Interdisciplinary Research Grant – British Academy 2026

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, supporting researchers and scholarship both in the UK and globally. The organization works to address today’s complex societal challenges by deepening understanding of cultures, societies, and human behaviors. It collaborates with government, business, civil society, and academic institutions to influence policy, promote public engagement, and invest in innovative research. The British Academy’s work spans a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and climate change to prosperity, well-being, and education. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and funding cutting-edge research, it strengthens partnerships across disciplines and sectors. The Academy’s commitment is rooted in encouraging creativity, intellectual rigor, and global collaboration. It brings together experts from across humanities and social sciences, empowering them to engage with scientific fields and emerging technologies. Working with international partners, the British Academy ensures that knowledge exchange benefits societies, informs decision-making, and shapes the future. Its mission is to advance research that responds to global challenges while safeguarding human understanding and fostering inclusive growth.

The British Academy’s International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2026 invites proposals led by UK-based researchers from the humanities and social sciences. The programme supports genuinely interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with international partners across all SHAPE and STEM disciplines. It focuses on addressing transnational and planetary challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, digital technologies, global health threats, and outer space governance. The grant’s purpose is to fund projects that deepen understanding of how humanities and social sciences research, combined with technical knowledge, can contribute to global problem-solving. Applications must demonstrate collaboration across disciplines and provide innovative approaches that engage non-state actors and international organizations. Each project will receive up to £300,000 over two years, with 80% full economic costing (FEC). The funding can be used for research assistance, travel, fieldwork, and networking, enabling comprehensive research efforts. Projects are expected to contribute to policy development, historical insights, and knowledge exchange while fostering cross-disciplinary communication and partnerships. This round of the programme is supported by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.