APEX awards
Forecasted
APEX awards support established independent researchers with seed funding for collaborative, curiosity-driven research across science, engineering, humanities and social sciences to benefit wider society.
Funder: Royal Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to £200,000 for up to 24 months, including up to £10,000 for public engagement
Summary: Seed funding for established independent researchers pursuing collaborative, curiosity-driven research across Academy remits to benefit wider society.
Key Information: Lead applicants must have teaching and administrative duties and request replacement costs covering at least 0.2 FTE.
Description
APEX awards are administered by the Royal Society in partnership with the British Academy and the Royal Academy of Engineering, with funding from the Leverhulme Trust. The scheme supports established independent researchers with strong track records and proven ability to lead collaborative work. It funds genuine interdisciplinary, blue-skies research that is unlikely to receive support through conventional funding programmes.
The awards emphasise collaboration at the boundaries of science, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Projects must integrate knowledge and approaches across more than one Academy’s remit, rather than simply bring together closely related subjects. Seed funding helps researchers develop new research directions and focus on innovative work through teaching replacement, research assistance, student contributions and associated research costs. Optional public engagement funding supports activities linked to the research.
