The Sydney Bailey Fund

The Sydney Bailey Fund, administered by the Conflict Research Society (CRS), provides small-scale research funding to PhD students engaged in world-class peace and conflict studies. The CRS is an internationally recognized forum fostering academic and policy-relevant research on conflict processes, cooperation, and peace. It serves as a hub for scholars, practitioners, and NGOs, encouraging multidisciplinary dialogue and collaboration around global conflict issues. Established in 1995 through contributions from CRS members and initiated by Professor Chris Mitchell, the Sydney Bailey Fund underscores CRS’s commitment to supporting emerging scholars in the field. Grants of up to £1,000 are awarded to PhD candidates to assist with research activities essential to their dissertation. Eligible expenses include travel for fieldwork and hiring research assistance for data collection. The grant explicitly excludes support for attending conferences or purchasing equipment and is meant to supplement areas where institutional or external funding is unavailable. PhD students of any nationality are eligible to apply, provided they can demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance to complete field-related aspects of their dissertation. Participation in previous CRS events or conferences may strengthen the application but is not mandatory. A comprehensive application package must include a curriculum vitae, a 200-word project abstract, a 1,000-word research proposal, a budget plan, a supervisor's letter confirming lack of research funds, a brief explanation of the grant's use, and a statement on the applicant’s engagement with CRS activities. Applications are accepted via email in PDF format and must be sent to sydneybaileyfund@gmail.com with the subject line “Sydney Bailey Fund: [YOUR NAME]”. The current application deadline is November 1, 2025, and decisions are communicated within a month. Successful applicants are expected to present their research at the CRS’s annual September conference, provide a post-award summary for the CRS website, and produce a short video describing their fieldwork. Additionally, awardees must provide proof of enrollment before receiving funds and are encouraged to plan travel that complies with institutional and government safety guidance. The CRS notes that if the awarded funds are not used by March 2026, they must be returned for reallocation in the next cycle. The program has a recurring annual cycle, with past recipients including PhD candidates from the University of Bristol, University of Amsterdam, and King’s College London, highlighting the fund’s prestigious and international nature.

Emphasize alignment with CRS themes; demonstrate feasibility and need; prior participation in CRS events may strengthen the application.