The Centre aims to support projects which explore the potential development of new ideas including interdisciplinary, speculative, and high-risk work. It also aims to assist early career scholars in establishing themselves in their field of research, as well as those senior scholars with a heavy teaching or administrative burden. Funding includes research assistance costs, travel to meet with colleagues, archive visits, symposium organization, etc.
The Research Centre is governed by a sub-committee to the Academic Committee. The current Director is Professor Brian Parkinson, who is supported by four members of the Academic Committee, and an Administrator. Those eligible to apply are senior members of the college, who are members of the Governing Body, Senior and Junior Research Fellows, Emeritus Students, and some long-term college lecturers teaching for at least six hours per week.
As well as funding projects outside Christ Church the Research Centre itself can host conferences in the 19th Century Thatched Barn which boasts a 100-seater lecture room with advanced video conference equipment.
Conference Dinners may also be taken in college, and refreshments and light lunches can be provided in the adjoining fully equipped catering area.
