The British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B: Policy-Led (FCDO) offers an exciting opportunity for early-career and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences to work closely with policymakers in the United Kingdom. Delivered by the British Academy in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Cabinet Office, this fellowship programme aims to strengthen the connection between academic research and government policymaking.
Through this 12-month fellowship, successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute research expertise to important policy challenges, engage directly with policymakers, and develop practical solutions informed by high-quality evidence. The programme focuses on issues of strategic importance to the UK government, including international relations, regional security, European warfare, national security, and applied history.
The fellowship offers awards of up to £120,000 for 12 months, with funding calculated using 80% Full Economic Costing. It is designed to support researchers who want to translate academic knowledge into practical policy outcomes while expanding their professional networks and developing careers across academia, government, the public sector, and other relevant industries.
Applications opened on 22 September 2026, and the deadline for submission and UK institutional approval is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT. Researchers interested in contributing to evidence-based policymaking and strengthening collaboration between academia and government are encouraged to review the official scheme guidance and prepare their applications before the deadline.
Overview of the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026
The Innovation Fellowships scheme is an initiative established by the British Academy to help researchers develop meaningful partnerships with organisations beyond the traditional academic environment. The programme recognises that research can have a greater impact when academic expertise is connected directly to the institutions responsible for addressing complex social, political, economic, and international challenges.
Route B, the Policy-Led pathway, is specifically designed around the research priorities of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Cabinet Office. It provides an opportunity for selected researchers to engage with policymakers and contribute to policy-related work from within the government environment.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers whose work addresses international affairs, geopolitical developments, national security, historical analysis, and other areas where timely access to reliable research and evidence is essential for effective decision-making.
Rather than focusing exclusively on academic outputs, the programme aims to facilitate the practical application of research. Fellows will be able to exchange knowledge with government officials, understand the evidence needs of policymakers, and explore how research findings can inform policy development, strategic planning, and decision-making.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme name: British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B: Policy-Led (FCDO)
- Organising institution: The British Academy
- Government partners: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Cabinet Office
- Funding support: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), according to the scheme information
- Opportunity type: Research fellowship
- Eligible career stages: Early-career and mid-career researchers
- Academic disciplines: Humanities and social sciences, particularly research relevant to the identified policy priorities
- Application opening date: 22 September 2026
- Application deadline: 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT
- Duration: 12 months
- Maximum award value: Up to £120,000
- Funding calculation: 80% Full Economic Costing
- Expected latest commencement date: 31 March 2027
- Application method: Online through the British Academy’s Grant Management System (GMS), Flexi-Grant
Applicants should consult the official scheme guidance for the complete eligibility requirements, eligible costs, institutional requirements, and application instructions.
What Is the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme?
The British Academy is the United Kingdom’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Through its research funding and fellowship programmes, it supports scholars, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and promotes the contribution of humanities and social science research to society.
The Innovation Fellowships scheme has been developed to help researchers apply their expertise outside conventional academic settings. It recognises that many important challenges require collaboration between universities, government departments, businesses, cultural institutions, and public organisations.
Researchers often possess specialised knowledge and analytical skills that can support public policy. However, translating academic findings into government decisions can be difficult when researchers have limited access to policymakers or do not have opportunities to engage directly with the institutions responsible for implementing policy.
The Innovation Fellowships seek to address this gap by creating structured partnerships that allow researchers to work with organisations facing specific challenges.
The programme supports knowledge mobilisation and knowledge translation, helping research move from academic publications and theoretical analysis into practical applications. It also provides opportunities for fellows to develop skills that can strengthen their future careers.
The scheme has two principal routes:
- Route A: Researcher-led. This route focuses on research and partnership opportunities initiated by researchers, subject to the relevant call requirements.
- Route B: Policy-led. This route is organised around identified policy needs and priorities. The 2026 call discussed in this article focuses on collaboration with the FCDO and Cabinet Office.
The Policy-Led route is therefore particularly suited to researchers whose experience and expertise align with the government’s stated research priorities.
About Route B: Policy-Led Fellowship
Route B is intended to facilitate closer interaction between researchers and policymakers working on important government priorities.
The FCDO and Cabinet Office operate in an environment where policy decisions may need to be made quickly, often in response to complicated international developments, security concerns, geopolitical changes, and emerging strategic risks.
In such circumstances, timely access to high-quality research and evidence-based analysis can be essential. Policymakers may need to evaluate competing interpretations, understand historical developments, assess regional dynamics, or identify the potential consequences of different policy choices.
Researchers working outside government can provide valuable perspectives and specialised expertise. However, their ability to influence policy may be limited by institutional barriers, differences in working practices, and a lack of direct engagement with the officials responsible for policy development.
The fellowship is designed to help overcome these barriers.
Successful fellows will have an opportunity to work closely with policymakers, better understand the research needs of government departments, and contribute their academic knowledge to relevant policy challenges.
The programme also aims to establish lasting connections between the academic community and government institutions. These relationships can help ensure that research informs policy discussions beyond the duration of an individual fellowship.
For researchers interested in international affairs, security studies, political history, diplomacy, and related disciplines, Route B offers a structured opportunity to explore how specialist knowledge can contribute to government priorities.
Research Areas Covered by the 2026 Fellowship
The British Academy and the FCDO invite applications addressing five identified research areas. Applicants should carefully examine these priorities and explain how their expertise can contribute to the relevant policy challenges.
1. Applied History
Applied history involves using historical knowledge, methods, and evidence to understand contemporary problems and inform future decisions.
Historical analysis can help policymakers understand how institutions have developed, why particular conflicts or diplomatic relationships emerged, and how earlier decisions have influenced present-day political conditions.
For example, researchers working in this area may examine historical precedents, the evolution of international relationships, previous security challenges, or the long-term consequences of political decisions.
The relevance of applied history lies in its ability to provide context and identify patterns that may otherwise be overlooked in contemporary policy discussions.
Researchers with expertise in political history, diplomatic history, international history, or related areas of historical inquiry may find this theme relevant, provided their proposed work aligns with the detailed requirements of the call.
2. Critical Infrastructure and European Warfare
Critical infrastructure is essential to the functioning of modern societies and economies. It includes systems and facilities that support energy supplies, transportation, communications, digital connectivity, and other fundamental services.
European warfare and security developments have highlighted the importance of understanding how critical infrastructure can be affected by conflict, geopolitical tensions, and emerging security threats.
Research under this theme may be relevant to questions involving infrastructure resilience, strategic vulnerabilities, the implications of warfare for civilian and economic systems, and the relationship between infrastructure protection and national or regional security.
Depending on the specific requirements of the fellowship, relevant expertise may include security studies, European politics, international relations, infrastructure policy, conflict studies, and related fields.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their research background and the policy questions identified by the programme.
3. South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security
South Asia is an important region in international relations, with geopolitical developments that can affect regional stability, diplomatic relationships, security cooperation, and broader international interests.
This research area provides an opportunity to explore issues connected to regional security, strategic competition, political relationships, and the international implications of developments across South Asia.
Potentially relevant areas of academic expertise include South Asian politics, international relations, security studies, diplomacy, regional cooperation, conflict analysis, and geopolitical research.
Researchers with detailed knowledge of South Asian political and security dynamics may be well positioned to contribute, provided their proposals address the needs outlined in the official call.
This topic may be particularly relevant to scholars studying regional developments involving countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other parts of South Asia. However, the precise scope of acceptable research should be established from the official guidance rather than assumed from the regional title alone.
4. The UK-France Relationship in 2027 and Beyond
The relationship between the United Kingdom and France is important to European diplomacy, defence cooperation, international security, economic relations, and wider foreign policy.
Research under this theme may help policymakers examine the historical foundations of the relationship, its current challenges, and the opportunities for future cooperation.
Relevant questions may include bilateral diplomacy, European security, defence relations, international partnerships, and the effects of political or strategic changes on cooperation between the two countries.
Researchers with experience in European studies, French or British foreign policy, international relations, diplomatic history, or comparative politics may find this research area relevant.
Applicants should show how their research can provide practical insights for policymakers considering the future direction of UK-France relations.
5. UK National Security Strategy
National security strategy concerns the identification, assessment, and management of threats to a country’s security and strategic interests.
It involves understanding changes in the international environment, evaluating emerging risks, considering the relationship between domestic and international security, and examining how governments can respond effectively to complex challenges.
Research relevant to this area may include security policy, geopolitical risk, international cooperation, strategic analysis, defence-related policy, and the broader political or historical factors influencing national security decisions.
The fellowship may be particularly relevant to researchers whose work provides analytical frameworks, evidence, or historical and geopolitical perspectives that can support strategic policymaking.
Applicants should demonstrate the relevance of their proposed work to the policy priorities of the FCDO and Cabinet Office.
Who Should Apply for the Fellowship?
The scheme is intended for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
It is not presented as a general student scholarship or an unrestricted funding programme for all academic disciplines. Instead, the focus is on researchers with relevant expertise who can contribute to clearly identified policy needs.
Potentially suitable applicants include researchers working in fields such as:
- International relations and foreign policy.
- Political science and comparative politics.
- History and diplomatic history.
- Security studies and strategic studies.
- South Asian studies and regional geopolitics.
- European studies and international cooperation.
- Conflict studies and international security.
- Public policy and governance.
- Other relevant humanities and social science disciplines connected to the five research priorities.
These examples describe potentially relevant areas of expertise rather than a definitive list of eligible disciplines.
Applicants should assess whether their research experience, proposed work, and professional stage meet the scheme’s formal eligibility criteria. The official guidance should be consulted to establish the precise definitions of early-career and mid-career status and any requirements relating to qualifications, employment, institutional affiliation, or previous research experience.
Contact email: international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Eligibility and Geographic Considerations
The published opportunity information identifies early-career and mid-career researchers as the intended career groups and focuses on research priorities relevant to UK government policymaking.
However, the supplied call description does not specify a complete list of eligible nationalities, countries of residence, or citizenship requirements.
Consequently, applicants should not assume that every nationality is eligible, nor should they assume that the fellowship is restricted exclusively to UK citizens. The official scheme guidance must be checked for the precise rules governing nationality, residence, institutional affiliation, and eligible host organisations.
The application process involves UK institutional approval, which is an important consideration for researchers planning to apply. Prospective applicants based outside the UK should verify whether their institution can participate in the scheme and whether they must be affiliated with an eligible UK institution.
Researchers from South Asia and other regions should pay particular attention to these requirements. The inclusion of South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security as a research theme does not, by itself, establish that applicants from every South Asian country are eligible to receive an award.
Similarly, the reference to UK national security and European policy priorities does not establish a nationality restriction without confirmation from the formal eligibility guidance.
Before beginning an application, prospective fellows should confirm:
- Whether their career stage meets the scheme’s definition of early-career or mid-career.
- Whether their academic discipline and proposed research align with an eligible policy theme.
- Whether their current institution and any proposed host arrangement satisfy the scheme’s requirements.
- Whether their nationality and country of residence affect eligibility.
- Whether their proposed costs and fellowship arrangements can be accommodated within the funding rules.
- Whether they can meet any security-check requirements associated with working with the FCDO and Cabinet Office.
Confirming these details in advance can help applicants avoid preparing a proposal that does not meet the formal conditions of the scheme.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding Support
The Innovation Fellowships Scheme offers financial support alongside the opportunity to work closely with government policymakers. Its value extends beyond the funding itself because the programme is intended to develop professional capabilities and stronger connections between academic research and policy practice.
1. Funding of up to £120,000
The British Academy can offer awards of up to £120,000 for a 12-month fellowship, with Full Economic Costing calculated at 80%.
This is a substantial funding opportunity for eligible research partnerships. However, applicants should understand that the stated amount is a maximum award value, not a guaranteed payment to every successful fellow.
The amount available for an individual application will depend on the scheme’s funding rules, the approved project budget, and the relevant institutional costing arrangements.
Applicants should therefore consult the official guidance for information about eligible expenditure, budget preparation, and the treatment of Full Economic Costs.
2. A 12-Month Fellowship
Each award is expected to last for 12 months.
This period provides a structured opportunity to develop and carry out policy-relevant work, collaborate with relevant stakeholders, and strengthen the connection between academic research and government priorities.
The 12-month duration also gives fellows time to develop professional relationships and gain experience in a policy environment.
3. Direct Engagement With Policymakers
One of the central features of Route B is the opportunity to interact directly with policymakers at the FCDO and Cabinet Office.
Such engagement can help researchers understand how evidence is used in policy development, how officials assess competing priorities, and how research findings can be communicated in a practical and timely manner.
It may also allow researchers to identify questions that require further analysis and adapt their work to address the needs of policy stakeholders.
The precise working arrangements and responsibilities should be confirmed through the official call documentation and any subsequent fellowship agreement.
4. Stronger Connections Between Academia and Government
The fellowship aims to create new and deeper links between academic institutions and government organisations.
These relationships can help researchers identify opportunities for collaboration, improve the practical relevance of their work, and establish professional networks that remain valuable after the fellowship ends.
They can also support a wider culture of evidence-informed policymaking by making academic expertise more accessible to government institutions.
5. Professional and Career Development
The programme is designed to support early-career and mid-career researchers in developing their careers across academic, public, private, policy, creative, and cultural sectors.
Working in a government policy environment can help researchers develop transferable skills in communication, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, collaboration, and knowledge translation.
These skills may be valuable for researchers seeking future opportunities in academia, public administration, international affairs, research organisations, consultancy, or other fields that require evidence-based analysis.
6. Opportunities to Translate Research Into Policy
Academic research often produces findings that are valuable beyond universities but may not reach the people responsible for policy decisions.
The Innovation Fellowships aim to improve this process by supporting direct collaboration between researchers and policy organisations.
Successful fellows may be able to help translate complex research findings into evidence, analysis, and insights that are useful for policy discussions.
The nature of each fellow’s contribution will depend on the approved project and the needs of the relevant government partners.
Duration and Expected Start Date
The fellowship is designed to run for 12 months.
According to the scheme information, awards are expected to commence no later than 31 March 2027. The actual start date will depend on the successful completion of the required security check and the signing of the relevant agreement.
Applicants should be prepared to respond promptly to information requests from the FCDO. Delays in providing the requested information could affect the process of starting the fellowship.
The security-check process is an important element of the programme because fellows will work in connection with government policy priorities. Prospective applicants should take this requirement into account when planning their availability and proposed start date.
Applicants should also ensure that their proposed research schedule, institutional arrangements, and any relevant contractual commitments are compatible with the expected commencement period.
How to Apply for the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the British Academy’s Grant Management System (GMS), Flexi-Grant.
Prospective applicants should review the scheme guidance notes before starting the application. These documents provide the formal instructions and requirements that applicants must follow.
The following steps provide a practical overview of the application process.
Step 1: Review the Official Scheme Guidance
Begin by reading the official guidance for Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B: Policy-Led.
Pay particular attention to the eligibility requirements, application criteria, institutional approval procedures, funding rules, security-check requirements, and any supporting documentation that must accompany an application.
The guidance should be treated as the authoritative source for requirements not fully specified in the general programme description.
Step 2: Identify the Relevant Research Priority
Applicants should determine which of the five policy areas most closely matches their expertise and proposed work:
- Applied History.
- Critical Infrastructure and European Warfare.
- South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security.
- The UK-France Relationship in 2027 and Beyond.
- UK National Security Strategy.
A strong application should establish a clear connection between the researcher’s experience and the selected policy priority.
Applicants should avoid submitting a proposal that is only loosely related to the stated research areas. Instead, they should explain the policy problem they intend to address and why their expertise is relevant.
Step 3: Assess Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the scheme’s requirements for career stage, academic or research background, institutional participation, and any other specified conditions.
If you are based outside the United Kingdom, seek clarification about institutional eligibility, nationality or residence requirements, and the arrangements necessary to participate in the fellowship.
It is important to resolve eligibility questions before investing substantial time in preparing a proposal.
Step 4: Develop a Policy-Relevant Research Proposal
Prepare a proposal that clearly explains the research challenge, its relevance to the selected policy priority, and the contribution you expect to make.
Your application should demonstrate why the research matters to policymakers and how the proposed work could provide useful evidence, analysis, or insight.
Where appropriate, applicants should explain the relationship between their existing research expertise and the practical requirements of the policy environment.
The exact proposal format, assessment criteria, and required sections should be taken from the official scheme guidance.
Step 5: Prepare the Funding Budget
The fellowship offers awards of up to £120,000 for 12 months, calculated at 80% Full Economic Costing.
Applicants should prepare their budgets according to the programme’s financial rules and their institution’s approved costing procedures.
Do not assume that the maximum award is automatically available or that every type of expenditure is eligible. Check the guidance carefully before finalising the financial section of the application.
Step 6: Complete the Online Application
Submit your application through the British Academy’s Grant Management System, Flexi-Grant.
Ensure that the application form and all required supporting materials are completed accurately. Review your responses for consistency and verify that the proposal addresses the relevant policy priorities.
Applicants should also allow sufficient time for their institution to review and approve the application before the deadline.
Step 7: Obtain UK Institutional Approval
The published deadline applies to both application submission and UK institutional approval.
Therefore, submitting the application form alone may not be sufficient if the required institutional approval has not been completed.
Applicants should contact the appropriate research support office or institutional administrator well before the closing date to establish the internal approval process and any earlier institutional deadlines.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
The final deadline is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
Applicants should aim to complete all submission and approval requirements in advance rather than waiting until the final hours.
Late applications or applications without the required institutional approval may not be accepted, depending on the scheme’s rules.
Step 9: Prepare for the Post-Application Process
Applicants should monitor communications relating to their applications and respond to any requests for additional information.
Successful applicants will need to complete the required security-check process and sign the relevant agreement before the fellowship can begin.
The programme expects awards to commence no later than 31 March 2027, subject to these requirements.
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
The deadline for the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B: Policy-Led (FCDO) is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
The scheme opened on 22 September 2026. Prospective applicants should use the remaining application period to review the formal guidance, assess eligibility, prepare their proposals, develop their budgets, and coordinate institutional approval.
Because the deadline includes UK institutional approval, applicants should not leave the administrative process until the final day.
Researchers who require clarification about the programme can contact the British Academy at international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.
Why This Fellowship Matters for Researchers
The Innovation Fellowships Scheme provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and government policy.
For researchers in the humanities and social sciences, the ability to contribute directly to policy discussions can broaden the practical impact of their work. It can also provide insights into the challenges policymakers face when making decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments.
The Policy-Led route is particularly significant because its research priorities are connected to the needs of the FCDO and Cabinet Office. This gives applicants a defined framework for considering how their expertise might contribute to government work.
The programme also recognises that policy influence depends on more than producing high-quality academic research. Researchers must be able to communicate findings effectively, understand institutional needs, work collaboratively, and translate complex ideas into insights that can support practical decisions.
By providing a structured partnership between researchers and policymakers, the fellowship aims to support these capabilities while creating stronger professional relationships between academia and government.
For eligible researchers whose work aligns with the five stated themes, the programme represents an opportunity to develop their careers, expand their networks, and contribute to important policy questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B?
It is a policy-led research fellowship programme organised by the British Academy in partnership with the FCDO and Cabinet Office. It enables early-career and mid-career researchers to work closely with policymakers and contribute research expertise to identified policy priorities.
2. How much funding is available?
The British Academy can offer awards of up to £120,000 for a 12-month period, with Full Economic Costing at 80%. The amount awarded to an individual project will depend on the applicable funding rules and approved budget.
3. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for 12 months.
4. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT. The deadline covers application submission and UK institutional approval.
5. Which research areas are covered?
The five areas are Applied History; Critical Infrastructure and European Warfare; South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security; The UK-France Relationship in 2027 and Beyond; and UK National Security Strategy.
6. Who can apply?
The programme is intended for established early-career and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences whose expertise is relevant to the specified policy priorities. Applicants must consult the official guidance to confirm all formal eligibility requirements.
7. Can researchers from outside the United Kingdom apply?
The general opportunity description does not establish a complete list of eligible nationalities or countries of residence. Researchers based outside the UK should check the official guidance for nationality, residence, institutional affiliation, and UK institutional approval requirements before applying.
8. When are successful fellowships expected to begin?
Awards are expected to commence no later than 31 March 2027. The actual start date depends on successful completion of the security check and signature of the agreement.
9. How do applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted online through the British Academy’s Grant Management System, Flexi-Grant. Applicants should follow the official scheme guidance and ensure that the required institutional approval is completed by the deadline.
10. Where can applicants request further information?
Applicants can contact the British Academy by email at international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.
Conclusion
The British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B: Policy-Led (FCDO) is an important opportunity for early-career and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences to connect their expertise with government policymaking. Through a 12-month fellowship offering awards of up to £120,000, the programme aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and government while supporting the practical use of research in addressing complex policy challenges.
With research priorities covering applied history, European warfare and critical infrastructure, South Asian geopolitics, UK-France relations, and the UK National Security Strategy, the fellowship is designed for researchers whose work can contribute to these areas of public policy.
In addition to funding, successful fellows can benefit from direct engagement with policymakers, professional development, stronger institutional networks, and opportunities to translate academic knowledge into policy-relevant analysis.
Researchers should carefully review the eligibility criteria and official scheme guidance, confirm their institutional arrangements, and prepare their applications well before the deadline.
Application deadline: 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
For further information, contact international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk and consult the British Academy’s official Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 – Route B guidance before submitting an application.
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