Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships - Science Museums & Archives Consortium
The Science Museums & Archives Consortium (SMAC) is pleased to open a new call for PhD projects funded by the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme. Full details, including deadlines and application forms, can be found on our website: https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/our-work/research-public-history/collaborative-doctoral-awards/
In summary:
SMAC
The SMAC consists of the UK’s leading cultural institutions for the historical study of science. Our PhD students engage with interdisciplinary collections, develop innovative methodologies, and address key issues on science’s role in past, present and future societies. The SMAC comprises:
BT Group Archives
Science Museum Group (National Collection Centre, National Science and Media Museum, Science Museum, Science and Industry Museum, National Railway Museum and Locomotion)
Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)
Royal Society
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
CDP scheme
Funded by the AHRC, the CDP scheme provides a special opportunity for doctoral students to work across both university and research-led museum and archives environments. Studentships are four years (FTE), including up to six months’ professional development activities (e.g. placements, training). Projects must be based in at least one SMAC organisation, but we are keen to support projects that work across more than one organisation, both inside and outside the SMAC.
CDP project call and priorities
This year, we will support up to three projects starting from October 2024. We will prioritise projects that will benefit the organisations within the SMAC in multiple areas, including:
How we understand, care for, and/or communicate our collections
How research can enhance our public programmes
The skills, knowledge, and professional development of people in our organisations
How different communities engage with our organisations, be they visitors to our physical or online spaces, or professionals across different sectors.We are keen to support projects that align with our current research priorities:
Environment & Society: Our past, present, and future relationship with the natural world
Access & Identity: Who can access our collections and who is represented in them
Digital Collections, Information & Communication: Our scientific and collections data, from paper circulation to digital communities
Project selection processes
Proposals for new projects are made jointly by a member of staff within a SMAC organisation and a member of academic staff at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI). Named students can also apply in collaboration with a full supervisory team, as can galleries, libraries, archives, or museums (GLAM) outside the SMAC. Applications can be initiated by eligible members of staff at a SMAC or other GLAM organisation or a HEI; but completed applications must be submitted by the member of staff based at the SMAC organisation.
We operate a two-stage application process. Stage 1 comprises a brief case for support of up to 1,000 words, focusing on the quality of the project and its expected impact on the SMAC’s organisations. An application form can be found on the website and completed forms should be sent to Dr Eris Williams Reed, Science Museum Group, by 12 noon (UK time) on Friday 29 September 2024.