British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: expressions of interest
Internal deadline 9 June 2026; Outline Stage in Sept 2026
Scheme detailsThe British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers within three years of completing their PhD. The scheme enables fellows to undertake a significant piece of publishable research while developing their academic profile and strengthening their experience of research and teaching within a UK higher education institution.
The Fellowship is tenable for three years, starting no earlier than 1 September 2027. The British Academy funds 80% of salary costs, with the remaining 20% covered by UCL. Research expenses are funded up to £6,000 over the duration of the award.
Applications are submitted in two stages: an Outline Stage (September 2026), open to eligible candidates, followed by a Second Stage (by invitation only), expected in early 2027.
- Applicants must be supported by the UK host institution in which they wish to hold the Fellowship
- Applicants must be within three years of the award of their doctorate (viva between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027)
- Applicants may only apply once within their eligibility window
- Applicants must be postdoctoral at the time of the Research Awards Committee meeting
- Applicants holding a permanent academic post are not eligible
- Applicants must be a UK/EEA national, have completed a UK doctorate, or demonstrate a strong prior association with the UK academic community
Applicants must identify and secure agreement from a departmental mentor before applying. Proposals should be submitted to Zeynep Bulutgil (z.bulutgil@ucl.ac.uk), copying polsci.research@ucl.ac.uk, by 9am on 9 June 2026.
Further guidance and supporting documentation will be made available ahead of the funder’s full call release in July 2026.
Apply for fellowship
Expressions of interest are now open for the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 scheme.
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