The Royal Historical Society makes an annual Martin Lynn Scholarship award to assist a postgraduate researcher of African history. The Scholarship is worth £1,500. The Scholarship is open to members of the Royal Historical Society.
Thanks to the generosity of the family of the late Martin Lynn, the RHS has established an annual award in his memory. Martin Lynn was Professor of African History in the Queen’s University, Belfast, the first scholar to hold a chair in African history in Ireland.
Professor Lynn’s scholarly career was devoted to the history of West Africa and he published most extensively and importantly on the 19th- and 20th-century history of Nigeria. His scholarly achievements were matched by the reputation he enjoyed as an exciting teacher and a generous colleague and friend. This award reflects Professor Lynn’s interests.
Applications for this Scholarship for 2025-26 are now invited before the closing date of Friday 5 September 2025. Applications for this current round may be made via the Society’s applications platform.
Further notes on eligibility:
- Martin Lynn Scholarships are reserved for those who are members of the Royal Historical Society. To join the Society, please see here.
- Funding is reserved for research projects that are both clearly and predominantly historical in orientation, with a specific chronological remit.
- Applications from those previously awarded the Martin Lynn Scholarship are not eligible for consideration.
- Applications for funding for research taking place within 4 weeks of the application deadline will not be considered.
- Applications for retroactive research visits/activities will not be considered.
All applications for the Martin Lynn Scholarship are reviewed by the RHS Research Support Committee, formed of members of the Society’s Council. Review of applications will not take place until the deadline for submission has passed. An average timeline for review, ratification and notification of the outcome of an application is around six weeks after the deadline.
Applications are now invited via the Society’s platform >
Please note that all applications, successful or otherwise, will be directly notified of their outcome.
Holder of the Martin Lynn Scholarship, 2024-25
- Nigel Browne-Davies (Cambridge) for his PhD research: ‘Identity, Creolization, and Generational Change among Colonial Sierra Leoneans, 1863-1931’
All enquiries should be addressed to the RHS Membership and Grants Officer at: membership@royalhistsoc.org.