The Leverhulme Trust has opened applications for its prestigious Research Fellowships 2027, offering experienced researchers up to £70,000 to complete a significant programme of original research. The fellowship supports academics across all disciplines whose research progress has been constrained by teaching, administrative or other routine professional duties.
With funding available for projects lasting 3 to 24 months, the scheme provides protected research time for scholars based at eligible higher education institutions. Applications close on 5 November 2026.
About the Leverhulme Research Fellowships
The Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships are designed to enable experienced researchers to focus on completing an original and substantial piece of research. The programme particularly prioritises applicants whose teaching and administrative responsibilities have significantly limited their ability to undertake research during the three years preceding their application.
Unlike discipline-specific funding schemes, the fellowships welcome applications from researchers in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and interdisciplinary fields.
Fellowship Value and Duration
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to:
- Maximum award: £70,000
- Duration: Between 3 and 24 months
- Funding purpose: Protected time to complete original research
The fellowship is intended to support research costs associated with enabling scholars to dedicate substantial time to their proposed project.
Who Is Eligible?
The scheme is open to experienced researchers in any academic discipline. Priority is given to applicants who can demonstrate that routine academic duties have prevented them from progressing their research programme.
The fellowship is particularly suitable for academics seeking dedicated time to complete a major research project, book, creative scholarly work or other substantial contribution to knowledge.
Researchers planning projects with an international focus are also eligible, provided the proposal aligns with the Trust’s funding objectives.
What Makes a Strong Application?
The Leverhulme Trust encourages applicants to present a clearly defined programme of original research with realistic objectives and a compelling scholarly contribution. Competitive applications typically demonstrate:
- A significant and original research question.
- Strong evidence of previous academic achievement.
- A clear explanation of why protected research time is necessary.
- Well-structured plans for completing the proposed work within the fellowship period.
Applicants are advised to review the official Application Help Notes 2027 before preparing their submission.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Leverhulme Grant System during the official application window. Prospective applicants should prepare all required information in advance, including details of their research proposal, institutional support and other documentation requested in the application guidance.
The Trust notes that the opening date has been adjusted to facilitate the transition to its new grant management system, but applicants should use the published guidance to prepare their materials before submitting.
Why Apply for a Leverhulme Fellowship?
The Leverhulme Trust is one of the United Kingdom’s leading charitable funders of research and education. Its Research Fellowships have supported scholars producing influential work across history, literature, social sciences, science, technology and many other disciplines.
For experienced researchers balancing heavy teaching and administrative workloads, the fellowship offers valuable protected time to complete ambitious, high-impact research that may otherwise remain unfinished.
Key Dates
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships 2027 |
| Funding | Up to £70,000 |
| Duration | 3–24 months |
| Disciplines | All academic disciplines |
| Closing Date | 5 November 2026 |
How to Apply
Interested researchers should submit their applications through the official Leverhulme Grant System before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guidance to ensure their proposal meets all scheme requirements.
Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
Funding Value: Up to £70,000
Duration: 3–24 months
