Join a global collaboration with scholars to uncover the intricate narratives of our shared heritage. This pioneering research grant programme, launched by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and funded by the Korea Heritage Service, fosters innovative studies exploring the diverse social, cultural, and political dimensions of heritage.
By amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, the programme seeks to deepen our collective understanding of heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. Together, we strive to reimagine the role of heritage in promoting inclusivity and sustainability, contributing to a richer appreciation of our interconnected histories and aspirations for a harmonious future.
The 2026 grants programme will select one research team through an open call. The selected team will receive funding to conduct a pilot study. Based on the outcomes of the pilot study, to be submitted by the end of October 2026, and an evaluation of the main research proposal, the team may receive additional funding for the Main Research programme to continue the research project for up to three years (2027–2029).
The programme encourages:
- Deepening Understanding of Shared Pasts: Exploring transnational interactions, contested memories, and the intricate dynamics of cultural exchanges across history to develop a nuanced understanding of interconnected pasts, with a focus on shared heritage sites such as the Silk Road or the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
- The Politics of Heritage: Examining the instrumentalization of heritage in constructing or contesting national identities, power hierarchies, and political ideologies, while addressing its implications in transnational sociopolitical contexts, including disputes over World Heritage designations.
- Heritage, Memory, and Reconciliation: Investigating how heritage shapes collective memory and addresses the transnational legacies of conflict, trauma, and systemic discrimination. Examining the impact of colonialism, war, and political oppression on heritage management and representation, while exploring heritage’s role in fostering reconciliation, peacebuilding, and intercultural understanding.
- Heritage for a Sustainable Future: Analysing the potential of heritage to foster intercultural dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable development, with a focus on transnational initiatives addressing global challenges such as climate change, cultural diversity, and social inequality.
Encouragement of Research on Korean Heritage: Promoting studies that mediate understanding of Korean heritage or explore and share its universal value for humanity.
For the 2026 pilot research, funding for the selected research team will be determined based on a comprehensive review of the proposed budget. The final allocation will comply with the budget framework of the Transnational Heritage International Collaborative Research (Pilot Research) Programme, with a maximum award of KRW 68,000,000.
- The final payment amount is subject to change depending on exchange rate fluctuations and in accordance with applicable financial regulations.
Please find out more detailed information about the Grant Programme.
How to apply
Applicants for the 2026 Transnational Heritage Joint Research Grants must submit a complete application online via the official website of Transnational Heritage Joint Research Grants before the submission deadline of February 22, 2026 (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)
- Optional scientific document
The shortlisted applicants will be notified individually and may be required to participate in interviews, which will be conducted online during the second week of March 2026. Successful applicants will be notified and contacted by mid-March 2026.
Contact Information:
Korea UNESCO Research Institute
Korean National Commission for UNESCO
Tel: +82 (0) 2 6958 4280
Email: research@unesco.or.kr