Apply now for Research Project Grants (United Kingdom)

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants support innovative and original research projects led by eligible researchers at UK higher education institutions and research organisations. The programme provides up to £500,000 for projects lasting up to five years, focusing on ambitious research ideas, interdisciplinary approaches, and projects that involve significant research staff support.

Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants Overview

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants provide financial support for researchers developing ambitious and original research projects across eligible academic disciplines. The scheme encourages research that challenges conventional boundaries, explores new ideas, and involves appropriate levels of academic risk.

The programme is designed for researchers based at eligible UK universities, higher education institutions, and selected independent research organisations. Funding primarily supports research staff working directly on the project, along with essential research-related expenses.

The Trust particularly values proposals that demonstrate:

• A strong and original research vision
• Clear research objectives and methodology
• Potential to create significant academic impact
• Interdisciplinary or innovative approaches
• A strong justification for Leverhulme Trust support

Key Grant Details

• Funding amount: Up to £500,000
• Project duration: Up to 5 years
• Funding focus: Research staff costs and associated research expenses
• Application process: Two-stage process (outline application and detailed application)
• Eligible locations: United Kingdom research institutions
• Research areas: Multiple disciplines except excluded fields

What Does the Grant Support?

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants mainly support the costs required to successfully complete a research project.

Eligible costs include:

• Research assistants
• Overseas research assistants
• PhD students working on the project
• Research technicians
• Teaching replacement costs for eligible researchers
• Consultants (up to £5,000 per year)
• Research travel and accommodation expenses
• Research materials and consumables
• Technical services
• Computing resources directly connected to research activities

At least 75% of the requested funding must support research staff directly involved in delivering the project.

Up to 25% of the budget may be allocated to other eligible research costs.

Who is Eligible?

The grant is open to:

• UK universities
• UK higher education institutions
• Eligible UK independent research institutes and organisations participating in the trial scheme

Principal Investigator Requirements

The lead researcher must:

• Be employed by an eligible UK institution, or
• Be a retired academic maintaining strong links with an eligible institution
• Have sufficient institutional support to manage the project

Researchers on fixed-term contracts may apply if their employment continues for the full duration of the proposed grant.

Co-Applicants

Applicants may include:

• Up to three co-applicants
• Researchers from eligible UK institutions
• Overseas researchers as co-applicants

Research Areas Supported

The programme supports original research across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Priority is given to projects that:

• Explore new research questions
• Cross traditional disciplinary boundaries
• Develop innovative research methods
• Create new academic understanding
• Demonstrate intellectual ambition

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

The Leverhulme Trust does not support:

• Medical or clinical research
• Research designed to influence current government policy
• Projects with immediate commercial applications
• Database creation projects
• Advocacy activities
• Capacity-building programmes
• Networking initiatives
• General skills development projects

The scheme focuses on advancing original research rather than practical service delivery or policy implementation.

Why This Grant Matters

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants provide researchers with the opportunity to pursue ambitious academic ideas that may require longer-term investigation and substantial resources.

The funding helps researchers:

• Build research teams
• Employ specialist research staff
• Conduct complex investigations
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations
• Produce significant academic contributions

By supporting high-risk and innovative research, the programme encourages discoveries that may shape future academic thinking.

Funding Structure and Budget Requirements

Applicants must carefully design their project budget according to the programme rules.

Budget requirements include:

• Minimum 75% of funding allocated to research staff
• Maximum 25% allocated to research-related expenses
• Costs must directly support the proposed research activities

A strong application should clearly explain:

• Why the research requires this level of funding
• How staff will contribute to project outcomes
• Why Leverhulme Trust is the appropriate funder

How to Apply

Applicants must follow a two-stage application process.

Step 1: Submit an Outline Application

Researchers first submit an initial proposal explaining:

• Research idea
• Project objectives
• Research significance
• Proposed methodology
• Expected outcomes

The outline stage is currently paused and is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.

Step 2: Submit a Detailed Application

Applicants invited after the outline stage must provide a full proposal including:

• Detailed research plan
• Project timeline
• Budget breakdown
• Research team information
• Explanation of research importance
• Justification for funding requirements

Detailed applications may be submitted by:

• 1 July 2026
• 1 September 2026

Funding decisions are expected in:

• October 2026
• December 2026

Application Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

Research Originality

Reviewers assess whether the project presents:

• A new research question
• Innovative concepts
• Significant academic contribution

Research Design

Assessment considers:

• Quality of methodology
• Feasibility of the research plan
• Appropriate use of resources

Research Vision

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Clear long-term goals
• Intellectual ambition
• Potential influence on their research field

Suitability of the Trust

The Trust considers whether the project aligns with its mission of supporting innovative and original research.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects with limited originality
• Requesting funding mainly for non-research activities
• Ignoring the 75% research staff budget requirement
• Proposing projects with immediate commercial objectives
• Failing to explain why Leverhulme Trust funding is suitable
• Providing unclear research methods or timelines

Tips for a Strong Application

Researchers can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining the importance of the research question
• Highlighting innovative aspects of the project
• Demonstrating why existing approaches are insufficient
• Creating a realistic budget
• Showing strong collaboration between researchers
• Explaining expected academic contributions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant?

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant is a funding programme that supports innovative research projects led by researchers at eligible UK institutions. It provides up to £500,000 for research lasting up to five years.

Who can apply for the Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant?

Researchers employed by eligible UK universities, higher education institutions, or approved research organisations can apply. Retired academics with strong institutional links may also be eligible.

How much funding can researchers receive?

Successful applicants can receive up to £500,000. At least 75% of the budget must support research staff, while up to 25% can support other research expenses.

Can international researchers apply?

Overseas researchers cannot normally apply as lead applicants but may participate as co-applicants in projects led by eligible UK researchers.

What types of research are not funded?

The programme does not fund medical or clinical research, policy advocacy projects, commercial research, database development, networking activities, or general training programmes.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects can receive funding for a maximum period of five years.

When can researchers apply?

The outline application stage is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026. Invited detailed applications can be submitted by July or September 2026 deadlines.

Conclusion

The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants provide a valuable opportunity for researchers to undertake ambitious, original, and high-quality research projects that can expand knowledge across diverse academic fields. By supporting innovative ideas, interdisciplinary approaches, and strong research teams, the scheme encourages researchers to explore important questions that may involve significant intellectual risks. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research vision, a robust methodology, and strong alignment between their project goals and the Trust’s funding priorities. Through its rigorous assessment process, the Trust aims to support projects with exceptional originality, strong research design, and the potential to make meaningful contributions to academic advancement.