Deadline: September 30, 2026
Applications for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 are now open. The British Academy is inviting proposals from early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences wishing to pursue an independent research project, towards the completion of a significant piece of publishable research.
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. This scheme aims to help develop the award-holder’s curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.
The Fellowship is non-renewable and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).
Benefits
- The scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. Currently, the Academy funds 80 per cent of salary costs, directly allocated and indirect costs under FEC. The Fellowship is tenable for three years, starting from Autumn 2027 in a UK-based university or higher education institution.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a researcher from the humanities and social sciences and be based at an eligible university or research organisation for the duration of the Fellowship. Suitable institutions include any UK university or recognised research organisation based in the UK. British citizens and any nationals from the EEA are eligible, regardless of where their doctorate was obtained.
- Anyone of any nationality who has a doctorate from a UK university is eligible. If an applicant does not meet the prior categories, they may be accepted if they can demonstrate ‘strong prior association’ with the UK academic community.
- Eligible applicants are expected to be at an early stage of their career. Applicants are expected to have completed their Viva Voce examination between 1st April 2024 to 1st April 2027. The applicant must already be of postdoctoral status at the time when the Research Awards Committee meets.
- Additionally, no applicant who has been appointed to a permanent academic post in an institution of higher education at any time in their career, whether in the UK or overseas, will be eligible. This includes positions held before the award of a doctorate.
Application
The deadline for submissions and UK institutional approval is Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (17:00 BST).
For more information, visit British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships.
