If teaching, administration, and routine university responsibilities have been getting in the way of your research, the Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship 2027 could provide dedicated time to complete an original research project.
The fellowship is intended for experienced researchers at UK universities, particularly those whose routine duties have significantly affected their ability to undertake research. Projects with an international research focus are also eligible.
Quick Facts: Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship
- Opportunity Type: Research Fellowship
- Host/Funding Organization: Leverhulme Trust
- Location: United Kingdom
- Mode: Institutional-based
- Duration: 3 to 24 months
- Maximum Award: Up to £70,000
- Stipend: No fixed personal stipend is specified. Funding can support reasonable replacement costs and research expenses.
- Nationality: Not specifically restricted by nationality; applicants must be resident in the UK at the time of application and be a permanent member of the UK scholarly community.
- Degree Required: The scheme does not state a specific degree requirement, but applicants must be experienced researchers with an established research track record.
- Age Limit: None
- Work Experience: Experienced researchers are required.
- Application Fee: £0
- Start Window: Fellowships must begin between June 1, 2027 and May 1, 2028.
- Application Deadline: November 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM GMT
What Does the £70,000 Cover?
The maximum Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship value is £70,000, although the actual award depends on the proposed research and the applicant’s circumstances.
Funding can support:
- Replacement costs so eligible academics can obtain research leave from their normal duties.
- Research expenses directly associated with the project.
- Other reasonable eligible costs connected with carrying out the research.
Fellows are expected to commit at least 75% of their time to the fellowship research project during the award period.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a post at a UK university with research degree-awarding powers.
- Have that post extend beyond the duration of the fellowship.
- Be an experienced researcher.
- Be resident in the United Kingdom when applying.
- Be a permanent member of the UK scholarly community.
- Demonstrate an established track record in their research field.
Priority is given to researchers whose teaching and administrative responsibilities have significantly affected their research activity during the previous three years.
What Research Areas Are Eligible?
Applications are considered across all subject areas, with some important exclusions.
The fellowship does not support:
- Studies of disease, illness, or disabilities in humans or animals.
- Research intended to inform clinical practice or develop medical applications.
International research projects are welcome where overseas research is genuinely required by the project.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The scheme is not intended for:
- Independent scholars.
- Applicants pursuing or preparing for a PhD or other degree/professional qualification.
- Researchers whose current position is wholly or predominantly research-focused.
- Applications where the primary cost is research assistance.
Importantly, this is not a PhD scholarship and does not fund a degree or programme of study.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
The fellowship must be taken up between June 1, 2027 and May 1, 2028.
Applicants also need institutional approval from their university. The Trust strongly recommends submitting the application for institutional approval at least five working days before the deadline.
Why Is This Fellowship Different?
The interesting part isn’t simply the £70,000 maximum award. The fellowship is designed for researchers who already have an established academic career but need protected time away from teaching and administrative responsibilities to complete a substantial research project.
Could this be the opportunity that gives an experienced researcher the time they’ve been missing?
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