Leverhulme Research Fellowships give experienced researchers in any discipline the time and money to finish a programme of original research. The scheme is aimed squarely at academics whose teaching and admin have crowded out their research, with priority going to those whose duties have had a significant impact on their research over the last three years.
Fellowships are worth up to £70,000 and last between 3 and 24 months. The Trust offers around 100 each year. The 2027 round is now open through the new Leverhulme Grant System and closes at 4pm on 5 November 2026.
Is it right for dementia researchers?
Read this bit before anything else. The Trust does not fund studies of disease, illness or disability in humans and animals, or research intended to inform clinical practice or develop medical applications. That rules out a lot of dementia research as it is usually framed. Its priority is fundamental enquiry, so the scheme is more likely to suit researchers in the humanities, social sciences or basic science whose project stands on its own without a disease or clinical focus. If you are unsure whether your idea fits, check with the Trust before you start.
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- hold a post in a UK university with research degree awarding powers that will continue beyond the end of the Fellowship
- be an experienced researcher, particularly one prevented by routine duties from undertaking or completing a research programme
- be resident in the UK when they apply
- be a permanent member of the UK scholarly community with an established track record in their field
The scheme does not support independent scholars, people registered for (or awaiting examination of) any degree or qualification, or anyone currently in a post that is wholly or mainly research focused. Applications where the main cost is research assistance are also ineligible.
Previous Research Fellows can apply again once at least seven years have passed since their last application. You can submit only one Research Fellowship application per round.
What the Fellowship covers
Awards can pay for research expenses and make a contribution towards reasonable replacement costs, so your department can cover your teaching while you are away. Replacement costs are considered for people in full- or part-time continuing posts who will be on leave at full pay. Fellows must spend at least 75% of their time on the project, and awards must start between 1 June 2027 and 1 May 2028. If you have never had a proper stretch away from teaching, this blog on making the most of a sabbatical is a useful read on planning the time well.
General feedback on unsuccessful applications
Due to the large number of applications received to this scheme it is not possible to provide feedback regarding the reasons for rejection to individual applicants.
Please see below for general feedback on common reasons previous applications were unsuccessful.
- In many cases the proposed research is highly original and the application of excellent quality, but other applications are ranked more highly, and funds are limited.
- The proposed research project requires a team approach and the individual’s contribution and responsibilities are not clearly identified.
- The description of the research project is too general.
- It is not clear that the applicant possesses the skills required to successfully deliver the proposed project.
- The application includes overblown claims to originality and/or fails to reference previous work in the research area.
- The potential contribution of the project to the wider research area is not adequately addressed.
- Insufficient attention is paid to potential mitigations in high-risk research proposals.
- The research methodology is not as clearly articulated as the project description.
- The research methodology is overly technical without a clear rationale in relation to the project as a whole.
- The extent to which highly technical research methodologies are innovative within their field of research is not made explicit.
- The research proposal may have been of excellent quality; however, priority was given to applicants whose teaching and administrative duties had significantly impacted their ability to undertake research in the three years prior to their application.
- In the case of longer-term projects, a clear case was not made for why the Research Fellowship was critical to the completion of the programme of research.
How to apply
Applications go through the Leverhulme Grant System and must be approved by your institution, which confirms your time away, your salary during the award and any cover arrangements. Get your head of department on board early, and aim to submit for institutional approval at least five working days before the deadline. The Trust does not give feedback on unsuccessful applications, so it pays to get the proposal right first time. Our podcast on grant writing tips from awardees and reviewers is a good place to start.
Read the full guidance and apply
Visit funding web page
(https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/research-fellowships)
