Leverhulme Research Fellowships 2026/2027 in the United Kingdom (Fully Funded)
The Leverhulme Research Fellowships 2026/2027 present an exceptional opportunity for experienced researchers, including international academics based in the UK, to complete a significant piece of original research. This prestigious program, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, provides flexible financial support to scholars who have been constrained by heavy teaching or administrative duties, enabling them to refocus on their academic goals and contribute to global research advancements.
About the Leverhulme Trust
Founded in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust is one of the UK’s most respected research funding bodies. It supports curiosity-driven research that pushes disciplinary boundaries and fosters collaboration across humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The Research Fellowships reflect the Trust’s core aim — empowering researchers to pursue ambitious ideas that might not receive traditional funding but have the potential to reshape understanding within their fields.
Overview of the Research Fellowships 2026/27
The Research Fellowships scheme is designed for experienced scholars in any discipline who wish to dedicate uninterrupted time to research. Each award offers up to £70,000 in funding for replacement teaching costs, research materials, or project-related expenses. The fellowship can last between 3 to 24 months, depending on the nature of the research.
- Fellowship Name: Leverhulme Research Fellowships 2026/2027
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Funding Organization: Leverhulme Trust
- Duration: 3–24 months
- Funding Amount: Up to £70,000
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2025 (4 PM UK time)
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Open to experienced researchers from all academic disciplines.
- Supports scholars who have been limited by teaching or administrative workloads.
- Encourages research with international collaboration and impact.
- Provides funding flexibility for salary replacement and project expenses.
- Approximately 100 fellowships awarded annually.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To apply for the Leverhulme Research Fellowships 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a position at a UK university with research degree-awarding powers extending beyond the duration of the fellowship.
- Be an experienced researcher with a proven academic track record.
- Be resident in the UK and part of the UK scholarly community.
- Have had limited research opportunities due to teaching or administrative commitments in the past three years.
Researchers who previously held a Leverhulme Research Fellowship may reapply after at least seven years. Applicants who previously held an International Fellowship can apply after three years.
Ineligible Candidates
- Independent scholars without institutional affiliation.
- Applicants pursuing a degree (PhD, master’s, or vocational qualification).
- Researchers on short-term contracts primarily focused on research.
- Applications where research assistance is the main expense.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Leverhulme Trust welcomes proposals from all subject areas, excluding:
- Medical research on disease, illness, or disability in humans and animals.
- Projects aimed at informing clinical practice or developing medical applications.
These exclusions exist because medical and clinical research already receive substantial funding from other dedicated sources.
Funding and Benefits
The maximum total value of a Leverhulme Research Fellowship is £70,000. Funding may include:
- Replacement salary costs for teaching duties.
- Research materials and equipment costs.
- Travel and subsistence for fieldwork or conferences.
- Administrative or technical support directly linked to the project.
Fellowship Duration and Timing
Fellowships can last between 3 and 24 months. Awardees are required to devote at least 75% of their time to the fellowship project. The fellowship must begin between 1 June 2026 and 1 May 2027.
International Research Focus
Following a recent review, the Leverhulme Trust now integrates international collaboration within its Research Fellowships. Scholars can include overseas research visits in their proposals — for instance, working with foreign universities, archives, or research centers. These collaborations must focus on developing new knowledge or skills rather than independent fieldwork. Applicants planning international components must provide formal institutional approval from their overseas host by 20 November 2025.
Joint and Group Applications
While the Research Fellowships are intended for individual researchers, multiple applicants may apply for related projects, provided each submission clearly defines the individual’s unique role and contribution. Each application will be evaluated independently.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their proposals through the Leverhulme Trust Grants Management System using Google Chrome for optimal performance. Each submission must include:
- A detailed research statement outlining objectives, methodology, and significance.
- A realistic financial plan within the £70,000 cap.
- Approval from the applicant’s head of department and institutional officer.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their completed applications at least five working days before the deadline of 6 November 2025 to allow time for institutional review.
Selection and Assessment
Applications are evaluated based on scholarly excellence, originality, feasibility, and the potential impact of the proposed research. The committee gives priority to candidates whose workloads have restricted their research output. Interdisciplinary and international proposals that foster knowledge exchange are particularly encouraged.
General Feedback on Unsuccessful Applications
Although the Trust cannot provide individual feedback due to the high volume of applications, common issues include:
- Overly general or insufficiently detailed research proposals.
- Unclear individual contribution in team projects.
- Weak articulation of methodology or originality.
- Overambitious claims without sufficient context or previous work references.
- Lack of clear impact or contribution to the broader academic field.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight how your teaching or administrative duties have limited your research.
- Demonstrate originality and feasibility with a clear methodology.
- Include a well-defined timeline and achievable milestones.
- Show how your research contributes to the wider academic and global community.
- Secure institutional support early to avoid last-minute delays.
Why International Researchers Should Apply
The Leverhulme Research Fellowships offer a rare opportunity for international scholars working in the UK to access world-class research funding. Beyond financial assistance, the program provides academic recognition and global networking opportunities. Projects with an international dimension not only strengthen the applicant’s portfolio but also contribute to the Trust’s goal of fostering cross-border academic collaboration.
Application Deadline and Key Dates
- Application portal opens: August 2025
- Institutional approval deadline: 6 November 2025 (4 PM UK time)
- Overseas approval (if applicable): 20 November 2025
- Fellowship start window: Between 1 June 2026 and 1 May 2027
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can non-UK citizens apply for the Leverhulme Research Fellowships?
Yes, international researchers who are resident in the UK and affiliated with a UK university holding research degree-awarding powers are eligible to apply.
2. What level of experience is required to apply?
Applicants must be experienced researchers with a record of scholarly publications and an established presence in their academic community.
3. Does the fellowship support fieldwork or lab-based research?
Yes, provided it is integral to the proposed research project and falls within the eligible expense categories.
4. Can I apply for another fellowship simultaneously?
You may apply to other funding bodies. However, if both awards are successful, you may only accept one for identical projects.
5. Are joint or team proposals allowed?
Yes, but each member must submit an individual application clearly specifying their contribution to the overall project.
Official Link
For complete eligibility criteria, application guidance, and submission details, visit the official page: Leverhulme Research Fellowships – Official Website.
