Explore the interconnected narratives of our shared past and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future through the Transnational Heritage Joint Research Grants. Supported by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and funded by the Korean Heritage Service, this programme provides a platform for scholars to engage in innovative research on transnational heritage.
The programme aims to foster a vibrant global network of researchers addressing contemporary challenges in heritage studies. By examining the diverse ways heritage shapes identities, cultures, and societies, the initiative promotes dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding among communities worldwide. It seeks to pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable coexistence by supporting groundbreaking projects that delve into the interconnected stories of our shared past.
The 2025 Transnational Heritage Joint Research Grants will support four research teams, comprising two mid-career teams and two early-career teams. Selected teams will receive funding for pilot research during 2025, and outstanding projects may be eligible for extended funding for up to three additional years (2026–2028) following a comprehensive evaluation.
The Programme encourages:
- exploring cultural exchanges, contested memories, and interconnected histories to deepen understanding of shared pasts;
- investigating the role of heritage in shaping national identities and sociopolitical contexts;
- addressing the legacies of conflict, trauma, and systemic discrimination through heritage, while promoting reconciliation, peacebuilding, and intercultural understanding;
- examining heritage’s contributions to tackling global challenges such as climate change, cultural diversity, and social inequality, fostering sustainable futures;
The Programme encourages research on Korean heritage by promoting studies that mediate understanding of Korean heritage and explore and share its universal value for humanity.
Selected mid-career teams will receive up to KRW 80,500,000 (approximately $54,000 USD), and early-career teams will receive up to KRW 63,000,000 (approximately $42,000 USD) to conduct their research.
Please find out more detailed information about the grant programme.
How to apply
Applicants for the 2025 International Joint Research Grants on Transnational Heritage must submit a complete application to the Korean National Commission for UNESCO at leeyh@unesco.or.kr by February 28, 2025 (Seoul local time).
The application must contain:
- A completed application form (see the attached application form)
- CVs of the Principal Investigator and co-researchers (in PDF format)
- A copy of the doctoral degree certificate of the Principal Investigator
- A preliminary budget plan (either in a separate form or included in the application form)
Successful applicants will be notified and contacted by mid-March 2025.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at leeyh@unesco.or.kr
Contact Information
Yoonha LEE
Researcher
Korea UNESCO Research Institute
Korean National Commission for UNESCO
Tel: +82 (0) 2 6958 4280