All applications are assessed on the following criteria:
- The scholarly merit of the proposal
- The feasibility of the project
- The appropriateness of the proposed scientific techniques/methods to answer the questions posed
- Experience and expertise of the research team in applying these techniques/methods
- Previous work undertaken on similar material
- The fragility of the material in question
- Sample sizes required in relation to the size and rarity/uniqueness of the object
- Other immediate or long-term impact on the object(s), including risks associated with exposure of object(s) to ionising or non-ionising radiation
- Experience of the research team in working with Museum material
- Anticipated outputs of the research (publications, and so on)
- Health and safety implications
Applicants are expected to indicate thorough knowledge of previous work undertaken (citing appropriate references).
The potential of novel techniques should have been demonstrated on model material in advance of their application to Museum samples.
Further information may be requested, and this will also be subject to review.
Please submit your application as far in advance of the deadline as possible, as access at short notice can't be guaranteed.
Applicants are encouraged to make an honest assessment of the likelihood of success/risk of failure of the project.
Small-scale pilot studies on collection material prior to a full-scale study may be suggested in certain cases.
We may ask applicants to collaborate on work when we receive two or more requests for the same area.
We may also suggest collaboration with British Museum scientists, particularly where the Museum has a research interest in the area or if the material concerned is very fragile.