A new programme
The Nuffield Foundation has a new programme to support research on racial diversity within the UK.
The UK’s racial composition has changed considerably since the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948, marking the beginning of the post-war settlement of citizens from Britain’s former colonies. The UK’s growing racial diversity and continuing racial disparities bring opportunities and challenges.
There is a substantial body of research evidencing racial inequalities in most areas of UK life; from health to housing, education to employment, crime and policing to criminal justice. There is less evidence for why some of the UK’s differential racial outcomes persist while other disparities have closed. Nor is there much evidence about what works to end racial disparities, nor of when, how or if policy and programme interventions are effective in achieving this, and little research has focused on the wider benefits and opportunities that racial diversity can bring.
Racial Diversity UK scope
This programme is funded by an endowment that supports work relating to the Commonwealth. This means our interest is in the future of UK society as shaped by its colonial past; specifically, by the migration of people from former British colonies to the UK, and the accompanying dynamics of racialisation, resources and power which have produced the UK’s distinct racial diversity and its patterns of racial discrimination and inequality. Within this context we take a broad view of racial diversity as covering all racial or ethnic groups living in the UK, including White populations.
What we will fund
Grants from £15,000 to £750,000 are available.
The Racial Diversity UK programme aims to be broad in its reach, interested in questions of socio-economic equality, senses of place, belonging and identity, barriers to and opportunities for inclusion, demographic trajectories, and the interrelationship between these themes. Research may also address how the UK compares internationally. Race and ethnicity should be the central focus from which any intersectionality with class, disability, gender, place and other dynamics would be explored.
We expect the research we fund to:
- Contribute to understanding, public debate, policy and/or practice on tackling racial inequalities, discrimination and disadvantage.
- Map pathways towards a UK that is comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity.
Where proposals to Racial Diversity UK overlap with the Foundation’s continuing interests in education, justice or welfare, we encourage applicants to contact us early to discuss which of our funding streams your application fits best with. Broadly, we expect Racial Diversity UK to consider funding research where racial diversity, disparity or discrimination is the primary lens through which social well-being is explored, or where their role in shaping communities or places is foregrounded.
Methods
As for all our grant programmes, we welcome applications proposing any methodological approach, including applied methods and participatory research.
Who should apply
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly from individuals and organisations from racially minoritised communities. We strongly encourage partnership applications which bring together researchers and racially minoritised communities to explore challenges and develop solutions.
How to apply
Please note the application process for Racial Diversity UK follows that of the Research, Development and Analysis Fund.
To begin your application, click the apply now button. Applications will be via the Research, Development and Analysis Fund form. Select Racial Diversity UK as your main focus at the start.
There are two stages to the application process:
- Stage 1: Submit an outline application form online
- Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a full application form for peer review and Foundation consideration
Visit the Research, Development and Analysis Fund page to download our Guide for Applicants which contains more information about Racial Diversity UK’s areas of research interest, key dates, information on eligibility, and all the details you need about the application process. In line with the timetable for our Research Development and Analysis fund we intend to hold future funding rounds for this programme from Autumn 2025.
Any questions relating to applying should be sent to RDUK@nuffieldfoundation.org
