Request for Applications: Risk Research Support Grant Programme (UK)

Deadline: 14-Jan-2026

The British Academy Risk Research Support Grant Programme provides £2,000–£10,000 in funding to support Researchers at Risk Fellows and Cara Fellows in the UK. Grants cover direct research activities across disciplines (excluding medical and health sciences), supporting travel, workshops, consumables, software, language training, and interpreters, with a strong focus on well-defined, high-impact projects.

Programme Overview

This grant programme is designed to support at-risk academics conducting meaningful research in the UK. It provides additional resources to strengthen the impact of ongoing fellowship projects, enabling recipients to continue productive research in a secure environment.

Eligible Research Activities

Funding may cover:

• Travel directly related to research

• Workshops and meetings

• Consumables and software essential for research

• Language training and interpreters

• Some caring costs for dependents or family

Ineligible costs include:

• Institutional overheads

• Personal living costs beyond fellowship allowances

• Equipment purchases or salary replacements

• Lobbying or advocacy activities

• Editorial work and publication fees

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be postdoctoral-level Researchers at Risk Fellows or Cara Fellows in the UK.

• Must hold an appropriate UK visa.

• Projects must be disciplines outside medical and health sciences.

• Both individual and collaborative research projects are eligible.

• Activities must be clearly defined with measurable outcomes, not general networking or standalone conferences.

Funding Details

• Minimum Award: £2,000

• Maximum Award: £10,000

• Funds are paid directly to the host institution.

• Funding cannot extend beyond the current fellowship period.

Application Process

1. Proposal Submission: Via the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant system.

2. Institutional Approval: Host institutions must approve proposals before the deadline.

3. Eligibility Checks: Completed by the British Academy prior to panel review.

4. Assessment: Selection Panel (representatives from UK National Academies) evaluates proposals on:

   • Research merit and methodology

   • Career impact

   • Existing research support and feasibility

5. Notification: Applicants are informed within up to two months after submission.

Important Notes

• Resubmissions: Previous rejections may not be reconsidered; multiple rejections disqualify further applications.

• Project Dates: Must be confirmed upon grant acceptance and may differ from proposed dates.

• Competitive Scheme: Not all applications will be successful; careful adherence to guidelines improves chances.

Why This Grant Matters

• Provides additional support for at-risk academics to continue research in the UK.

• Enables high-quality, well-defined research activities across various disciplines.

• Supports career progression and integration into the UK research ecosystem.

• Strengthens the impact of existing fellowship projects through dedicated resources.

Common Tips for Applicants

• Ensure research activities are specific, measurable, and feasible within fellowship timelines.

• Request funding only for direct research costs.

• Obtain institutional approval well in advance of the deadline.

• Highlight how the grant will enhance research impact and career development.

• Avoid requesting funds for ineligible items such as overheads, equipment, or publication costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Postdoctoral-level Researchers at Risk Fellows or Cara Fellows with UK visa.
2. What is the funding range? £2,000–£10,000.
3. Which disciplines are eligible? All disciplines except medical and health sciences.
4. What costs are covered? Travel, workshops, consumables, software, language training, interpreters, and limited caring costs.
5. Can the grant extend beyond my fellowship? No, funding is limited to your current fellowship period.
6. How are applications assessed? By a Selection Panel based on research merit, career impact, and feasibility.
7. Can previously rejected applications be resubmitted? Only once; multiple rejections disqualify future submissions.

Conclusion

The Risk Research Support Grant Programme provides targeted funding for at-risk academics in the UK, enabling them to advance high-impact, well-defined research projects. By covering essential research activities, the programme ensures continuity of scholarly work, supports career progression, and strengthens the academic contributions of vulnerable researchers.

For more information, visit The British Academy.