Research Project Grants
Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants fund innovative, interdisciplinary research in the UK that is original, ambitious, and cannot be supported by other sources.
Funder: Leverhulme Trust
Due Dates: December 1, 2025 (Outline closing) | February 27, 2026 (Outline application) | July 1, 2026 (Detailed application—recommended) | September 1, 2026 (Final detailed application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £500,000 for up to 5 years; minimum 75% of budget to research staff costs.
Summary: Supports innovative, interdisciplinary research projects at eligible UK institutions, prioritizing work that cannot be funded elsewhere.
Key Information: Outline stage currently paused; detailed application deadlines remain active for invited applicants.
Description
The Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grants provide substantial support for innovative and original research projects led by researchers at UK universities, higher education institutions, and, on a trial basis, eligible UK independent research institutes. These grants are designed to fund ambitious research that demonstrates strong design, interdisciplinary approaches, and a willingness to take calculated risks. Projects must clearly justify why Leverhulme is the most appropriate funder and must not be eligible for substantial funding from other sources.
The scheme emphasizes research staff costs and encourages proposals that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. It is suitable for researchers with a clear personal vision and a compelling case for the research's originality and significance.
