It is delighted to announce that the fourth annual Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award for emerging photographers is now open for applications, with a submission deadline of Friday, 27 March 2020.

Our award, which funds an early-career photographer in the UK to undertake a narrative photography project, includes a cash bursary of £2,000 and more than £1,000-worth of premier printing at the wonderful Metro Imaging. We also provide the winner with support towards industry and public exposure.

In addition, up to twelve longlisted applicants join our Development Network, which offers smaller grants towards educational projects and professional development throughout the year.

Judges for the award include Caroline Hunter (picture editor, Guardian Weekend magazine), Phil Coomes (picture editor, BBC News Online) and Jennifer Thatcher (critic, curator and lecturer).

The award was created in memory of Rebecca Vassie, a British photographer and photojournalist who died suddenly, aged 30, while on assignment in Uganda in March 2015.

Applicants for the award, who must be either from or based in the UK, are asked to submit a proposal setting out a compelling vision for a narrative photography project with a social or political context. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 27 March 2020.

Previous awards have been won by projects exploring an Islamic community in Israel, health and housing in Glasgow and therapy for survivors of the Rwandan genocide.

The Trust offers shortlisted candidates additional support-in-kind such as networking opportunities and online exhibition; the winner and any runners-up receive membership of Shutter Hub.