The Society for Theatre Research annually makes Research Awards, which are wholly and exclusively for research into aspects of the British Theatre. However, the Society has received a substantial bequest from the estate of the late Paul Iles, the terms of which state that it is to be used: “specifically for research awards in the area of Australian theatre”.

Initial declarations of interest and outline proposals are invited. Although it is expected that projects dealing with Paul’s own interests (such as postcolonial/post-British dominated theatre in Australia, and in particular those companies he was closely associated with – the State Theatre Co at the Adelaide Festival, the Nimrod Theatre of Sydney and the North Queensland Theatre Co.) would be favourably considered, the field is open to other topics.

There is up to £10,000 available; it has not been decided whether there will be several small awards, just one major award, or a mix of larger and smaller. That will depend on the number and quality of the projects submitted. This is a one-off event, so there is likely to be more discussion possible around the development of the chosen project(s) than there can be over the normal STR Awards. There is no application form for awards from this Bequest and there is no specific closing date for these awards: applicants are encouraged to send in outline proposals as soon as may be convenient, after which there may be further discussion and development with the committee (via email). It is expected, nevertheless, that an announcement of successful proposals will be made in 2017. Please send submissions to awards@str.org.uk.