Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2026 (Spring cycle)

The Leakey Foundation funds research on human origins, including paleoanthropology, primatology, evolutionary behavioural ecology, and cultural anthropology. It is one of the few funders focused explicitly on understanding what makes us human.

Open to PhD candidates (advanced to candidacy) and established scientists worldwide researching human origins, evolution and behaviour; Malawi-based researchers qualify.

Human origins, evolution, and behaviour

Travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, and research expenses

What is not funded

Salary and/or fringe benefits of applicant or senior project personnel, child care, equipment, travel to meetings, institutional overhead, publication costs, or institutional support.

Apply via the Leakey Foundation’s online portal.