More Than Euros: Exploring the Construction of Project Grants as Prizes and Consolations

Abstract In previous funding literature, ample attention has been devoted to the consequences of competition for project grants. These tend be fueled by status distinctions among grants, but scant directed toward how such are constructed. My aim with this paper is develop new knowledge about ways in which scientists ascribe meanings that construct Employing qualitative data and a Bourdieu-inspired field perspective, I analyze early-career Sweden attributed constructed distinguished European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants (StGs) Swedish (SRC) Reserve (RGs), were otherwise closely connected common evaluation procedures equivalent monetary amounts. findings show – despite having received amounts ascribed starkly different ERC StGs SRC RGs, building on perceptions minimal, yet competition-grounded expert-sanctioned, divisions introduced panelists top-graded applicants during ERC’s evaluations. amplified when recast as ‘prizes’ RGs ‘consolations’. Such recasting was largely unaltered acknowledgments generated much more administrative burdens economic troubles than RGs. Those approached StG RG recipients alike cost status, they believed universities adopted similar approach. use my propose contributions, policy implications, future inquiry avenues suggesting may play larger role construction