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Purpose and values
The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future.
Leadership
We count among our Fellowship the world’s leading minds from the humanities and social sciences. We are committed to identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders. We invest in the most outstanding and exciting people and projects in our field, wherever they are found, to advance our disciplines. We act always on evidence and our academic independence is paramount and non-negotiable. Our long history of trustworthiness and impartiality provides the foundation for our enduring relevance.
Integrity
We act always on evidence and our academic independence is paramount and non-negotiable. Our long history of trustworthiness and impartiality provides the foundation for our enduring relevance.
Enlightenment
We believe in the value of knowledge both for personal enrichment and for the health of society. We are continually unlocking new insight and fresh perspectives. We engage with curious minds and promote a life of learning. We help to provide the very best insight into people, culture and societies.
Connectedness
We collaborate with partners across the globe, bringing people together to exchange knowledge and test reasoning. We demonstrate the relevance of our research to all people, societies and to the future of humanity. We are active internationally, funding research of global significance, and we use our convening power to bring together diverse communities. We share ideas to shape policy and enrich public debate.
Strategic priorities
The strategy, to 2022, positions the Academy as the UK leader for the humanities and social sciences and outlines its ambitions to speak up for the subjects, showing how they can help to shape the great themes of the age.
The five strategic aims for the Academy are:
- To speak up for the humanities and the social sciences
- To invest in the very best researchers and research
- To inform and enrich debate around society’s greatest questions
- To ensure sustained international engagement and collaboration
- To make the most of the Academy’s assets to secure the Academy for the future