British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27
The British Academy · UK
Overview
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships are three-year awards made to an annual cohort of outstanding early-career humanities and social-science researchers pursuing an independent research project towards a significant piece of publishable research. Funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the scheme is designed to strengthen research and teaching experience and improve the holder's prospects of a permanent academic post.
Eligibility
The applicant must be based at a UK university or recognised UK research organisation for the duration of the Fellowship. Anyone of any nationality holding a doctorate from a UK university is eligible, as are applicants who can demonstrate a strong prior association with the UK academic community — this is the route open to Malawian scholars. The viva must have been completed between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027.
See the call page for further details.
What is funded
Independent, curiosity-driven research in any humanities or social-science discipline, towards the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, together with the integration of the fellow into an established scholarly community and the development of research and teaching experience.
What is not funded
Applicants who hold or have ever held a permanent academic post in higher education, in the UK or overseas, including posts held before the doctorate, are ineligible without a pre-approved exemption. The Fellowship cannot be held outside the UK, and it is non-renewable. Only 80% of the full economic cost is met, so the UK host must commit the remainder.
How to apply
Apply through the British Academy's Flexi-Grant® system by 17:00 BST on 30 September 2026, supported by one self-nominated referee and with a UK host institution in place.
Because the host must approve the application, secure the departmental sponsor well before the deadline.
Anyone uncertain about the permanent-post criterion should email the Academy (posts@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) for an exemption ruling before submitting.