Applications open for 2025 RTPI research grants

The RTPI Research Grants programme funds planning research under two streams.

The Early Career Research (ECR) grant funds researchers in the early stages of their careers in academia, while the Practitioner Research Fund (PRF) is aimed at researchers working in planning practice. 

We are seeking high-quality research proposals from eligible applicants for both streams, which would lead to new insights and knowledge for the benefit of planning academics and practitioners.

ECR grants

Up to four grants of up to £10,000 are available and funded by the RTPI English regions. 

They aim to support PhD students or researchers within five years of receiving their PhDs to gain experience of leading high-quality research projects that have an impact on planning practice and/or planning policy.

We encourage proposals which include a case study or focus specifically in at least one of these regions: North West, North East, West Midlands, South West, South East. 

PRF grants

Two PRF grants of up to £5,000 will fund high quality research led by chartered town planning practitioners.

All RTPI members can apply, except those employed by, enrolled at, or affiliated to an academic institution at the time of submission. 

Projects can include collaborative research, i.e. a chartered town planner can undertake research with a non-chartered town planner. 

The deadline for submissions for ECR and PRF grants is Sunday 26 October 2025 at 23:59.