AHRC research, development and engagement fellowships: standard route to support mid-career and established researchers

This fellowship scheme allows researchers to carry out high-quality research in any area covered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. It also provides the opportunity to develop capabilities as research specialists and to undertake innovative and collaborative development activities.

Summary:

• for mid-career and established researchers at eligible research organisations
• funding is available for projects with full economic costs of between £50,000 and £300,000 lasting between six and 18 months
• research can be at various stages of development.

We are looking for individuals who can:

• carry out high-quality individual research which has the potential to generate a significant impact on their discipline
• develop capabilities as research specialists and create opportunities for outreach beyond their research field
• undertake innovative and collaborative development activities, including the initiation of new research, which will result in benefits for their own discipline(s) and beyond.

You can work full time or part time on a fellowship. Full-time fellowships are for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 18 months. The limits for part-time workers are worked out on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you are working half time, the minimum duration is one year and the maximum is three years.

Enhancing the fellow’s skillset is a core element of this scheme. The types of activity that you may want to follow will vary depending on your research area and career stage, but might include:

• fostering wider impact from your research
• developing emerging research areas, methods or approaches
• fostering interdisciplinary research involving your field
• encouraging new research collaborations and partnerships
• inspiring creativity in other researchers
• providing intellectual leadership.

Our main research areas are:

histories, cultures and heritage: archaeology, classics, cultural and museum studies, development studies, history, information and communication technologies, law and legal studies, library and information studies, philosophy, political science and international studies, theology and divinity and religion.

• creative and performing arts: dance, design, drama and theatre studies, media, music and visual arts
• languages and literature and linguistics. Find out more about areas and disciplines we support.

Before applying, read the AHRC research funding guide, (PDF, 1MB).

This scheme is designed to support arts and humanities researchers at mid-career and established career stages, providing opportunities to undertake ambitious, innovative research and to develop capabilities as research specialists.

You can apply if you are a postdoctoral researcher with at least two years’ experience and have worked at least one year at an eligible organisation. You must have the support of your host organisation throughout the fellowship.

Read the AHRC research funding guide (PDF, 1MB).