British Academy Research Grants 2025 Open: The British Academy Research Grants 2025 are now open for applications, unlocking exciting opportunities for researchers across the humanities and social sciences. Whether you’re a well-established academic with years of field experience or a postdoctoral scholar just stepping into independent research, this could be the perfect chance to fund your next big idea. These grants offer essential financial support to help bring your innovative research to life.
In particular, the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants and Evidence-informed Policymaking Grants are two of the most sought-after funding streams in the UK academic landscape. They back pioneering research that contributes significantly to the knowledge base in the humanities and social sciences while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and policy relevance. However, competition is fierce, so it’s crucial to understand your eligibility and present a standout application.
British Academy Research Grants 2025 Open
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Types | BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants, Evidence-informed Policymaking Grants |
| Funding Amounts | Up to £10,000 (Small Grants), Up to £150,000 (Policy Grants) |
| Eligibility | UK-based postdoctoral or equivalent status; international collaborators allowed |
| Application Deadlines | 4 June 2025 (Small Grants), 19 February 2025 (Policy Grants) |
| Official Website | British Academy Funding Page |
| Project Duration | 1-24 months (Small Grants), 12 months (Policy Grants) |
| Fields Supported | Humanities, Social Sciences, Policymaking, International Development |
The British Academy Research Grants 2025 offer unmatched opportunities for scholars who want to pursue groundbreaking research, influence public policy, and collaborate internationally. Whether your interests lie in cultural studies, international development, political science, or education, these grants can be the launchpad to wider impact and lasting academic contributions. By carefully preparing and aligning your goals with the British Academy’s priorities, you stand a solid chance of joining a prestigious community of funded scholars.
What Are the British Academy Research Grants?
The British Academy is the UK’s national institution dedicated to advancing the humanities and social sciences. Each year, it allocates substantial funding to projects that demonstrate originality, intellectual ambition, and public engagement. The 2025 grants cycle reflects the Academy’s ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and global research collaboration.
These grants are intended to empower researchers to explore meaningful questions, collect vital data, collaborate internationally, and engage policymakers and the public. Funding is often a critical stepping stone to larger research programmes and future academic success.
Types of Grants
1. BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants
- Provide flexible support for original primary research.
- Suitable for independent scholars and institutional academics alike.
- Maximum funding: £10,000.
- Project duration: 1 to 24 months.
- Next deadline: 4 June 2025.
- Examples of supported expenses: archival research, fieldwork, travel, technical assistance, research meetings.
2. Evidence-informed Policymaking Grants
- Encourage international and interdisciplinary work that connects research to policy.
- Require meaningful collaboration with ODA-eligible countries (e.g., Kenya, Vietnam, Brazil).
- Maximum funding: £150,000.
- Project duration: 12 months.
- Application deadline: 19 February 2025.
- Eligible activities: data collection, stakeholder engagement, co-creation workshops, impact evaluation.
Learn more on the British Academy official website.
Who Can Apply For British Academy Research Grants 2025?
General Eligibility
To apply, researchers must:
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK.
- Possess postdoctoral standing or demonstrate equivalent scholarly experience.
- Be affiliated with a recognized academic institution or work as an independent scholar.
- Include international collaborators if appropriate, provided the lead applicant is UK-based.
Additional Criteria for Policy Grants
Applicants should:
- Collaborate with researchers or institutions based in ODA-eligible countries.
- Focus on improving the use of academic research in policymaking.
- Ensure that the Principal Investigator dedicates at least 20% of their work time to the project.
Why These Grants Matter
Securing a grant from the British Academy brings not only financial support but also substantial professional recognition. Here are key benefits:
- Boosts academic credibility and visibility.
- Supports essential activities like fieldwork, conference participation, and collaborative exchanges.
- Encourages interdisciplinary engagement and policy influence.
- Often leads to further funding opportunities and promotions.
In fact, the British Academy’s 2023 outcomes report found that more than 70% of grant recipients went on to publish in internationally recognized journals and secure tenure-track or equivalent positions within three years of funding.
How to Apply For British Academy Research Grants 2025
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Start by reviewing the detailed eligibility requirements on the British Academy’s website. Make sure your institution, discipline, and career stage meet the requirements.
Step 2: Choose Your Grant Wisely
Match your project scope with the grant type:
- For smaller, focused research projects, go with the BA/Leverhulme Grant.
- For collaborative work aimed at influencing policy in global contexts, apply for the Policy Grant.
Step 3: Register on Flexi-Grant®
To begin your application, sign up or log in at Flexi-Grant. This platform will manage your application documents and submission status.
Step 4: Develop a Compelling Proposal
Your proposal should include:
- Project summary, goals, and research questions.
- Methodology and the rationale for chosen approaches.
- Expected outcomes and wider impacts.
- Detailed budget with a clear justification for each item.
- Supporting materials such as CVs, letters of support, and institutional statements.
Step 5: Submit Ahead of Time
Avoid last-minute issues by completing your application well before the deadline. Technical issues or missing documents can lead to disqualification.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
- Stay focused: Present a clear and logical argument for your project.
- Use data and citations: Strengthen your case with evidence.
- Show impact: Explain how your research contributes to scholarship and society.
- Demonstrate readiness: Highlight team capabilities and previous accomplishments.
- Get feedback: Share your draft with mentors or collaborators before submitting.
Real-World Success Story
Dr. Amina K., a social scientist from the University of Manchester, successfully secured a £9,800 BA/Leverhulme grant to study the lived experiences of migrant youth in Northern England. Her project included in-depth interviews and policy workshops. As a result, local councils adopted her policy recommendations, and her research was featured on BBC News and in The Guardian. This exposure led to further funding from the ESRC and an invitation to consult with the UK Home Office.
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FAQs About British Academy Research Grants 2025 Open
Q1: Can PhD students apply?
A: Unfortunately, no. Applicants must have completed their doctorate or hold equivalent experience in their research field.
Q2: Are teaching-focused projects eligible?
A: No. Projects must prioritize original research, not teaching enhancement or administrative development.
Q3: Can funding be used for conferences?
A: Yes, but only if conference participation is essential to the project’s aims.
Q4: Are resubmissions allowed?
A: They are, but previously declined proposals should be thoroughly revised.
Q5: How competitive is the process?
A: Highly competitive. Only around 20% of applicants for Small Grants receive funding.
Q6: Can applicants from any discipline apply?
A: Only those working in humanities and social sciences disciplines are eligible.
