AHRC Scheme Update: An evolved approach to follow on funding

Please see the below notice from AHRC regarding their updated follow on funding scheme. This is due to open in January with applicant webinars held in February and March (information to be provided once the schemes launches). Please note that this will now include a partial randomisation process.

Evolving follow-on funding to realise new possibilities – UKRI (further detail can be found in the blog link here)

For over a decade, AHRC’s FoF scheme has helped researchers bridge that gap in transforming arts and humanities insights into tangible change across knowledge exchange, skills, commercialisation, policy and public life.

In 2025, AHRC commissioned an independent evaluation of the FoF scheme to understand the impact of this scheme and how it remains fit-for-purpose in 2025 and beyond. The findings were clear, FoF is a valued and effective part of our funding landscape. Early in 2026, they’ll launch a refreshed scheme, which will aim to build on the existing strengths of FoF, while sharpening its focus to meet the evolving needs of our research community.

The revised scheme will continue to support a wide range of impact activities, from public engagement and policy influence, to skills development, licensing and company creation (spin-outs or social enterprise). Applicants will be asked to articulate how their projects will create the conditions for lasting benefits from arts and humanities research, and how those benefits will be realised through funded activities.

In line with UKRI policy, AHRC will introduce partial randomisation for applications that meet quality thresholds and applications will go straight to an assessment panel. AHRC commit to providing feedback to applicants following the panel.

The maximum award size will be increased to £150,000 and the duration extended to up to five years, enabling greater flexibility for a wider range of activities.