The Council for the Defence of British Universities invites applications to our second call for project funding.
Projects can encompass any aspect of higher education in the UK, including policy and institutional change (e.g. mergers), curricula developments, finance, staff and student welfare and wellbeing or the effects of restructuring programmes currently ravaging our sector. Comparisons between Britain and other countries are especially welcome. Applications should explain how their objectives align with the aims of CDBU and include a statement on their intended impact on policy and / or practice.
Successful applications for up to £7,500 will explain the rationale and methodology of the project and how the funds will be spent. Eligible expenses include travel, research assistance and replacement teaching.
Applications are invited from tenured academics, the precariously employed and independent researchers. They should not exceed two sides of A4 and must be accompanied by a CV of similar length.
Successful applicants will be notified by 31 July. The projects can start from 1 September and must be completed by 30 June 2027 alongside a report for publication on the CDBU website.
Enquiries and completed applications should be submitted to cdbuchair@gmail.com
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
Previous CDBU Funded Research includes:
PI: Dr Ben Davies, University of Portsmouth. International Collaborator: Professor Christina Lupton, University of Copenhagen
PI: Prof Leo McCann, Professor of Management, University of York
PI: Prof Steven Jones, University of Manchester and Dr Diane Harris.