British Academy Innovation Fellowships 2026: Apply for £120,000 in Funding for 12-Month Policy Research Fellowships

Overview

The British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 offers Route B for Policy-Led awards in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Cabinet Office. This programme connects researchers in the humanities and social sciences directly with government policymakers to work on live policy challenges and international or national policy issues.

What you get

Successful applicants receive awards of up to £120,000 to support a 12-month fellowship. The funding is calculated at 80 percent of Full Economic Costing. The fellowship provides an opportunity to build professional relationships, gain exposure to government decision-making, and develop skills in research translation and knowledge mobilisation.

Who can apply

The scheme targets early-career and mid-career researchers working in the humanities and social sciences whose expertise aligns with the policy challenges identified in the call. Priority research areas include applied history, critical infrastructure and European warfare, South Asia geopolitics and regional security, the UK-France relationship in 2027 and beyond, and the UK national security strategy.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online through the British Academy Grant Management System, known as Flexi-Grant. Applicants should review the official scheme guidance, select a relevant policy theme, and develop their proposals within the platform before the submission deadline.

Key dates

The application deadline is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT. Awards are scheduled to commence no later than 31 March 2027, contingent upon security checks and the completion of the award agreement.