British Academy Mid‑Career Fellowships 2025 – Focused Research Support for Humanities & Social Sciences

August 17, 2025

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British Academy Mid‑Career Fellowships 2025 – Focused Research Support for Humanities & Social Sciences – Gain up to 12 months of relief from teaching and admin to complete impactful public‑engaged research, with funding up to £152,000. Fellowships begin late 2026; apply by 20 August 2025.

British Academy Mid‑Career Fellowships 2025 – Focused Research Support for Humanities & Social Sciences

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Background & Fellowship Overview

I’m sharing the British Academy’s Mid‑Career Fellowship for 2025, an exceptional opportunity for mid‑career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Importantly, I am not affiliated with the British Academy; this is being shared purely to help qualified researchers find a distinguished platform for their work.

These fellowships enable established scholars—typically within 15 years of their PhD (or first academic appointment)—to take a significant break from regular teaching and administrative responsibilities and concentrate on completing a major research project. Fellowships range from 6 to 12 months and emphasize public engagement and communication of research.Advanced Study London

Fellowship Scope & Objectives

The British Academy Mid‑Career Fellowship supports outstanding researchers who also champion public understanding of their subject. Your application must demonstrate not only excellent research but also a clear strategy for engaging a broader audience during the fellowship period—extending academic impact beyond traditional scholarly reach.Advanced Study London

These awards fall under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) framework, with the Academy covering up to 80% of costs—capped at £152,000 total, including a maximum of £80,000 toward salary.Advanced Study London

Fellowships may commence between September 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027.Advanced Study LondonMary Jaharis Center

Eligibility

To qualify:

You must hold a position at a UK university, higher education institution, or independent research organization.Advanced Study London
While there’s no age restriction, you should have made an outstanding contribution in academia and be within 15 years of your doctorate or first academic appointment (statutory allowances made for career breaks or those without PhDs).Advanced Study London

Fellowship Terms & Timeline

Duration: 6 to 12 months, with fellowship start between 1 September 2026 and 1 January 2027.Advanced Study LondonMary Jaharis Center
Award Value: Up to £152,000 (80% FEC contribution), supporting salary and project costs.
Application Deadline: 20 August 2025, 17:00 BST.

What to Expect in the Application & Review Process

Your proposal should:

Outline a substantial research project suitable for completion within 6‑12 months,
Include a robust public engagement strategy (e.g. public lectures, media, policy briefs),
Demonstrate both scholarly merit and broader societal relevance.

Though detailed instructions are on the British Academy site, general tips include:

Register via the Flexi‑Grant system,
Align your research plan to show both depth and accessible communication,
Seek institutional support from your employer early.

Applicants will likely hear back by December 2025.Advanced Study LondonMary Jaharis Center

Summary

The British Academy Mid‑Career Fellowships 2025 offer a rare window for established researchers to pause professional duties and focus deeply on a transformative research project—with the added benefit of promoting public understanding in the humanities and social sciences. With funding up to £152,000, and a flexible timeframe designed to meet individual needs, this is an invaluable opportunity for scholars already making a mark in their fields.

Application Deadline: 20 August 2025 (17:00 BST)
Fellowship Start: Sep 2026 – Jan 2027

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