Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities

Staff-led Interdisciplinary Training Fund

Two researchers speak in an animated way at a SGSAH event

What is the Staff-led ITF?  

The Staff-led Interdisciplinary Training Fund (IFT) is an innovation and experimentation fund available to staff, including academic, professional services and early careers researchers at all 17 SGSAH member HEIs.   

Activity may be new and experimental, linked to an existing initiative or developed as a stand-alone programme. ITF supports interactive, interdisciplinary and innovative doctoral training that draws on institutional or partnership strengths and aligns with SGSAH’s strategic themes and priority areas.  

Activity may contribute to an HEI’s strategic objectives, develop new collaborative approaches, extend existing programmes or support legacy and knowledge-exchange activity, provided that doctoral training and researcher development remain the primary purpose.

Who can apply?

Applications must be led by a member of staff at an SGSAH member HEI. External, third sector and international partners may contribute to planning or delivery where appropriate. The lead HEI will act as the administering institution and is responsible for meeting the conditions of funding as outlined in the guidelines linked below.

Guidelines

Read the Interdisciplinary Training Fund Application Guidance for full details (PDF via Google Drive; open in a new tab)

[guidelines link coming soon]

How do I apply?

All applications must be submitted through the SGSAH application portal.

[application link coming soon]

For any informal enquiries please contact: admin@sgsah.ac.uk. 

Timeline 

What When Responsibility

Closing dates for proposals

30 October 2026

29 January 2027

28 May 2027

HEIs

Notification of award

Within one month of the relevant closing date

SGSAH

Communications and marketing

At least one month before the activity

SGSAH and lead HEI/project team

Bookings and delivery

As agreed in the approved proposal

Lead HEI/project team

Evaluation and financial reconciliation

Within eight weeks after the activity

Lead HEI/project team

Payment of invoice

Following receipt and approval of evaluation and financial reconciliation

SGSAH