AHRC Responsive Mode: Catalyst Awards
Supports early-career arts and humanities researchers to lead ambitious projects and develop research leadership through flexible, collaborative funding.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Open - no closing date (applications accepted at any time)
Funding Amounts: £100,000–£300,000 (up to 5 years; AHRC funds 80% FEC)
Summary: Supports early-career arts and humanities researchers to develop leadership and deliver ambitious projects, accelerating their independence and potential.
Key Information: Applicants must not have previously led a significant research project; eligibility self-assessed and justified in application.
Description
This funding opportunity supports researchers in the arts and humanities who have not previously led a significant research project. The scheme is designed to accelerate the trajectory of early-career researchers towards independence, providing flexible, people-centred funding to unlock leadership potential and support the delivery of ambitious or complex projects. Projects may be single-discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or transdisciplinary, with the majority of their disciplinary focus within the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) remit. Practice-based and practice-led research, partnerships, and collaborations (including international co-leads) are encouraged, provided they contribute to the development of the project team. The scheme emphasizes career and skills development for all involved.
