Apply Now for British Academy Small Research Grants 2026

The British Academy is now accepting applications for the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants scheme.

The deadline for applications is 5pm (BST) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
Purpose of the schemeThe British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants are available to support primary research in the humanities and social sciences.
These awards, up to £10,000 in value and tenable for up to 24 months, are provided to cover the cost of the expenses arising from a defined research project.
Eligibility Awards are open to postdoctoral scholars (or equivalent) who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom.

Applications require the approval of the applicant’s employing institution but are not limited to those of any particular status (eg Lecturer, Professor etc).

Applications may be made by independent scholars (who should choose ‘Independent Scholar’ as the relevant choice from the list of organisations in Flexi-Grant®).

Co-applicants may be from anywhere in the world, but the Principal Applicant must be ordinarily resident in the UK for the duration of the award period.

Please read our Scheme Guidance Notes , Application Guidance Notes and FAQ’s carefully.
Level of awardAwards are up to £10,000 in value and are provided to cover the cost of the direct expenses arising from a defined research project.
Applying for this scheme
The application form is available on the Academy’s Flexi-Grant® system.
Independent Scholar Deadline: 27 May 2026
Applicant Deadline: 3 June 2026
Results Expected: 4 September2026
Earliest Project Start Date: 21 September 2026
Latest Project Start Date: 27 March 2027
If you have any questions, please contact grants@thebritishacademy.ac.uk

Apply for Small Research Grants