British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2026-27

The British Academy's most popular scheme supports the direct costs of a clearly defined primary research project in the humanities and social sciences. Funds may cover project planning, direct research costs, and workshops or visits by or to partner scholars. We welcome collaborative and individual projects equally.

The Principal Applicant must be a postdoctoral scholar (or equivalent) ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. Co-applicants may be from anywhere in the world, and applications from international groups of scholars are welcome, provided a UK-based scholar leads. Malawi-based staff therefore take part as co-applicants.

Primary research in any field of the humanities and social sciences.

Planning and development, direct research costs, and closed workshops or partner visits tied to a specified research objective.

The UK-based Principal Applicant applies online through the British Academy Flexi-Grant system with approval from their employing institution. First, read the scheme and application guidance notes and the British Academy Flexi-Grant® Guidance Notes

Timeline:

Call opened: 2 Sep 2026 | Independent scholars deadline: 28 Oct 2026, 17:00 GMT | Deadline: 4 Nov 2026, 17:00 GMT | Earliest start: 1 May 2027