Archaeology Radiocarbon Dates Scheme

Overview

This scheme is open to research projects and academics from all levels. Undergraduate students, post-graduate students, established researchers etc. are welcome to apply. Applications will be considered for further research emanating from what were originally developer-led projects, provided all licensing requirements have been met in full

What you need to know to apply

Please click hereto access the online application form.

Applications are accepted for the following:

Proposals for radiocarbon dates associated with the archaeology of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland.

Aims and priorities:

• The furtherance of archaeological knowledge in the context of the finite nature of the
  archaeological resource*.
• To fund informative dates on key archaeological questions. This could mean ‘rangefinder’
  dates for pilot projects or much more targeted dates refining the chronology on key
  archaeological objects or sites/site phases.
• To fund dates on well-contexted high-quality samples with a clearly demonstrated rationale
  as to how it/they will answer the relevant research question.

*including applications which research archaeological sites impacted by climate change in line with the goals, objectives and actions of The Built and Architectural Heritage Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCSAP)

Assessment Criteria:

In order to make a decision, each application will be assessed on the following weighted criteria:

1. The relevance of the proposal to the furtherance of the aims and priorities of this grant
   scheme (30%)
2. The ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research, demonstrated through a
   track record of relevant competencies, as appropriate to their career stage (30%)
3. The design, resources and methodologies that are being brought to this project to
   enable its success (20%)
4. Evidence of plan for impactful and relevant dissemination (20%)

Who can apply:

This scheme is open to archaeological researchers/archaeologists, including undergraduate students,
postgraduate students, and PhD candidates.

How to apply

A completed application form plus the following (if the sample is coming from an excavation):

1. A copy of the relevant section of the Ordnance Survey map with the site or sites marked
2. An adequate site plan
3. Where the applicant is not the holder of the excavation licence for the site, a letter from the excavation licence holder (if relevant) stating that the applicant has discussed the application with him/her and that there is permission in principle for the dating of the sample

How applications are processed and assessed

• Applications that are deemed eligible will be passed on for assessment. If we decide your
  application is not eligible, you will receive a letter informing you that your application is
  ineligible and will not be assessed.
• Your application will be assessed by the Grants subcommittee of the Standing Committee
  for Archaeology based on the criteria and guidelines within this document and
  recommendations will be made to the Standing Committee for Archaeology for ratification.
• You will then receive a letter of decision. If your application has been successful, we will
  include information about what you should do next.
• Whether successful or unsuccessful you will automatically receive feedback on your

Appeals

The Royal Irish Academy has an agreed set of procedures and responsibilities for appeals in connection with a decision to decline funding of a grant application. For further information see here.