Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry Award Scheme 2026
Opening date: 1 March 2026
Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026
The Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry invites applications for its Award Scheme for 2026. SHAC offers two types of award: support for research into the history of chemistry or history of alchemy by both new and independent scholars and support for Subject Development of either history of chemistry or history of alchemy. It is expected that applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by 31 July 2026.
The Awards are most suitable for activities planned to be undertaken during the period 1 August 2026– 30 September 2027. In exceptional circumstances applications may be considered for activities which occur between the deadline on 31 May and 31 July, but this must be brought to the attention of SHAC when submitting the application for the Award. A two-year window for completion of all Awards will be given. Research Awards are open to post-graduate students (both masters and doctoral students), those who have obtained a PhD since 1 January 2016 and also to independent scholars. Given that the circumstances of independent scholars differ we are letting members ‘self-define’ and if there are any unclear cases it will be left to the discretion of the Awards Panel.
Awards of up to £1000 will be made to cover research expenses, including travel, accommodation, subsistence (at the discretion of the award panel), the copying or scanning of documents, and library fees. Applications may also include the costs of reproducing images for publication. The Scheme does not fund the purchase of equipment or course fees. It does not cover the costs of Open Access publication. In addition, those who have obtained a PhD since 1 January 2016 and independent scholars may apply for the costs of travel to conferences and accommodation, but only in order to give a paper. There is an expectation that awardees will attend the entire conference, unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Scheme does not pay conference registration fees. Subject Development Awards of up to £1000
may be made to support activities such as seminars, workshops, colloquia, lecture series, conference sessions, conferences, exhibitions and outreach activities that support either the history of chemistry or history of alchemy as academic subjects. The Awards do not cover the costs of refreshments or catering for these events or honoraria for speakers. The Scheme does not cover the costs of Open Access publication. Please note that activities covered by the Awards do not have to occur in the UK, and that the Awards are open to members of the Society resident both in the UK and elsewhere. Members who have applied to the Scheme in previous years, whether successfully or not, are entitled to make an application in 2026.
Applicants must be members of the Society in good standing at the time of making an application, and, if successful, throughout the period of an award.
For more information and application forms, please contact grants@ambix.org. Membership enquiries should be made to newjoiner@ambix.org.
An activity report must be submitted at the end of the Award. This will usually be published in SHAC’s Chemical Intelligence newsletter.