Table of Contents
๐ Overview
The British Academy Leverhulme Small Research Grants offer funding opportunities for postdoctoral scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The program supports primary research projects and helps scholars develop innovative ideas, collaborate internationally, and produce impactful academic outputs.
Funded by the British Academy in partnership with the Leverhulme Trust, this scheme is one of the most popular and competitive research funding programs in the UK.
๐ Key Details of the Program
- Program: British Academy Leverhulme Small Research Grants
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Funding: Partially funded (up to ยฃ10,000)
- Eligible Applicants: Postdoctoral scholars or equivalent researchers
- Duration: 1 to 24 months
- Application Deadline: 3 June 2026 (17:00 BST)
๐ About the Program
The scheme is designed to support high-quality research projects in:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
It focuses on clearly defined, small-scale research projects that can deliver meaningful academic outcomes within a limited timeframe.
The program aims to:
- Support early-stage research
- Enable project development
- Facilitate collaboration
- Promote dissemination of research findings
๐ฐ Funding & Benefits
The grant provides:
- Funding between ยฃ500 and ยฃ10,000
- Coverage of direct research costs
- Support for projects lasting up to 24 months
Eligible Expenses:
- Travel (domestic & international)
- Research fieldwork
- Workshops and conferences
- Research assistance
- Dissemination activities
Not Covered:
- Salaries or salary replacement
- Teaching cover
- Equipment purchases
- Institutional overheads
โ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be postdoctoral researchers or equivalent
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK
- Be affiliated with an institution OR apply as an independent scholar
- Lead a clearly defined research project
Additional Notes:
- Co-applicants may be based internationally
- The lead applicant must remain UK-based
- Postgraduate students are not eligible
๐ Project Requirements
Proposals must:
- Have a clear research objective
- Be achievable within the given timeframe
- Demonstrate strong academic value
- Produce measurable outcomes (publication, report, dataset)
โ ๏ธ Important Conditions
- Funding is strictly for direct research expenses
- Applications must be submitted through the official system
- Institutional approval is required (if applicable)
- Independent scholars must apply before 27 May 2026
๐ Application Process
Steps to Apply:
- Confirm eligibility
- Develop a clear research proposal
- Prepare budget (within ยฃ500โยฃ10,000)
- Gather documents:
- CV
- Research proposal
- Institutional details
- Submit application via official portal
- Undergo peer review and selection
๐ Required Documents
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Institutional affiliation details
- Supporting documents
๐ Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic quality
- Feasibility of the project
- Value for money
- Expected research contribution
โฐ Application Deadline
- Main Deadline: 3 June 2026 (17:00 BST)
- Independent Scholars Deadline: 27 May 2026
๐ Why Apply?
This program offers:
- Funding for impactful research
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Support for early-stage research development
- Enhanced academic career growth
It is especially valuable for researchers needing small but meaningful funding to advance their work.
๐ก Pro Tips
- Keep your proposal focused and realistic
- Clearly justify your budget
- Highlight research impact and outcomes
- Avoid including ineligible costs
- Ensure clarity in methodology
๐ How to Apply
๐ Apply here:
https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/ba-leverhulme-small-research-grants/
๐ข Conclusion
The British Academy Leverhulme Small Research Grants provide an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences to pursue innovative research projects with flexible funding support.
With a strong proposal and clear research goals, applicants can leverage this program to advance their academic careers and contribute meaningful knowledge to their fields.
