BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2026: Up to £10,000 for Humanities and Social Sciences
Imagine turning your research idea in history, sociology, or philosophy into a funded project with up to £10,000 in support. 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, helps researchers worldwide advance their work through small but powerful grants.
What Is the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grant?
The BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants provide funding for primary research projects in the humanities and social sciences. These grants support new ideas at an early stage. They also cover collaborations, data collection, fieldwork, and sharing results. Each grant offers up to £10,000, perfect for focused projects that make a real difference.
Funding Coverage and What the Grant Supports
This grant is flexible and covers many research costs. You can use it for travel and daily expenses during research trips. It pays for access to archives, libraries, and 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 and similar scholars can apply. You need to work with a recognized institution or have a strong record as an independent researcher. The main applicant must live in the United Kingdom most of the time. People from other countries can join as co-applicants, and the program welcomes global teamwork.
Eligible Applicants
- Postdocs or equal-level scholars
- University academics
- Proven independent researchers
International Applicants
Researchers from anywhere can team up, but the lead must be UK-based.
Target Audience: Who Should Apply?
Early-career and mid-career researchers fit best. University staff, institute workers, and solo scholars in humanities or social sciences should consider it. Teams needing start-up money for fresh ideas will benefit. Use it to test concepts, build networks, or gather first data for bigger grants.
Eligible Fields of Study
The grant funds all areas in humanities like history, literature, and philosophy. It also covers social sciences such as sociology, economics, and political science. Any method works, including mixed approaches, as long as the work shows clear academic value.
Duration and Project Timeline
Projects last from one month to 24 months. Set clear goals and ways to measure success. Plan your timeline to fit the grant period.
Key Features and Benefits
Prestigious Recognition
A British Academy award boosts your career standing.
Flexible Funding
Shape the money to match your needs, like trips or events.
International Collaboration
Team up with experts from any country.
High Visibility
This is one of the British Academy’s biggest programs with a solid history of success.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Focus on a clear research question. Show why it matters and how it stands out. Explain your methods and schedule in detail. Back up your budget choices. Reviewers check quality first, and sometimes pick fairly from top entries.
Important Restrictions and Conditions
Request at least £500 and no more than £10,000. It skips PhD thesis work, salaries, or teaching cover. Projects must lead to outputs like papers or reports.
Why This Grant Matters for Researchers Worldwide
Even with a UK lead, it opens doors globally. Co-investigators from Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Americas can join. Tackle worldwide topics through UK partnerships.
Application Deadline
Submit by 27th May 2026. Check the British Academy site for full details and to apply: BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants. More info is at the British Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grant?
It offers up to £10,000 to support early-stage research projects in humanities and social sciences, including collaborations, fieldwork, and data collection.
Who is eligible to apply?
Postdoctoral researchers, university academics, or independent scholars based in the UK can apply as leads, with researchers from any country welcome as co-applicants.
What costs does the grant cover?
Funds go toward travel, archive access, research assistance, materials, and workshops, but not salaries, teaching cover, or large equipment like computers.
When is the application deadline?
Submit your application by 27th May 2026 via the British Academy website.