The School of Culture and Society allocates funds year for strategic research development and provides the institute's employees with the opportunity to seek support for project development activities. The funds are prioritized and distributed by the research committee at CAS. Decisions are made by the Head of Department and the Vice Head of Department for Research when consensus cannot be reached among the committee members.

Applicants must be employed at CAS. Funds for activities primarily aimed at PhD students should be sought from the PhD school.

The funds are distributed in two pools: the Research Committee's general pool and the Center Pool. They are described below. Conditions and overarching criteria for distribution are outlined at the bottom.

Research Committee's General Pool

Two fixed annual deadlines on June 1^st and December 1^st.

We encourage exploration of external funding and co-financing with research programs.

Funds can be applied for:

1. Extraordinary travel (max. 20,000 DKK)
   Primarily allocated for trips that either establish/develop networks or explore opportunities for international projects. Support may exceptionally be provided for fieldwork or conference participation if it holds significant strategic importance for the applicant, the academic community, or CAS, and exceeds the applicant's ordinary research travel budget.
    
2. Conferences (large and small) (max. 30,000 DKK)
   Awarded for conferences directly related to AU. Priority will be given to activities that benefit as many CAS employees as possible, or that otherwise support institutional strategy.
    
3. Development of research ideas and collaborations (max. 30,000 DKK)
   Funds for small pilot projects, development seminars, establishment of collaborations with external organizations, or potential project partners.

Research Centre Pool

One annual deadline December 1st

All approved research centres can apply for operational funds for up to two years based on a tentative activity plan. Centre funds are not allocated to specific activities but for the ongoing operation of the centre. Operational funds can be used for meeting activities, student assistance, catering, and covering transportation expenses for speakers at the centre. The centre's director must be the applicant.

Once approved, the center receives 10,000 DKK per year. Centre applications do not require a budget.

Additionally, centres can apply to the general pool for support for activities on equal terms with other researchers and research groups.

As part of the application, a report on the centre's activities in the last two years or since its establishment must be submitted. If there has been low activity, an explanation must also be provided as to why the centre's activities should now resume.

General Criteria and Conditions

1. The department's research committee aims to support innovative projects with the potential for scientific breakthroughs and prefers that the applied funds benefit as many researchers as possible.
2. No funding can be sought for buyout. Planned activities must be feasible within the applicant's research time (or in already planned sabbaticals).
3. It is considered a strength in applications for development funds that CAS is not the sole contributor to the project.
4. Grants must be used for the stated purpose within one year of the grant date, otherwise, they will be forfeited. Any profits will accrue to the institute.

Clarifying questions should be directed to the research consultant: thomas.erslev@cas.au.dk 

Applications are accepted exclusively through the online application form: https://forms.office.com/e/FfSupD09YH