oxford bibliographical society

Grants

The Oxford Bibliographical Society offers an annual series of small grants (typically £200-£500) to support a range of projects whose aims are in line with those of the Society. We particularly encourage early-career applicants and are looking for projects that are either based in Oxford or focussed on Oxford collections. You do not need to be a member of the Society to apply. Eligible applications for support could include:

  • The organisation of conferences, exhibitions and workshops
  • Support for scholars visiting Oxford for research into Oxford collections or to take part in a project based in Oxford
  • Assistance to Oxford-based scholars with travel (including accommodation costs) for projects that are in line with the Society’s aims.

Applications should comprise:

  • A brief outline of your project (approximately 400 words) along with a short resume (no more than 1 page)
  • The overall cost of your project, showing how you would use the grant and, if the total is more than the amount the OBS can supply, other sources of funding
  • The name and e-mail address of one referee: we will approach them if required
  • Your contact details.
Title-page of Alberto Pio, Works (Paris, 1531). Lincoln College K.10.20. Courtesy of the Rector and Fellows of Lincoln College.
Title-page of Alberto Pio, Works (Paris, 1531). Lincoln College K.10.20. Courtesy of the Rector and Fellows of Lincoln College.

Applications should be submitted to the Grants Officer grants@oxbibsoc.org.uk by 27th February 2026. All applications will be acknowledged on receipt (please email emma.smith@hertford.ox.ac.uk if you have not received an acknowledgment to check your application hasn’t gone astray) and then evaluated by the OBS Council. We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application by 16th March 2026, and results will be announced on the society’s website.

In due course, grant-holders will be asked to provide a brief report on their research, and may be invited to contribute to an online research panel. We also ask that you acknowledge the support of the Society in any related publications.

In compliance with GDPR, all materials relating to the grants application process will be destroyed at the close of the process.

If you would like to help us support early career scholars in bibliography, please email our Treasurer (treasurer@oxbibsoc.org.uk) to discuss how you can help. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us support new work.

Previous grant recipients