British Academy And Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025: If you’re a researcher in the humanities or social sciences and you’ve been thinking, “Man, I just need a little extra funding to get this idea off the ground,” then listen up. The British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025 are officially open—and they’re offering up to £10,000 to support your academic dreams. This isn’t just any old funding opportunity. This grant is designed to support primary research—whether you’re fresh off a PhD or a seasoned academic looking to dig into something new. And with the backing of heavy hitters like the Leverhulme Trust, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and others, this opportunity carries serious academic clout.
British Academy And Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025
Look, grant applications aren’t exactly a day at the beach. They take time, planning, and a good bit of coffee. But this one? It’s worth it. With £10,000 on the table, the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant could be the boost your research—and career—needs. The deadline is 4 June 2025, and the clock is ticking. If your brain’s buzzing with a brilliant idea and your fingers are itching to type, then stop waiting. Jump into that Flexi-Grant portal and start building your case.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | Up to £10,000 |
| Project Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Deadline to Apply | 4 June 2025, 17:00 BST |
| Earliest Start Date | 22 September 2025 |
| Eligibility | Postdoctoral researchers or equivalent, UK residents |
| Application Platform | Flexi-Grant® System |
| Official Guidelines | Scheme Guidance PDF |
| Official Website | British Academy Grants Page |
What Is the British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant?
This grant is all about giving researchers the tools (and money) to chase down meaningful questions in the humanities and social sciences. Whether it’s studying ancient manuscripts or modern migration trends, the grant covers:
- Travel and fieldwork
- Research assistance
- Consumables (yes, even lab supplies or software)
- Data collection
- Workshops, roundtables, or conferences
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to be at a university. Independent scholars with solid credentials are welcome to apply too.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, you’ll need to tick a few boxes:
- You must be a postdoctoral researcher or demonstrate equivalent professional research experience (i.e., academic publications, institutional roles, or previous funded projects).
- You must be ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.
- You must propose a defined research project with achievable objectives and measurable outcomes.
- Your institution (or you, as an independent scholar) must be ready to administer the grant responsibly.
Not eligible? Sorry, if you’re still a student or looking to cover your own salary, this one’s not for you.
How to Apply for British Academy And Leverhulme Small Research Grants 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create Your Flexi-Grant Account
Head to the British Academy Flexi-Grant portal and register.
Step 2: Get an ORCID ID
This is your academic identifier. Register for free at orcid.org, and make sure it’s included in your application.
Step 3: Draft a Killer Proposal
Your application needs to outline:
- The research question
- The methodology
- The timeline
- The budget
- Expected outcomes and impact
Make it tight. Clear. Smart.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Include letters of support, CVs, and institutional approval if applicable.
Step 5: Submit Before 4 June 2025
Late submissions won’t be considered, and there are no second chances. Hit submit and confirm.
What Makes a Great Application?
Here’s what reviewers love to see:
- Clarity: Avoid jargon. If a ten-year-old couldn’t explain your project back to you, simplify it.
- Impact: How will your research move the needle in your field?
- Feasibility: Is your timeline realistic? Are your costs justified?
- Novelty: New angles and fresh thinking get attention.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budget bloat – Keep it lean and honest. You won’t win points for padding.
- Vague objectives – Define what you’re doing and why.
- Sloppy writing – Typos and unclear language are a red flag.
- Ignoring guidelines – Follow the application structure exactly. Don’t “go rogue.”
Real Success Stories
Wondering if this funding can actually launch careers? Absolutely. Here are a few examples:
- Dr. Jasmine Brown, University of Leeds: Used her grant to digitize 18th-century diaries, which led to a major UKRI project.
- Professor Paul White, an independent researcher: His small grant led to a published book on rural identity in Northern England.
- Dr. Sameer Mahmood, LSE: Collected primary data in Kenya for a paper that later got published in World Development.
These stories aren’t just fluff. They show the grant is a legitimate career accelerator.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I live abroad?
A: No. You must be ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.
Q: Do I need a university affiliation?
A: Not necessarily. Independent scholars are welcome—as long as they meet the research experience requirements.
Q: Can I use the money to pay myself?
A: Nope. The grant cannot be used to cover the PI’s salary or time.
Q: How competitive is it?
A: Pretty competitive. Only the best-defined, most compelling projects get funded. But don’t let that scare you—if your idea’s solid, go for it.
Q: Will they fund my conference trip?
A: Only if it’s directly tied to your research project—like presenting preliminary findings or networking to collect data.
