We are happy to invite applications for our funding initiative open to Oxford DPhil candidates looking to collaborate with other students across faculties and divisions: the “TORCH Critical-Thinking Communities” fund. These communities will be able to critically consider historical, cultural, or aesthetic ideas or methodological issues. We are particularly keen to receive applications that take a culturally diverse and/or transnational approach to an issue or set of related questions. Participants must include Humanities students, but can also include students from other divisions.
The “Critical-Thinking Communities” initiative aims to provide senior mentorship and logistical support to DPhil candidates. In-kind support includes publicity through TORCH’s website and social media, room and Zoom bookings (if dates available), and advice on events best practice and safety.
Successful applications will receive max. £500, which should be for activities to be completed by 31 July 2024. Funds can be used to cover expenses related to the running of reading groups, workshops, and other discussion forums. We do not typically fund other websites, as we offer space on the TORCH website.
If you would like to discuss a possible application, or have questions about eligible costs, please contact Sarah Clay, TORCH Operations Manager on sarah.clay@humanities.ox.ac.uk.
Applications should be sent to the TORCH team (torch@humanities.ox.ac.uk). The deadline is 5pm on Friday 27 October 2023. Applicants will be asked to include the names of the proposed participants (no less than three), confirmation of their student status, and a budget breakdown. Successful applicants will be invited to contribute a blog post on the TORCH website.
We aim to respond to all applicants within 3 weeks of the deadline closing.
Critical-Thinking Communities Application Form
TORCH Open Funding Call Privacy Notice
