Heritage Research Grant Program in Singapore

The Heritage Research Grant (HRG) aims to encourage institutes of higher learning (IHLs), think tanks, heritage NGOs, academics and researchers to embark on heritage-related research for the documentation and preservation of Singapore’s heritage and its connectivity to the region.

Research Areas and Priority Research Themes

• There are five (5) Core Research Areas for the HRG Grant Call, namely Singapore Pre-History and History; Intangible Cultural Heritage; Tangible Heritage; Ethnic Heritage; and Comparative Studies of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Proposals must align with at least one Core Research Areas to be eligible for application.
• The seven (7) Priority Research Themes for HRG released from 02/FY2023 supports NHB’s Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0 (HP2.0) to prioritise proposals that align with HP2.0’s focus areas and NHB-wide research agenda. The priority research themes include:
  • Maritime Heritage;
  • Heritage and Well-being;
  • Sustainability in Built Heritage;
  • Pedagogy/Museum-Based Learning;
  • Heritage Businesses;
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Heritage; and
  • Innovative Technologies in Heritage.

What does the Grant support?

• The HRG funding quantum is capped at S$150,000 per research project (maximum 2-year project period), and the grant supports research costs including manpower costs, costs associated with conducting research works and fieldwork, as well as any indirect/ancillary research costs charged by the applicant’s institution. For 1-year projects, the maximum quantum is S$75,000.
• For proposals whose research topic and/or methodology are more novel or experimental in nature, and for researchers who are new to the field of heritage research, applicants are encouraged to consider the 1-year project grant of up to S$75,000. The output of such proposals could be a proof of concept. These proposals should address at least 1 Priority Research theme and have at least 1 heritage expert on the research team.

Who is the grant for?

• HRG is open to academics and researchers from or endorsed by the Singapore-based supporting organisations below:
  • Institutes of higher learning (IHLs), think tanks/research institutions
  • Non-government organisations (NGOs)
  • Public company limited by guarantee
  • Non-profit organisations (NPOs)
  • Applicants with the support of professional bodies (e.g., Singapore Institute of Architects, Law Society of Singapore) registered under the Registry of Societies.
• Applicants should have a strong track record in academic research and demonstrate a keen interest in Singapore’s heritage.

For more information, visit National Heritage Board (NHB).