Walters Kundert Fellowship | £10K for Arctic & High‑Mountain Research (Deadline: Ongoing)
Are you a postdoctoral researcher with a bold vision to explore the frontiers of Arctic or high‑altitude environments? The Walters Kundert Fellowship—offered annually by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)—provides a competitive £10,000 grant to support field-based physical geography research in some of Earth’s most sensitive landscapes.
Why It Stands Out
- Focused Impact: Projects that deepen our understanding of Arctic and high‑mountain environmental systems, particularly in the context of environmental change—past or present—are strongly preferred. (Royal Geographical Society)
- Established Legacy: Launched in 2017, this fellowship stems from the philanthropy of the Walters Kundert Charitable Trust, aiming to advance critical geographical research across these fragile regions. (Royal Geographical Society)
Funding & Benefits
- Award Amount: £10,000 per year to finance field research efforts. (Royal Geographical Society)
- Community Engagement: Fellows gain access to the RGS-IBG’s network, including expert advice, resources for fieldwork safety and logistics, dissemination support via publications, and opportunities within thematic research groups.
Who Can Apply?
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Status | Post-PhD researchers with ongoing or planned fieldwork (applications for work already completed are not eligible). |
| Affiliation | Either affiliated with a UK university or research institute, or Fellows/members of RGS-IBG employed outside the UK. |
Important Note: Applicants should clearly demonstrate that their proposal advances geographical knowledge—a geography degree is not mandatory, but your project must contribute substantively to the field.
Key Dates & Application Process
- Deadline: November 23, 2025
- How to Apply:
- Review the RGS Advice and Resources pages for application guidance. (Royal Geographical Society)
- Craft your proposal, including objectives, methodology, timelines, and budget.
- Secure institutional endorsement and prepare any relevant ethical documents (when applicable).
- Submit your application via email to grants@rgs.org.
Spotlight: Past Recipients & Their Research
Recent projects illuminate the diverse and transformative research this fellowship supports:
- 2025: Matthew Baddock (Loughborough University) conducted ground-truthing to improve satellite detection of dust sources in West Greenland. (Royal Geographical Society)
- 2024: Dr William Harcourt (University of Aberdeen) combined geophysical sensors and AI to investigate glacier surge mechanisms. (Royal Geographical Society)
- 2023: Dr Christopher Darvill (University of Manchester) reconstructed monsoon dynamics in the Eastern Himalaya through glacier and lake records. (Royal Geographical Society)
- Earlier fellows studied topics from rock glaciers in the Himalaya to permafrost thaw dynamics in the Canadian Arctic.
These examples reflect the fellowship’s commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-impact geographical research.
Final Thoughts
The Walters Kundert Fellowship is a rare opportunity for early-career researchers to undertake vital field research in the Arctic and high-altitude zones—with full support from a leading geographical institution. The fellowship not only funds your work but also helps elevate it within a robust academic community.
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | UK |
| Open to | All Nationalities |
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