective on diverse capital.  

Next Economy Trust fellowships are specifically targeted to support: 

1. Researchers from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, broadly defined to include race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, displaced status, and/or socioeconomic status 

 AND/OR 

2. Research on the following themes: 
   1. Intangible economy (R&D, design, branding, software, etc.) 
   2. Diversity in capital, tech, and beyond 
   3. Dealing with difficult legacies of the past, including (but not limited to) the slave trade 
   4. Inequality 

Fellowships will consist of an award in the amount of £4,000 to £6,000. Fellows will also be invited to join the Next Economy Trust community to benefit from additional opportunities (including access to partners, content, briefings, and events) and to amplify their research to an extended network of 5,000+ people. 

Funding must be used to support research costs (e.g. fieldwork, surveys, interviews, site visits, accommodation to support activity, etc.), to support the applicant’s existing PhD research agenda, or  enable extensions thereof. The funding cannot be used for income, regular living expenses, or stipend top-up. Funding must be used by 31 December 2024.  

Applicants must be currently enrolled PGR students (Year 1, 2, or 3) in the SHS Faculty. Home and overseas fee students are eligible. 

To apply, please complete the application form by Monday 15 January 2024.  

Recipients will be notified by early February. If selected, Fellows will be asked to write a short report and share their findings with the Next Economy Trust community at the end of the funding period.