New British Academy / Wolfson Fellowships open for applications

Today, a major new funding initiative between the Wolfson Foundation and the British Academy opens to support the next generation of research and engagement leaders in the humanities and social sciences. 

The British Academy / Wolfson Fellowshipshave opened for applications from early career researchers of any nationality working in the UK and have a permanent position at a UK institution. These awards are designed to celebrate and empower early career researchers who show exceptional talent in both research and public engagement. They emphasise and demonstrate the importance of humanities and social sciences research and creative thought in addressing the key questions societies face today, at a time of rapid political and societal change.

This new programme will, under the first round of applications, afford six early career academics the most valuable commodity – time. These awards of up to £130,000 over three years will release the award holders from some of their administration and teaching duties to pursue their research, along with funding for public engagement and travel.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said, “We feel strongly that support for high quality research in the humanities and social sciences is crucial for a healthy society. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the British Academy and hope that this investment will be seen as a mark of confidence in research at British universities. There could be no more important moment to support the next generation of researchers and to emphasise that UK universities are flourishing, global institutions.”

Alun Evans, Chief Executive of the British Academy said, “This is an incredibly exciting initiative for humanities and social sciences research and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of our societies, and for the British Academy as its champion. We are hugely grateful to the Wolfson Foundation. It’s a real show of support coming from such a prestigious and discerning funder, with a track record of nurturing the very best thinking wherever it is found.”

Application information for the British Academy / Wolfson Fellowships can be found here.