APEX awards
Forecasted
APEX awards support established independent researchers with seed funding for curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary research that advances fundamental understanding and benefits wider society.
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £200,000 for up to 24 months
Summary: Seed funding for established independent researchers developing curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary research across the Academies’ remits to benefit wider society.
Key Information: Lead applicants must have teaching and administrative duties eligible for buyout and include teaching replacement costs.
Description
APEX (Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research) is a partnership between the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy and the Royal Society, supported by the Leverhulme Trust. The Royal Society administers applications and awards on behalf of the three Academies. The scheme supports established independent researchers with strong track records and proven ability to lead collaborative work.
The awards provide seed funding to develop new research directions through genuine interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly across science, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Projects should integrate knowledge and approaches from different fields to advance fundamental understanding or tackle problems beyond a single discipline. The scheme prioritises outstanding, curiosity-driven research unlikely to receive support through conventional funding programmes, rather than supplementing existing projects.
