British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027: Fully Funded Three-Year UK Research Fellowship for Early-Career Humanities and Social Sciences Researchers
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships provide three years of funding for outstanding early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences to establish independent research careers at UK institutions.
Overview
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious awards designed to support early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), the programme offers three years of non-renewable, full-time funding to help recipients complete significant publishable research, enhance their teaching and research experience, and strengthen their prospects of securing permanent academic positions within a UK university or recognised research organisation.
The fellowship operates under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model, covering 80% of eligible costs including salary and research expenses. The earliest fellowship start date is 1 September 2027.
Benefits
- Financial support covering 80% of eligible salary and research costs under the Full Economic Costing model.
- Dedicated time and resources to conduct independent research and produce high-impact publications.
- Opportunities for teaching, research collaboration, and integration into academic departments.
- Enhanced career advancement prospects for permanent academic appointments and future grants.
- Access to professional networking within established scholarly communities.
Eligibility
- Research Discipline: Proposed research must fall within the humanities or social sciences.
- Host Institution: Must be held at an eligible UK university or recognised research organisation for the full duration.
- Nationality Requirements: Open to British citizens, European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, individuals who hold a doctorate awarded by a UK university, or applicants demonstrating a strong prior association with the UK academic community.
- Career Stage: Applicants must have completed their Viva Voce examination between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027 and hold postdoctoral status when the Research Awards Committee meets.
- Permanent Academic Posts: Applicants must not have ever held a permanent academic appointment at any higher education institution in the UK or overseas (prior approval exemptions may apply).
- Referee Requirements: Must nominate one external referee (typically the external doctoral examiner) via the Flexi-Grant® system.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online using the British Academy’s Grant Management System (Flexi-Grant®). Applicants should carefully complete the following steps:
- Review the official scheme guidance and application notes.
- Confirm eligibility and secure an eligible UK host institution.
- Identify and secure an eligible referee.
- Prepare the research proposal and ensure institutional approval is completed.
- Submit the application via the online grant management system before the deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 17:00 BST. Late submissions are not accepted.