The British Academy, in partnership with the Leverhulme Trust, invites UK-based postdoctoral researchers to apply for its 2025 Small Research Grants. Designed to support focused, high-impact research projects, the grants provide funding up to £10,000 to help scholars develop innovative ideas in the humanities and social sciences.
These prestigious grants attract applicants from nearly 100 UK institutions and are backed by major partners such as the Wellcome Trust and DSIT.
Why Apply for This Grant?
This grant offers resources, recognition, and the time needed to advance your research. It supports both individual and collaborative projects and is highly regarded within the academic community. Applicants can benefit from:
Funding for direct research costs
Opportunities to disseminate research outcomes
Recognition from a leading UK academic institution
Key Dates for Applicants
Scheme Opens: 9 April 2025
Application Deadline: 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST
Earliest Project Start Date: 22 September 2025
Maximum Project Duration: 24 months
Tip: Start preparing your proposal early to ensure a strong application.
Eligible Expenses
The grant covers direct research costs, including:
Fieldwork and archival research
Hiring research assistants or transcribers
Research-related travel and accommodation
Workshops or seminars related to the project
Public dissemination of research results
Exclusions:
Replacement teaching or staff costs
Salary payments
Standalone international conferences
Purchase of unrelated equipment
Applicants must align their budget with research activities to maximize approval chances.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a postdoctoral qualification or equivalent
Reside in the United Kingdom
Be affiliated with a UK institution or apply independently
Serve as the principal applicant if collaborating internationally
While co-applicants can be international, the lead researcher must be UK-based. The grant is open to both early-career and experienced scholars, regardless of job title.
Supported Research Projects
Grants support projects across all areas of humanities and social sciences. Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
A clear research question
Defined goals and deliverables
Original academic or societal impact
Practical, well-scoped timelines
Projects can be individual or collaborative, but applications must outline distinct research phases rather than open-ended explorations.
Additional Funding Streams
Applicants are automatically considered for supplementary funds associated with the programme, including:
Journal of Moral Education Trust
Society for the Advancement of Management Studies
British Accounting and Finance Association
Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain
Ernst & Young (EY)
Honor Frost Foundation
Sino-British Fellowship Trust
No separate selection is required for these streams.
Creative Use of Funds
The grant encourages innovative approaches to research development, such as:
Organising symposia or workshops
Conducting exploratory trips to archives
Hosting collaborative sessions with peer scholars
Producing digital tools or publications to disseminate research
Activities unrelated to project outcomes, such as attending international conferences alone, will not be funded.
Application Process
Register on the British Academy Flexi-Grant portal
Complete the online application form
Submit a detailed research plan and budget
Obtain institutional approval if affiliated
Finalize and submit before 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST
Early submission is recommended due to institutional approval requirements.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated through peer review, with consideration for:
Coherent and significant research plan
Alignment between budget and activities
Potential contribution to scholarly knowledge
Clarity, conciseness, and feasibility
Cross-disciplinary projects or collaborations may also enhance the application’s competitiveness.
Tips to Maximize Success
Review past successful case studies available on the British Academy website
Discuss your proposal with a mentor or supervisor
Address timely or underexplored topics
Plan a clear dissemination strategy
These steps can significantly improve the chances of receiving funding.
Conclusion
The British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025 offer more than funding — they provide recognition and an opportunity to advance your research agenda. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact in the humanities and social sciences while gaining prestigious academic support.
Contact for Queries: [email protected]
More Information: British Academy Flexi-Grant Portal
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply for these grants?
A: UK-based postdoctoral researchers, affiliated or independent, can apply.
Q2: What is the maximum funding amount?
A: Grants provide up to £10,000 for direct research costs.
Q3: Can international collaborators be included?
A: Yes, but the principal applicant must be based in the UK.
Q4: What costs are not covered by the grant?
A: Salary, replacement teaching costs, standalone conference attendance, and unrelated equipment.
Q5: How long can the funded project last?
A: Projects can last up to 24 months.