Research Programmes
The IAS pursues its own research topics (see CRUCIBLE and NEXUS) but we also welcome proposals from individual or groups of researchers for research programmes to complement the present range of visiting Fellowships and other activities. The details and structure are entirely flexible, but a possible scenario is for a programme for a period between 2 weeks and 6 months (or even longer). A programme would enhance Bristol's activity in a particular research activity, in any single or interdisciplinary subject area. The primary participants and beneficiaries would be Bristol researchers (staff and students), together with collaborators/associates/visitors from elsewhere.
During the period of each programme, there could be a combination of short and long term visitors, who could be provided with residential accommodation in University Walk and/or office/desk space in Royal Fort House. If appropriate, there would be one or more intensive conferences or workshops, and/or regular seminars; the facilities of the IAS in Royal Fort House would be available for these. It would be hoped that the programme would attract visitors beyond those specifically invited, especially for the workshops/conferences/seminars. (Another possible ingredient would be a Research Student Seminar.)
While it would be important to try to raise outside funds to support these programmes, support can also come from the University's Benjamin Meaker endowment and the IAS Leverhulme grant. For appointments in connection with IAS research programmes, the usual annual deadlines for these schemes will be relaxed, and proposals considered on their own merits as they are received.
Any research group, or individual staff member, interested in running an IAS managed research programme is strongly encouraged to contact the Director of the IAS, Gregor McLennan, (928 9171; G.McLennan@bris.ac.uk). If this document sparks off an idea that is only vaguely along the lines described above, please don't hesitate to make contact anyway. If use of the IAS's facilities for visitors and seminars could enhance a plan already in the works, we'd also very much like to hear how we can help.