British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025: Transform Your Research Vision into Reality
For postdoctoral researchers in the UK seeking meaningful funding, the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025 present an exceptional opportunity. With grants of up to £10,000, this programme supports focused, high-impact research projects across the humanities and social sciences. Whether you are conducting independent research or collaborating internationally, this funding can be the catalyst for your next major academic achievement.
Why the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants Stand Out
Securing time, resources, and recognition is crucial for any researcher. This grant is designed to provide all three while fostering innovative research:
- Supports both individual and collaborative research initiatives.
- Provides credibility through association with the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, DSIT, and Wellcome Trust.
- Offers opportunities for knowledge dissemination via workshops, seminars, and publications.
- Encourages projects with strong societal or academic impact.
The programme is highly competitive and prestigious, attracting applications from nearly 100 UK institutions every year.
Key Dates and Timeline
Planning your application ahead of time is essential. Below is a concise table of key dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Opens | 9 April 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST |
| Earliest Project Start | 22 September 2025 |
| Maximum Project Duration | 24 months |
Starting early ensures sufficient time to refine your proposal, secure institutional approvals, and align your budget with grant requirements.
What the Grant Covers
The grant is primarily for direct research costs, enabling researchers to execute projects efficiently. Eligible uses include:
- Archival research, fieldwork, and data collection
- Hiring research assistants or transcription services
- Travel and accommodation directly linked to research
- Workshops, symposia, and other knowledge-sharing events
- Publishing or otherwise disseminating research outputs
Items not covered:
- Replacement teaching or staff costs
- Salaries or stipends
- Attending international conferences without direct project relevance
- Equipment unrelated to the research project, e.g., personal laptops
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Status | Must hold a postdoctoral qualification or equivalent experience |
| Location | Resident in the United Kingdom |
| Institutional Affiliation | Affiliated with a UK institution or applying as an independent researcher |
| Lead Applicant | Must be UK-based if including international collaborators |
All career stages are welcome, from early-career researchers to experienced academics. Job titles such as Lecturer, Reader, or independent scholar do not restrict eligibility.
Types of Projects Funded
The programme supports a wide range of research across humanities and social sciences. Successful projects demonstrate:
- Clearly defined research question(s)
- Specific objectives and measurable outcomes
- Potential for academic, societal, or policy impact
- Well-structured and realistic project timeline
Examples of fundable research include:
- Exploring historical archives to uncover previously unknown narratives
- Investigating social policy impacts using innovative methodologies
- Cross-cultural studies in education, philosophy, or sociology
- Digital humanities projects using computational tools to analyze texts or data
Additional Funding Streams
Some applications may automatically qualify for additional funding streams attached to this 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
These streams are automatically considered during application review, requiring no additional steps from the applicant.
Creative and Strategic Use of Funds
This grant encourages innovative approaches to project development. Creative uses include:
- Organising small workshops or symposiums to test early hypotheses
- Exploratory trips to archives or field sites internationally
- Collaborative sessions with peers to enhance research quality
- Developing dissemination tools such as blogs, digital reports, or interactive resources
While creativity is encouraged, funds must be tied directly to project outcomes and research impact. Standalone conferences or unrelated events are not eligible.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register on the British Academy Flexi-Grant portal
- Complete the online application thoroughly, providing detailed project description and objectives
- Submit a realistic budget aligned with project activities
- Secure institutional approval if affiliated with a university or research institute
- Submit your completed application before 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST
Applications often require departmental review, so starting early ensures a smooth submission process.
Selection Criteria and Evaluation
Applications undergo peer review. Strong proposals generally:
- Present a coherent, high-impact research plan
- Align the budget clearly with proposed activities
- Offer original contributions to knowledge or society
- Are clear, concise, and realistic in scope
Projects that cross disciplinary boundaries or involve multiple collaborators often stand out. Reviewers value clarity, measurable outcomes, and well-thought-out dissemination strategies.
Tips to Enhance Your Success
- Study past successful applications for insights into evaluation criteria
- Engage mentors or supervisors for feedback on your proposal
- Focus on timely or underexplored research topics
- Plan knowledge dissemination in advance, including workshops, publications, or online resources
- Prepare a clear and well-scoped timeline for your project
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants?
- Postdoctoral researchers based in the UK with a research proposal in humanities or social sciences.
- How much funding is available?
- Up to £10,000 per project, covering direct research costs.
- Can international collaborators be included?
- Yes, but the lead applicant must be UK-based.
- What kinds of projects are funded?
- High-impact, well-defined research projects in humanities or social sciences with clear deliverables.
- When should I apply?
- Applications open on 9 April 2025 and close on 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST.
Final Thoughts: Advance Your Academic Career
The British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025 offer more than funding—they provide recognition, resources, and an opportunity to amplify your academic voice. By following best practices, planning creatively, and submitting a strong, realistic proposal, this grant can significantly impact your research trajectory.
📩 Contact for Queries: gr****@******************ac.uk
📝 More Information: British Academy Flexi-Grant Portal
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