Imagine launching a groundbreaking research project in history or sociology with up to £10,000 in funding. The BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants offer this chance to postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This program, run by the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, supports fresh ideas and global teamwork.
What Is the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grant?
The BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants help fund new research projects. They focus on the humanities and social sciences. Scholars use this money for early project work, like gathering data or planning collaborations. Each grant tops out at £10,000, perfect for focused studies that make a real difference.
Funding Coverage and What the Grant Supports
This grant pays for many research costs. You can use it for travel and meals during fieldwork. It covers entry to archives, libraries, or online databases. Funds also go toward hiring research help, buying materials, or hosting workshops and meetings. Note that it does not pay salaries or buy big items like computers.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Postdoctoral researchers qualify first. You need to work with a recognized school or group. Independent scholars with strong past work can apply too. The main applicant must live in the United Kingdom most of the time. People from other countries can join as partners, and the program likes international teams.
Eligible Applicants
- Postdocs or similar experts
- Teachers at universities
- Solo researchers with good records
Target Audience: Who Should Apply?
Early-career and mid-career researchers fit best. University staff and institute workers in humanities or social sciences will benefit. Teams testing new ideas or building links also gain from this seed money. It helps create first data for bigger grants later.
Eligible Fields of Study
Projects in humanities count, such as history, literature, or philosophy. Social sciences work too, like sociology, economics, or politics. The British Academy accepts mixed methods and cross-field ideas if the work shows real value.
Duration and Project Timeline
Projects last from one month to 24 months. Set clear goals and ways to measure success. Plan your time step by step to fit the grant rules.
Key Features and Benefits
This grant brings prestige to your name. Funds flex to match your needs, from trips to events. It backs work with partners worldwide, as long as the leader is UK-based. Many scholars succeed here, thanks to the program’s size and fair reviews.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Pick a sharp research question. Show why it matters and how it stands out. Outline your methods and schedule clearly. Explain your budget needs well. Reviewers check quality first, then use random picks if many strong ones compete.
Important Restrictions and Conditions
Ask for at least £500 and no more than £10,000. It skips PhD thesis costs, salaries, or teaching cover. Deliver outputs like papers or reports.
Why This Grant Matters for Researchers Worldwide
UK leaders open doors for global teams. Co-workers from Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Americas join easily. It funds big-world topics through partnerships.
Application Deadline
Submit by 27th May 2026. Check the British Academy site for full details and to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grant?
It provides up to £10,000 to fund new research projects in humanities and social sciences for postdoctoral scholars.
Who is eligible to apply?
Postdoctoral researchers affiliated with UK institutions, university staff, and independent scholars with strong records qualify, especially early- and mid-career ones.
What costs does the grant cover?
It funds travel, archive access, research assistance, materials, and workshops, but not salaries, computers, or PhD thesis work.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 27th May 2026 through the British Academy website.