The Bate Collection is a research-driven museum. We welcome researchers to work with our historical objects and archival materials. Do contact us if interested in applying for internally or externally funded fellowships and grants to carry out collections-based research within the Bate Collection.
We support applications for a variety of research fellowships, including:
For applications for all funding schemes a summary research proposal and CV should be provided prior to any project being developed or proposal being submitted and at least four months in advance of the scheme submission deadline. If you are interested in applying for funding to work within the Bate Collection and archives, or to propose a research project, please contact our Head of the Bate Collection and Archives, Dr Emanuela Vai, (emanuela.vai@music.ox.ac.uk).
Research Visits
We are happy to host visits from researchers and students wishing to find out more about historical musical instruments. Please, book a visit in advance (bate.research@music.ox.ac.uk) so you can have the opportunity to examine instruments in the collection, and access our extensive library and archive.
Kindly download and complete this form to request a research visit and return it to us via email: research_request_form.pdf
Please note:
As we are in the process of moving to a new site, part of the Bate Collections and its archives, including groups of archival material and objects, is held offsite and currently being relocated to new storage facilities. This major project, involving the University Humanities Division, is due for completion in two years' time. During this period, some material may not be accessible for research or other purposes. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. During 2025, research visit will be limited and instrument loans will be unavailable. If you're interested in research visits after this period, please fill out our research request form and we will endeavour to respond with a proposed date for your research visit at our new location.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the long-term care and accessibility of our collections. We look forward to welcoming you to the Shwarzman Centre once the relocation and new facilities are complete.
We are also working on a new programme of University and Academic Engagement and will announce opportunities to get involved in the next academic year.
Research Projects
Technical plans and diagrams of instruments in the collection
