Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant Programme provides flexible funding for innovative, original research projects led by researchers based at eligible UK institutions. With awards of up to £500,000 for projects lasting up to five years, the scheme prioritises strong research vision, interdisciplinary approaches, and clear alignment with the Trust’s funding remit.
Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant Programme Overview
The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant Programme supports high-quality, investigator-led research across a wide range of academic disciplines. The scheme is designed to enable researchers to pursue ambitious and original research questions that may not align easily with other funding bodies but are well suited to the Trust’s mission.
The programme focuses on intellectual curiosity, innovative research design, and the personal research vision of the applicant, rather than narrowly defined strategic priorities.
Key Aims of the Research Project Grant
The programme aims to:
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Support original and innovative research projects
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Fund interdisciplinary and exploratory research approaches
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Enable sustained research activity through strong staffing support
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Back projects with a clear rationale for why Leverhulme Trust funding is appropriate
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Provide flexibility in research design and methodology
Funding Scope and Duration
Research Project Grants may be awarded for:
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Projects lasting up to 5 years
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A maximum total award of £500,000
On a trial basis, applications are also accepted from eligible UK independent research institutes or organisations, subject to compliance with the Trust’s guidance on remit and funding scope.
Continuation or follow-on funding applications are not eligible under this scheme.
What the Grant Can Fund
Funding under this programme is structured to prioritise research activity and staff support.
Research staff costs (minimum 75% of total budget):
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Research assistants and overseas research assistants
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PhD students registered at UK institutions
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Research technicians
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Limited consultancy where specialist expertise is essential
Associated research costs (up to 25% of total budget):
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Travel for research purposes
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Consumables and materials
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Technical and computing services
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Other directly research-related expenses
Additional eligible costs:
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Teaching replacement costs for eligible UK-based applicants
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Exceptional salary contributions for applicants based at UK independent research organisations during the trial period
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants and institutions include:
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UK universities and higher education institutions
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Research organisations recognised by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including:
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Research institutes
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Public sector research establishments
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NHS bodies
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Independent research organisations
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Catapult centres
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Principal Investigator requirements:
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Must be employed by an eligible institution
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The institution must agree to administer the grant
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Responsible for directing and managing the research
Eligible applicant profiles:
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Academics with maintained links following retirement
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Researchers on fixed-term contracts covering the full grant period
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Up to three co-applicants, including overseas co-applicants
Ineligible Research Areas
The Leverhulme Trust does not fund:
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Medical or clinical research
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Policy-driven or commissioned research
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Projects with immediate commercial application
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Database assembly or data-only projects
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Advocacy or lobbying activities
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Capacity building, networking, or skills development initiatives
Applicants who are uncertain about eligibility are encouraged to consult the Trust before submitting an application.
Why This Grant Matters
The Research Project Grant Programme plays a crucial role in the UK research funding landscape by:
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Supporting curiosity-driven and high-risk research
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Encouraging interdisciplinary thinking beyond conventional funding calls
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Providing long-term funding stability for research teams
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Enabling scholars to pursue intellectually ambitious ideas
It is particularly valuable for projects that do not fit neatly within other funders’ strategic priorities.
How the Application Process Works
The application process follows a structured two-stage model.
Step 1: Outline Application
Applicants submit an Outline Application describing the research idea, objectives, methodology, and indicative budget. Outline Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 27 February 2026.
Step 2: Outline Assessment
Outline Applications are assessed by the Trust, with decisions typically issued within three months.
Step 3: Invitation to Submit Detailed Application
Successful Outline applicants are invited to submit a Detailed Application.
Step 4: Detailed Application Submission
The Detailed Application must closely align with the approved Outline Application. Significant changes to objectives, personnel, or overall budget are not permitted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Proposing ineligible research areas such as medical or policy-driven research
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Allocating less than 75% of the budget to research staff costs
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Treating the grant as continuation or follow-on funding
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Making major changes between the Outline and Detailed Application stages
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Insufficient justification for why Leverhulme Trust is the appropriate funder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum funding available under this scheme?
The maximum award is £500,000 for a project lasting up to five years.
Who can act as Principal Investigator?
The Principal Investigator must be employed by an eligible UK institution that agrees to administer the grant.
Can overseas researchers be included in the project?
Yes. Overseas co-applicants and overseas research assistants may be included where they are essential to the research.
Are PhD students eligible to be funded?
Yes. PhD students registered at UK institutions may be supported as part of the research staff costs.
What proportion of the budget must be for staff costs?
At least 75% of the total budget must be allocated to research staff costs.
Are medical or clinical research projects eligible?
No. Medical, clinical, and health intervention research are not supported by the Leverhulme Trust.
Is continuation funding allowed under this programme?
No. Applications for continuation or follow-on funding are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant Programme offers a distinctive funding opportunity for researchers pursuing innovative, original, and interdisciplinary research. With flexible design, substantial long-term support, and a strong emphasis on research staff, the scheme enables scholars to develop ambitious ideas that contribute meaningfully to academic knowledge and research excellence in the UK
For more information, visit The Leverhulme Trust.