British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship

The British Academy is pleased to announce the availability of Postdoctoral Fellowships for early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. This prestigious three-year fellowship aims to support outstanding researchers in pursuing independent research projects, leading to significant publishable work. The fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to enhance research and teaching experience, develop a robust academic curriculum vitae, and improve prospects for obtaining permanent academic positions.

The British Academy, established in 1902, is the United Kingdom’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. It aims to promote excellence and research in these fields through funding, advocacy, and scholarly activities. The Academy supports academic work, fosters international collaboration, and provides a platform for public engagement with the humanities and social sciences. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in advancing knowledge and contributing to society through various scholarly and educational initiatives.

Background

The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships are a prestigious three-year award designed to support outstanding early career researchers in the humanities or social sciences. Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), these fellowships aim to enhance the research and teaching experience of award holders, helping them develop their curriculum vitae and boost their prospects of obtaining permanent academic positions. The primary focus of the fellowship is the completion of a significant piece of publishable research and integration into the community of established scholars in the field.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Background: Researchers must be from the humanities and social sciences.
• Institution: Applicants must be based at an eligible UK university or recognised research organisation for the duration of the fellowship.
• Nationality: British citizens and nationals from the EEA are eligible, regardless of where their doctorate was obtained. Individuals of any nationality who have a doctorate from a UK university are also eligible. Applicants not meeting these categories may qualify if they demonstrate a ‘strong prior association’ with the UK academic community.
• Career Stage: Applicants must be of early career status, applying within three years of their successful viva voce examination. For the current round, applicants should have completed their viva voce between 1 April 2022 and 1 April 2025.
• Postdoctoral Status: Applicants must already be of postdoctoral status when the Research Awards Committee meets.

Benefits

The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship offers:

• Funding: The fellowship is covered under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) regime, funding 80% of salary costs, directly allocated costs, and indirect costs.
• Duration: The fellowship is tenable for three years, starting in Autumn 2025 at a UK-based university or higher education institution.
• Value: The exact value varies based on the FEC regime, covering a significant portion of the research costs.

Application Process

Applying for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship involves several steps:

1. Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a robust research proposal highlighting the significance and publishable potential of your project.
2. Identify a Referee: Choose a self-nominated referee who is typically your external examiner or someone external to your proposed research. Ensure they are not your mentor, doctoral supervisor, or internal examiner.
3. Submit Your Application: Use the British Academy’s Grant Management System, Flexi-Grant®, to submit your application. Ensure all required documents and information are included.
4. Institutional Approval: Obtain approval from your UK institution before the submission deadline.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 2 October 2024.