HaSS academics receive research collaboration grant funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh
The RSE Research Awards support leading research that benefits Scotland’s
23 July 2026
Two research projects with Newcastle University academic collaboration are amongst the 61 exceptional research projects selected at the spring 2026 Research Awards open call.
The RSE’s Research Awards Programme opens in spring and autumn each year and aims to support Scotland’s research sector by nurturing promising talent, stimulating research in Scotland, and promoting international collaboration.
Preserving queer photography: Making and maintaining community-led infrastructure is the project led by Dr Laura Guy at Glasgow School of Art with collaborators Dr Fiona Anderson (Newcastle University, School of Arts and Cultures) and Dr Cole Collins at Glasgow School of Art.
Photo credit: Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Connecting ancestral owners with dispersed material culture: Nemah itseh (decorated barkcloth) from Erromango, Vanuatu is the project led by Dr Lisa McDonald at University of St Andrews with collaborators Professor Sue Farran (Newcastle University Law School) and Professor Stuart Jeffrey at Glasgow School of Art.
Professor Sue Farran said,
“I am delighted to be involved in this project which raises issues of contemporary relevance regarding the ways in which Indigenous people can assert and protect their interests in cultural property.
I worked closely with Lisa on framing the bid for this project which was first mooted with me several years ago by a long-time associate Anna Naupa when I was in Vanuatu, which is the geographical location of the research.
I think the inter-disciplinary nature of the project will be particularly fascinating and I look forward to the collaboration.”
On the funding round RSE Vice President, Research, Professor Anne Anderson OBE FRSE, commented,
“The RSE’s Research Awards Programme continues to be a cornerstone of Scotland’s thriving research community.
I am confident that the recipients of these distinguished awards will push the boundaries of knowledge and create meaningful benefits for people across Scotland and beyond.
On behalf of the Society, I extend warm congratulations to these exceptional researchers and their international collaborators, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”