The Scottish Society for Northern Studies (SSNS) has today launched a new funding grant to support those who have come to academia later in life or have resumed study after a lengthy break.

The grant is named in honour of Dr Ryan Foster, who passed away unexpectedly in early 2024. As well as a much loved member of the SSNS community and committee, Ryan was a diligent and devoted scholar of Viking Age, whose work was found at the confluence of historical, ecological, and onomastic inquiry.

A generous donation has been made by an anonymous benefactor to support this initiative.

Details of the grant can be found here, with applications for the inaugural grant welcome until 5 Dec 2025.

As a charitable learned organisation, the Society offers a variety of grants and bursaries to students and scholars at any stage in their career. Opportunities include grants for fieldwork, publication, as well as funding for conference organisation and attendance.