Table of Contents
Arts and Humanities Research Council / Economic and Social Research Council
- AHRC Early Career Research Grant
- AHRC Follow-On Funding for Impact and Engagement
- AHRC Research, Development and Engagement Fellowships (for early career researchers)
- AHRC Research, Development and Engagement Fellowships (for mid-career and established researchers)
- AHRC Research Networking Scheme
- AHRC Standard Research Grant
- ESRC New Investigator Grant
- ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships
- ESRC Research Grant
British Academy
- British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
- UK-Germany Knowledge Frontiers Symposium: Mobilities
- Global Professorships
DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Bilateral Exchange of Academics
- Research Grants – Short-Term Grants
- Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
- Sino-German (CSC-DAAD) Postdoc Scholarship Program
Horizon Europe
- FAQs Relating to UK Association
- Funding and Tenders
- European Research Council
- ERC Starting Grants
- ERC Consolidator Grants
- ERC Advanced Grants
- ERC Proof of Concept
- ERC Synergy Grants
Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAE)
Israel Science Foundation (ISF)
John Templeton Foundation
Leverhulme Trust
- Early Career Fellowships
- International Fellowships
- Major Research Fellowships
- Philip Leverhulme Prizes
- Research Fellowships
- Research Leadership Awards
- Research Project Grants
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Wellcome Trust
- Wellcome Career Development Awards
- Wellcome Discovery Awards
- Wellcome Early Career Awards
- Research Enrichment – Public Engagement
Arts and Humanities Research Council / Economic and Social Research Council
AHRC Early Career Research Grant
Eligibility
- For early career researchers (< 8 years post-PhD)
- You must include a principal investigator and at least one co-investigator jointly involved in the development and management of the project
Value: £50,000–£250,000
Duration: Up to 5 years
Closing date: Open – no closing date
AHRC Follow-On Funding for Impact and Engagement
Eligibility: For unforeseen knowledge exchange, public engagement, active dissemination, and commercialisation activities that arise during the lifespan of, or following, an AHRC-funded project
Value: Up to £100,000
Duration: Up to 1 year
Closing date: Open – no closing date
AHRC Research, Development and Engagement Fellowships (for early career researchers)
Eligibility
- For early career researchers to carry out high-quality innovative research that moves significantly beyond their doctoral project
- Minimum 2 years’ experience with at least 1 year at an eligible organisation that has identified you as a research leader or a potential future research leader
Value: £50,000–£250,000
Duration: 6 months–2 years
Closing date: Open – no closing date
AHRC Research, Development and Engagement Fellowships (for mid-career and established researchers)
Eligibility
- For mid-career and established researchers
- Minimum 2 years’ experience with at least 1 year at an eligible organisation
- Must have the support of your host organisation throughout the fellowship
Value: £50,000–£300,000
Duration: 6–18 months
Closing date: Open – no closing date
AHRC Research Networking Scheme
Eligibility
- The applicant is a principal investigator at a UK higher education institution that receives grant funding from one of the UK higher education funding bodies, or a UKRI-recognised research institute or organisation
- Proposals must involve collaboration with at least one other organisation
Value: Up to £30,000 + £15,000 to cover costs of any international activities or participants
Duration: Up to 2 years
Closing date: Open – no closing date
Eligibility
- For collaborative research projects that require leadership from more than one scholar
- You must include a principal investigator and at least one co-investigator jointly involved in the development and management of the project and co-authored research outputs
- You can apply if you are a researcher at a UK higher education institution that receives grant funding from one of the UK higher education funding bodies or a UKRI-recognised research institute or organisation
Value: £50,000–£1 million
Duration: Up to 5 years
Closing date: Open – no closing date
Eligibility
- For early career researchers who are established members of an approved research organisation
- The applicant (principal investigator) must be based at a UK university or research organisation
Value: £100,000–£300,000
Closing date: Open – no closing date
Eligibility
- For early career researchers (< 12 months’ full-time postdoctoral experience measured from passing your viva voce)
- Fellows must have completed their PhD at a research organisation that is part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
- Fellowships must be held at a research organisation that is part of a DTP and aligned to an accredited pathway
- Social sciences must represent at least 50% of the research focus and effort
Closing date: 23 March 2022, 16:00
Eligibility
- For individuals or teams based at research organisations eligible for UKRI funding
- Social sciences must represent more than 50% of the research focus and effort
Value: £350,000–£1 million. ESRC will provide up to 80% of the cost
Duration: Up to 5 years
Closing date: Open – no closing date
For more information on AHRC/ESRC funding, follow the AHRC and ESRC on Twitter.
British Academy
British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
Eligibility
- For early career researchers (< 3 years post-viva voce examination (exceptions may apply – please contact posts@britac.ac.uk) who have not previously held a permanent post in a higher education institution.
- For British citizens, EEA nationals, and those of other nationalities who hold a PhD from a UK university. Applicants who do not fall into these categories may be accepted if they can demonstrate ‘strong prior association’ with the UK academic community.
- Applicants must have a PhD or expect to have had their viva voce examination by 1 April 2022.
- Previously unsuccessful applicants may reapply only if specifically invited to do so by the British Academy.
Value: 80% of salary costs + research expenses of up to £6,000. The initial salary will be expected to be commensurate with the early career stage of the applicant, and therefore equivalent to posts with similar duties and levels of responsibility within the host institution pay grades.
Duration: 4 years
Current round closes: 9 February 2022, 17:00 GMT
Contact: posts@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
UK-Germany Knowledge Frontiers Symposium: Mobilities
Eligibility
- For early career researchers (< 10 years post-PhD (exceptions may apply))
- Successful applicants participate in the virtual symposium and are then given the opportunity to apply for seed funding for projects generated from activity at the symposium
- Participants must be based at UK institutions.
- Participants must have fluency in spoken and written English.
- Participants must be able to participate in the entirety of the symposium over the two days.
- UK-based attendees may only participate in two British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Symposia in any 24-month period.
Value: Bespoke
Current round closes: 16 February 2022, 17:00 GMT
Contact: Christina Moorhouse (c.moorhouse@thebritishacademy.ac.uk)
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (or have equivalent research experience).
- Applicants must be available to take up an unpaid leave of absence, a long-term secondment or employment at an eligible UK institution.
- Awards are only available to individuals, to be held in an institutional context. Co-applicants are not permitted.
- Awards will not be made retrospectively. Applications must be for new research ideas that are coherent on their own and are cutting-edge.
- Applicants are required to provide a formal statement of support from a senior member of their proposed host institution in the UK (normally expected to be a Pro-Vice-Chancellor or equivalent, or at minimum Head of Department/Faculty/Institute).
- Applicants are required to nominate one academic referee who is not based at the UK host institution or at the overseas institution at which the applicant is based at the time of application and is not involved in the programme of research and other activities submitted as part of the application.
Value: Up to £900,000
Duration: 4 years
Current round closes: 27 April 2022, 17:00 BST
Contact: internationalgrants@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Follow the British Academy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and SoundCloud for more information on its funding opportunities.
DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
Bilateral Exchange of Academics
Eligibility
- For researchers who hold a PhD and a post in a higher education institution or research institute in their home country
- For researchers from specific countries – please visit the webpage above
- Open to multiple disciplines
Value: €2,000 per month (assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers) or €2,150 per month (professors)
Duration: 14 days–3 months
Current round closes: Various (depending on career stage and home country)
Application overview: Application process varies depending on career stage and home country. Most important selection criteria are academic achievements and the quality of the proposed research project.
Research Grants – Short-Term Grants
Eligibility
- For PhD students wishing to continue their education at a German higher education institution or research institute. Occasionally open to postdoctoral candidates and those who have completed a bachelor’s degree
- For students from specific countries – please visit the webpage above
- Open to multiple disciplines
Value: €861 per month (graduates) or €1,200 per month (PhD students and postdocs) + travel allowance
Duration: 1–6 months
Current round closes: Various (depending on career stage and home country)
Application overview: Application process varies depending on career stage and home country. Most important selection criteria are academic achievements and the quality of the proposed research project.
Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
Eligibility
- University teachers and established researchers who hold a PhD and a post in a higher education institution or research institute in their home country
- For researchers from specific countries – please visit the webpage above
- Open to multiple disciplines
- Funding may only be claimed once within three years
Value: €2,000 per month (assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers) or €2,150 per month (professors) + travel allowance
Duration: 1–3 months
Current round closes: Various (depending on career stage and home country)
Application overview: Application process varies depending on career stage and home country. Most important selection criteria are academic achievements and the quality of the proposed research project.
Sino-German (CSC-DAAD) Postdoc Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- For outstanding early career researchers from China to carry out a research project at a German university or research institute
- Open to multiple disciplines
- English or German language certificate required – please visit webpage for more details
Value: Monthly scholarship payments totalling €2,050 + health insurance and visa fees
Duration: 6–24 months
Current round closes: The DAAD application must be made online via the DAAD Portal between 1 and 30 November
Application overview: Lengthy application comprising CV, list of publications, extensive research proposal, and supporting documentation
For more information, follow the DAAD on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Horizon Europe
ERC Starting Grants: For researchers with 2–7 years’ post-PhD experience. Grants of up to €1.5m for 5 years. Currently closed.
ERC Consolidator Grants: For researchers with 7–12 years’ post-PhD experience. Grants of up to €2m for 5 years. Current round closes: 17 March 2022.
ERC Advanced Grants: For established researchers. Grants of up to €2.5m for 5 years. Current round closes: 28 April 2022.
Application overview: Approx. 25-page application form including a budget, research proposal, and supporting documentation. These grants have a two-stage evaluation process. At stage 1, only an extended synopsis of the proposal (max. 5 pages), CV (max. 2 pages), and track record of achievements (max. 2 pages) are evaluated by the reviewers. At stage 2, the longer proposal (up to 14 pages) will be evaluated. All parts of the application must be submitted together.
ERC Proof of Concept: For ERC grant holders to explore the commercial and societal potential of their ERC project. Grants of up to up to €150,000. Current round closes: Varies depending on completion date of ERC project.
ERC Synergy Grants: For a team of 2–4 principal investigators aiming to address ambitious research questions. Grants of up to €10m for 6 years. Currently closed.
Application overview: As above, but supporting documentation, a CV, and a track record of achievements must be submitted for each principal investigator
Eligibility
- For researchers at any career stage
- Programmes can cover any discipline, but may occasionally be specific. Notably, this focus can apply when the programmes are based on national or regional Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (“RIS3” strategies). In this case, the range of covered disciplines should allow reasonable flexibility for the researchers to define their topic.
- The aim of the action is to spread the best practices of the MSCA, including international, inter-sectoral, and interdisciplinary research training, as well as international and cross-sectoral mobility.
Indicative budget: €89 million
Current round closes: 10 February 2022
Eligibility: Support is provided for international, inter-sectoral, and interdisciplinary mobility of R&I staff, leading to knowledge transfer between participating organisations.
Indicative budget: €72.5 million
Current round closes: 9 March 2022
Follow the European Commission on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more information on its funding opportunities.
Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAE)
INRAE is an organisation based in France that conducts and funds research into agriculture, food, and the environment. It provides financial support to researchers in three ways, all of which revolve around international cooperation:
- LIA (associated international research centre) – Link research centres across the world with the aim of coordinating a collaborative research project. The agreement lasts for 5 years (renewable once). Applications are submitted by the relevant INRAE research unit with the agreement of the partner research centres.
- 2RI (international research networks) – Bring together research partners in France and abroad, typically 1–3 research centres per country. Networks are initially funded for 5 years (renewable once). Applications for the creation of a network can be submitted at any time. In France, applicants must be INRAE researchers or researchers affiliated with research institutes that belong to an INRAE research unit. Applicants abroad must hold a post in a research institute or university.
- PPI (international priority projects) – Fund research activity on specific themes.
INRAE also funds doctoral research.
For more information, follow INRAE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Israel Science Foundation (ISF)
The ISF lists numerous funding opportunities, including a postdoctoral fellowship in the social sciences, on its website, but all but the Joint Canada–Israel Program (below) are closed. Please check back for updates, or consult the ISF website.
The Joint Canada–Israel Program
Eligibility: For teams of 3 scientists from Israel, Canada, and a lower middle income country wishing to conduct research in biomedical science with special emphasis on the intersection between non-communicable chronic disease (NCD) and infectious diseases.
Value: 1.3 million NIS
Duration: Up to 4 years
Current round closes: Deadline for registration – 2 March 2022, 13:00. Deadline for submission – 4 April 2022, 13:00
Application overview: Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: scientific merit; experience and achievements of the applicants; collaboration within the project; environment and infrastructure for the research; impact of the research.
John Templeton Foundation
The John Templeton Foundation is a US-based funder, which also funds research outside the US. Funding is available in the following areas:
- Science & The Big Questions, including natural sciences, human sciences, philosophy and theology, and public engagement
- Character virtue development
- Exceptional cognitive talent and genius
- Genetics
- Voluntary family planning
Visit the John Templeton Foundation website for more information on its funding areas and strategic priorities for 2019–2023. The foundation does not generally fund postgraduate scholarships.
Value: $1m (average as of 31 December 2020)
Typical duration: Up to 3 years, occasionally up to 5 years
Closing date: 19 August 2022 (FP deadline: 20 January 2023)
Application overview: Two-stage application comprising and initial Online Funding Inquiry (OFI) and, if invited, a detailed Full Proposal (FP). An OFI can be completed at any time, but are reviewed at specific times of the year.
For more information on the John Templeton Foundation, visit its website or follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Leverhulme Trust
Eligibility
- For early career researchers (< 4 years post-viva voce examination (exceptions may apply, including due to Covid-19) undertaking a significant piece of publishable research
- Fellows must not previously have held a full-time permanent post
- Fellowships tenable in any UK university or higher education institution
- Fellows must be UK residents
Value: Up to £118,000
Duration: 3 years
Current round closes: 24 February 2022, 16:00
Next round opens: 1 January 2023
Application overview: Research proposal (max. 2 pages) detailing aims, objectives, methodology, and outcomes
Eligibility
- For established researchers to develop new knowledge, skills, and ideas in one or more research centres outside the UK
- Fellows must hold a post in a UK higher education institution, museum, art gallery, or comparable institution; minimum 3 years’ experience
- Fellows must be UK residents at the time of application
- Fellows must have approval from home and host institutions
Value: Up to £50,000
Duration: 3–24 months
Current round closes: Currently closed
Next round opens: September 2022
Application overview: Research proposal (max. 2 pages) detailing aims, objectives, methodology, and outcomes
Eligibility
- For established, distinguished researchers in the humanities and social sciences to complete a piece of original research
- Fellows must hold a post in a UK higher education institution
Value: Replacement salary costs for the duration of the Fellowship
Duration: 2–3 years
Current round closes: Currently closed
Application overview: Research proposal (max. 5 pages), the content of which is determined by the applicant
Eligibility
- For exceptionally promising early career researchers (< 10 years post-PhD) whose work has had international impact to be used for any research purpose
- Nominees must hold a permanent post in a UK higher education institution
- In 2022, the prize welcomes nominations in archaeology, chemistry, economics, engineering, geography, and languages and literatures
Value: £100,000
Duration: 2–3 years
Current round closes: 17 May 2022, 16:00
Next round opens: January 2023
Application overview: Nominee statement including description of research achievements (400 words), future research plans (400 words), intentions regarding the use of prize money (400 words), and what the award of the prize funds would enable you to achieve that your current funding does not allow (400 words)
Eligibility: For experienced researchers in any discipline to complete a piece of research
Value: Up to £60,000
Duration: 3–24 months
Current round closes: Currently closed
Next round opens: April 2022
Application overview: research proposal (max. 2 pages) detailing aims, objectives, methodology, and outcomes
Eligibility: For talented scholars who have launched a university career but who need to build a team to address a distinct research problem
Value: Up to £1 million (at least 75% of which must be used to fund research staff, i.e. research assistants, PhD students)
Duration: 4–5 years
Current round closes: Currently closed
Next round opens: 14 February 2022 (deadline: 10 June 2022, 12:00)
Application overview: CV (max. 10 pages) and research proposal (max. 10 pages) detailing project aims, originality, institutional fit, and the structure/activities of the research team
Eligibility
- For researchers to undertake an innovative and original research project
- The applicant must be based at a UK higher education institution or registered charity
- The applicant (principal investigator) must direct the grant, and their institution must agree to administer it
Value: Up to £500,000
Duration: Up to 5 years
Current round closes: There are no deadlines for Outline Applications. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Detailed Application, for which there are three deadlines per year.
Application overview: Research proposal (max. 2 pages) and a statement justifying why the applicant is applying to Leverhulme, based on their understanding of the character of the Trust
For more information on the Leverhulme Trust, visit its website or follow the Trust on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Eligibility
- For experienced researchers from all disciplines who wish to realise an innovation with great social or economic impact
- For individual researchers or teams of up to 3 people
Value: Salary + research costs
Duration: Up to 4 years
Current round closes: Letters of intent must be submitted by 28 February 2022. Full proposals must be submitted by 2 May 2022
Application overview: Templates for the letter of intent and project description are available here.
Eligiblity
- For earaly career researchers (including PhD students) from all disciplines
- For individual researchers
- Institutional support required
Value: Salary + research costs of up to CHF 130,000 per year
Duration: 12–18 months
Current round closes: 7 March 2022, 17.00 (Swiss local time). Deadlines for following: 13 June 2022. Up to four calls per year
Application overview: A template for the project description is available here.
Eligibility
- For promising researchers who wish to write a doctoral thesis on a topic of their own choice in the humanities and social sciences in Switzerland
- For Swiss nationals or graduates of Swiss universities
Value: Doctoral student salary + possible contribution to research costs
Duration: 2 years, possibly followed by a further 1–2 years
Current round closes: 15 March 2022, 17:00 (Swiss local time). Deadline for following call: 15 September 2022
Application overview: A two-stage evaluation procedure is applied for the first part of the grant. The first phase is an application form; the second phase is an interview in Berne.
Eligibility: For researchers to conduct research projects with topics and goals of their own choice
Value: Salary + min. CHF 50,000 for research costs
Duration: 1–4 years
Current round closes: 1 April 2022, 17:00 (Swiss local time). Deadline for following call: 1 October 2022
Application overview: Research plan, CV, and data management plan
For more information, follow the SNSF on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Career Development Awards
Eligibility: For mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health, and wellbeing.
Value: Bespoke – the Trust considers each project and lists a full breakdown of what the grant will cover on its website. This awards covers salaries.
Duration: Usually 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
Current round closes: 29 March 2022, 17:00 GMT
Eligibility: For established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health, and wellbeing.
Value: Bespoke – the Trust considers each project and lists a full breakdown of what the grant will cover on its website. This award does not cover salary costs.
Duration: Usually 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and longer if held on a part-time basis
Current round closes: 24 March 2022, 17:00 GMT
Eligibility: For early career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health, and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme.
Value: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. If eligible, you may also request additional funding for overseas allowances and overheads.
Duration: Usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and longer if held on a part-time basis
Current round closes: 15 February 2022, 17:00 GMT
Research Enrichment – Public Engagement
Eligibility: For Wellcome grantholders or successful applicants who want to use public insights to develop their research. Holders of one of the following grants are advised to contact the Trust before applying, as the applicant process is different: Wellcome Centre; Africa and Asia Programme; Developing Excellence in Leadership and Training in Africa Programme; or Longitudinal Population Study Grants. There are also further exceptions listed on the Wellcome website.
Value: £10,000–£250,000 (depending on main Wellcome grant)
Duration: Usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and longer if held on a part-time basis
Current round closes: 8 March 2022, 17:00 GMT. Scheme will close after current cycle
For more information on the Wellcome Trust, visit its website, or follow the Trust on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
