British Academy Research Projects Scheme Open to Applications

The British Academy’s programme of Academy Research Projects is intended to provide academic recognition and some financial support to around 55 long-term enterprises. Typically, projects supported through this programme obtain small-scale core funding and the kitemark of recognition that enables them to approach other funders with the Academy’s endorsement of quality.

Aimed at scholars in the humanities and social sciences, the Academy is particularly interested in projects that have a strategic benefit by providing primary resources for other researchers and the wider public. Proposals are welcomed that have a clear focus on longer term sustainability and a clear plan to move to financial self-stability after a fixed period of core funding from the Academy.

Grants are intended to offer the kitemarking of academic excellence to ambitious long-term projects that aim to produce primary resources for research that will be accessible to the research community for collective benefit and fundamental works of scholarship, rather than to produce interpretative works or monographs.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants should be at postdoctoral or equivalent level, in the fields of the humanities and/or social sciences. Equivalent experience may include holding, or having held, an established post, having a record of publications in the field and/or having teaching experience.
• Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, or currently employed overseas by a recognised UK overseas research organisation.
• UK research organisations based overseas may apply to be recognised by demonstrating that they satisfy both of the following conditions:
  • Organisations which are, or which are constituent parts of, charities registered with the Charity Commission.
  • Must be able to demonstrate an independent capability to undertake research in the field or discipline in which they wish to be funded, and to lead the research for which funding is received.

Up to £25,000 is available in the first instance (over five years- £5k per annum), with the expectation that projects will be reviewed for further funding if necessary. Funds may be sought to cover the direct expenses incurred in planning, conducting and developing the research. It is desirable that projects are complete or self-funding within 10 years.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 22 November 2024 (17:00 GMT).

Further information can be found on the British Academy website.