The solar system

£1,600 per month.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich houses one of the finest collections of scientific instruments in the world. These holdings are divided into four main disciplines: Astronomy, Horology, Hydrography and Navigational Instruments.

The Sackler Short-Term Research Fellowship in the History of Astronomy and Navigational Sciences has been established to promote advanced research in the history of science and scientific instruments, specifically related to the strengths of the Royal Observatory’s collections. The National Maritime Museum invites applicants of any nationality who are conducting research into:

1. In one or more types of instruments represented by the collection.
2. Into the work of a particular individual or group of instrument makers related to the collection.
3. Into some aspect of the history of the Navigational Sciences or the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

The Sackler Fellowship is intended for younger postgraduate or postdoctoral scholars, but applications from individuals who have demonstrated equivalent commitment to advanced research in the field may be considered.

The conditions for a Sackler Short-term Research Fellowship are:

• The award for a Fellowship is £1600 per month to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence for a predetermined two- or three-month period. In exceptional cases this may be extended for a further month. Tax law requires the production of receipts to cover expenditure. Further information will be given on acceptance of the proposal.
• The Museum will receive printed acknowledgement in any and all publications resulting in whole or in part from research carried out during the period of the Fellowship.
• A Fellow will provide the Museum (through the Research Department) with copies of all publications supported in whole or in part by the Fellowship.
• Fellows will provide the Museum with a written report on the completion of their Fellowship.
• During the tenure of the Fellowship, a Fellow may be asked to attend conferences or symposia on behalf of the Museum or to participate in informal seminars with staff.

Fellowships are tenable by arrangement and within the academic year 2009-10.

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How to apply

Download the application form (PDF file). Please complete the form and return it, along with your C.V. and detailed proposal, to the address below.

PDF files can be downloaded and viewed using Acrobat Reader.

Return your application to:

Research Administrator
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
London SE10 9NF

For more information, contact the Research Administrator:

Tel: +44 (0)20 8312 6716
Fax: +44 (0)20 8312 6592
E-mail: research@nmm.ac.uk

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Notes for applicants

The application form asks for brief personal details, the title of the proposed research projects and the names and addresses of two academic referees. In addition, applicants are asked to supply the following information, preferably typed or word-processed, and in a form suitable for photocopying:

A curriculum vitae; this should be kept short and include details of the applicant’s education, employment history and major publications.
An outline of the proposed research project, which should not exceed three sides of A4, a timetable for its completion and proposals for the dissemination of research. The Museum does not undertake to publish or assist with the publication of the results of research carried out during the tenure of the Fellowship. As no interviews are held for Sackler Short-Term Fellowships, applicants should ensure that all relevant information is included.
For the same reason, applicants should send a copy of their application to their nominated referees at the time of or in advance of its submission, asking the referees to comment on their professional knowledge of the applicants and the contribution the project would make to scholarship.

The deadline for 2009 applications has now passed. The next round of Fellowship applications will take place in Autumn 2010.

Contact:

Research Administrator
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
LONDON SE10 9NF

Awards for Sackler Short-term Fellowships will be decided on from the proposals alone. Applicants will be informed of the decision of the Academic Awards Committee by the following January.

For any further information, please contact the Research Administrator.