Deadline: August 20, 2025
The British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025 are now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Designed to provide scholars with the time and resources to focus exclusively on a significant piece of research, these prestigious awards also place strong emphasis on public engagement, encouraging fellows to share their work beyond academic circles.
If you are a UK-based academic within 15 years of completing your doctorate or first academic appointment, this fellowship could be the next major step in your career development.
About the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025
The British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025 are aimed at supporting outstanding mid-career scholars. The fellowship relieves recipients from teaching and administrative responsibilities for a period of 6 to 12 months, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to advancing an important research project.
Beyond academic contributions, applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will communicate their research to the wider public, ensuring societal impact and engagement.
- Deadline: 20 August 2025, 17:00 BST (late applications will not be accepted).
- Duration: 6 to 12 months of focused research.
Fellowship Funding and Award Details
The British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025 provide robust financial support under the Full Economic Costing (FEC) model:
- The Academy funds 80% of the FEC.
- Salary contributions are capped at £80,000.
- The total maximum award is £152,000.
This funding allows fellows to prioritise their research, while institutions benefit from the prestige and impact of the award.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Employment Location: Must be employed at a UK-based university, higher education institution, or independent research organisation.
- Career Stage: Aimed at mid-career researchers, typically:
- Within 15 years of their doctorate, or
- Within 15 years of their first academic appointment (if they do not hold a doctorate).
- Career Breaks: Considered sympathetically when assessing eligibility.
- Age or Status: The Academy does not assess based on age or academic rank, but purely on research potential and career stage.
Why Apply?
- Gain time to focus on a major research project.
- Secure up to £152,000 in funding.
- Build your public engagement profile, with opportunities to share research outside academia.
- Enhance your reputation as a leading mid-career scholar.
Application Guidance
Applicants should carefully prepare by:
- Ensuring they meet the employment and career-stage criteria.
- Designing a strong research proposal that reflects both academic excellence and societal impact.
- Integrating a clear public engagement strategy.
- Submitting all application materials before the strict deadline of 20 August 2025, 17:00 BST.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 20 August 2025, 17:00 BST |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Funding | Up to £152,000 total (80% of FEC, salary cap £80,000) |
| Eligibility | UK-based mid-career researchers within ~15 years of doctorate/appointment; career breaks considered |
| Requirement | Must include a strong public engagement strategy |
Next Steps
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare early to meet the upcoming deadline. Ensure you have institutional support, a clear research plan, and a strong communication strategy that demonstrates how your work will benefit wider society.
- 👉 Click here to apply for the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025
- 👉 Read more about the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowships 2025 programme
For professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
