Research on peace and the pathways to peace could hardly be more necessary than at present. That’s why a partnership between the Learned Society of Wales and Academi Heddwch to support research projects that explore issues relating to peace is especially timely. 

Academi Heddwch’s support of a new strand in our successful Research Workshop Grant Scheme will see up to £2000 available for proposals that include international partners working under the broad theme of ‘Pathways to Peace’. 

“Academi Heddwch Cymru is very excited to be working with the Learned Society of Wales in this new initiative. The challenges for a peaceful society remain grave – whether from armed conflict, or from disruptive issues such as climate change, AI and social media. We hope through this scheme to spark debate and new thinking, leverage talent in Wales and beyond, and begin to address some of the challenges we face as a society.”

Professor Colin McInnes FLSW, Academic Research Lead, Academi Heddwch Cymru

The focus on international partnership is emphasised in this year’s grant scheme cycle. The additional funding that comes with it shows our interest in encouraging researchers from Wales to build networks outside the country.

“We’d welcome approaches from others who see what we’re doing with Academi Heddwch and would like to explore how it fits with their own objectives. 

Dr Barbara Ibinarriaga-Soltero, Learned Society of Wales

‘Pathways to Peace’ adds to the pre-existing funding streams that target Wales Studies, arts, humanities and social studies, and early career research. Thirty-five projects have been supported through the grant scheme since it launched in 2022. 

“Last year, we worked with the Learned Society of Wales on a sandpit session for early career researchers on the theme ‘Pathways to Peace’. The event contributed to the creation of a network of peace researchers in Wales. This year, we are delighted to be working with the Learned Society of Wales on its Research Workshop Grants Scheme in order to maintain and continue the crucial discussions on peace.”

Dr Bethan Siân Jones, Project Development Manager, Academi Heddwch Cymru

“The work with Academi Heddwch is significant in offering a model for how we can work with third-sector and other partner organisations on shared interests, in particular where they are relevant to Wales,” said Dr Barbara Ibinarriaga Soltero, Programme Manager, Researcher Development. 

“We’d welcome approaches from others who see what we’re doing with Academi Heddwch and would like to explore how it fits with their own objectives. 

“This could incorporate researchers who work outside academia and could use the seed funding opportunity our grants provide to increase their research capacity.”