British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027 (Funded)

The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. This scheme aims to help develop the award-holder’s curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is 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. It is specifically for early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.

The scheme is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime. 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.

Applicants must be early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. They are expected to have completed their Viva Voce examination between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2027, and must already be of postdoctoral status when the Research Awards Committee meets. No applicant who has been appointed to a permanent academic post in a higher education institution (whether in the UK or overseas) at any time in their career is eligible. Regarding nationality: British citizens and 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 also eligible. If an applicant does not meet these categories, they may still be accepted if they can demonstrate a ‘strong prior association’ with the UK academic community. The Fellowship must be held at a UK-based university or higher education institution.

Applicants are expected to be early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. They must propose an independent research project aimed at completing a significant piece of publishable research. A doctorate is required, and its completion date must fall within the specified timeframe (between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2027).

Applications are submitted online through the official portal. The deadline for submissions and UK institutional approval is September 30, 2026, at 17:00 BST. Detailed instructions and the application form can be found on the official application portal.

The Fellowship is non-renewable and is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). The duration of the fellowship is three years, commencing in Autumn 2027.