Are you an outstanding early-career researcher ready to lead your own independent project at a UK university? Applications for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 are now open, inviting proposals from early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
About the Fellowship
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 Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. The scheme aims to help develop the award-holder's curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post, with the primary emphasis 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 and 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.
📚 Still open past this deadline: Internship in 🇩🇪 Germany – Peace Studies and Peace Library Assistant → https://youthworkshub.org/20335
Eligibility
🎓 The applicant must be a researcher from the humanities and social sciences, 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. Applicants who do not meet these categories may be accepted if they can demonstrate a 'strong prior association' with the UK academic community.
📅 Eligible applicants are expected to be at an early stage of their career, and to have completed their Viva Voce examination between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027. The applicant must already be of postdoctoral status at the time when the Research Awards Committee meets.
🚫 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, is eligible. This includes positions held before the award of a doctorate.
🎓 Another one still open later: Scholarship in 🇿🇦 South Africa – One Young World Leading Scholarship → https://youthworkshub.org/20069
About the British Academy
🏛️ The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. It invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone. A registered charity, it awards more than £25 million in funding every year to academics at every stage of their career, and its Fellowship comprises around 1,700 leading national and international academics.
How to Apply
Apply through the British Academy's online grant management portal. Submissions and UK institutional approval must be completed by the deadline.
Deadline
📅 30 September 2026 (17:00 BST)
Links
🔗 Official scheme page: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/postdoctoral-fellowships/
🔗 Application portal: https://britishacademy.flexigrant.com
