Deadline: September 9, 2025
The British Academy APEX Awards 2026 offer a unique opportunity for established independent researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge through interdisciplinary research that benefits wider society. Supported by the Leverhulme Trust, these awards are jointly delivered by the British Academy, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
This highly competitive programme is designed to encourage collaboration across disciplines, providing up to £200,000 in funding for innovative, curiosity-driven projects.
Application Deadline
Applications for the British Academy APEX Awards 2026 must be submitted by Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at 15:00 BST.
About the APEX Awards
The Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research (APEX) enables researchers to:
- Pursue interdisciplinary and curiosity-driven research.
- Develop collaborations that cross the boundaries of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
- Undertake projects that have the potential to generate benefits beyond academic disciplines and contribute to society.
Who Can Apply?
The APEX Awards are open to established independent researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Cross-disciplinary partnership: Applicants must collaborate with a co-applicant from a different discipline. This co-applicant may be based at the same or another UK institution.
- Institutional support: Applications must be endorsed by the Head of Department to confirm institutional backing and agreement to release the researcher from teaching commitments, if necessary.
- Experience requirement: Applicants should have a strong track record in their field and be positioned to take forward an ambitious interdisciplinary project.
Funding Details
Each successful project can receive up to £200,000 in funding. The award is structured as follows:
- At least 75% of the grant must go towards staffing costs, including the lead applicant and co-applicant.
- Up to 25% can be used for other research-related expenses such as:
- Consumables
- Equipment
- Travel for collaboration and research dissemination
This balance ensures the majority of the funding directly supports the researchers and their interdisciplinary collaboration.
How to Apply
Applications for the APEX Awards must be submitted online through the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® system. Applicants are advised to prepare well ahead of the deadline to ensure all requirements are met.
Why Apply for the British Academy APEX Awards 2026?
This programme is particularly valuable if you are:
- An experienced researcher keen to expand into interdisciplinary research.
- Interested in tackling major questions that cross the boundaries of disciplines.
- Supported by your institution to dedicate time and resources to a high-impact research project.
The APEX Awards not only provide financial support but also recognition from the UK’s leading academic academies, giving awardees credibility and visibility at national and international levels.
Final Thoughts
The British Academy APEX Awards 2026 represent an exceptional opportunity for researchers aiming to address pressing challenges through innovative, cross-disciplinary collaboration. With significant funding and strong institutional backing, successful applicants will be empowered to make a real impact on both academia and society.
👉 Click here to apply for the British Academy APEX Awards 2026
👉 Read more about the programme
📌 Need expert help with your application? Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
