The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and competitive opportunities available to early‑career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Designed to support scholars at a critical stage of their academic trajectory, this three‑year fellowship empowers researchers to pursue independent, high‑impact research while strengthening their academic profile, teaching experience, and long‑term career prospects.
This fellowship is funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and is administered by the British Academy—one of the most respected academic institutions dedicated to advancing the humanities and social sciences.
Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 17:00 BST Scheme Opens: 1 July 2026 Earliest Start Date: 1 September 2027 Duration: Three years
About the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship
The British Academy invites applications from outstanding early‑career researchers who wish to undertake an independent research project in any field within the humanities or social sciences. The fellowship is structured to help scholars complete a significant piece of publishable research while integrating them into the academic community of their chosen field.
The fellowship is non‑renewable and is awarded annually to a competitive cohort of exceptional scholars.
Purpose and Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship aims to:
- Support early‑career researchers in establishing themselves as independent scholars.
- Provide a structured environment for completing a major piece of publishable research.
- Strengthen the awardee’s academic CV, teaching experience, and research portfolio.
- Enhance the likelihood of securing a permanent academic position.
- Integrate fellows into the broader community of established scholars in their discipline.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several academic and institutional requirements to be considered:
1. Academic Discipline
- Must be a researcher in the humanities or social sciences.
2. Institutional Affiliation
- Must be based at an eligible UK university or recognised research organisation for the full duration of the fellowship.
- Eligible institutions include:
- Any UK university
- Recognised UK‑based research organisations
3. Career Stage
- Applicants must be at an early stage of their academic career.
- They must have completed their Viva Voce examination between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027.
- Applicants must already be of postdoctoral status at the time the Research Awards Committee meets.
Value and Duration of the Fellowship
The fellowship is funded under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model.
Funding Coverage Includes:
- 80% of salary costs
- Directly allocated costs
- Indirect costs under FEC
Duration:
- Three years
- Tenable from Autumn 2027
- Must be held at a UK‑based university or higher education institution
Referee Requirements
Applicants must nominate one referee, who will complete a questionnaire via Flexi‑Grant.
Referee Conditions:
- Should normally be the applicant’s external examiner.
- If unavailable, another external academic may serve as referee.
- The referee cannot be:
- The proposed mentor
- The doctoral supervisor
- The internal examiner
Application Process
Key Steps:
- Prepare all required documents and research proposal.
- Submit the application via Flexi‑Grant.
- Ensure institutional approval before the deadline.
- Nominate a referee who will complete the required questionnaire.
Deadline for Submission and Institutional Approval:
30 September 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Additional Resources:
Applicants are encouraged to review:
- Last year’s scheme guidance notes
- Application guidance notes
- Frequently asked questions
Updated documents will be released when the new round opens in July 2026.
Useful Links
- Scheme Guidance
- Application Guidance
- Terms and Conditions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Past Awards
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