Before applying for funding, please check:
- the eligibility of your organisation
- your eligibility as an individual. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has introduced new role names for funding opportunities being run on the new UKRI Funding Service.
- that your proposal is suitable for AHRC funding
- the remit query form if you are unsure whether your proposed research falls within the remit of AHRC
Who is eligible to apply
Eligibility is determined on the basis of funding history.
You are required to self-define your eligibility based on the below criteria and include a justification in your application. We will not provide specific advice on eligibility for this scheme, beyond the standard UKRI eligibility rules. Peer reviewers will consider eligibility as part of their assessment of fit to scheme and you have the right to reply to any commentary in your applicant response.
You cannot be a current or former project lead on AHRC or other UKRI research grants or fellowship grants, except:
- doctoral training awards (any)
- early career fellowships (any)
- AHRC research networking (or equivalent)
- AHRC curiosity awards
- AHRC small grants in the creative and performing arts
- AHRC research grants practice Led and applied
- institutional lead on a UKRI Impact Accelerator Award (IAA)
You cannot be a current or former project lead on research grants or fellowship grants from any other funder, with the exception of awards that reasonably meet the aims of the above list.
You may hold a current or previous award from AHRC, UKRI or any other funder that falls outside the scope of a research grant or fellowship grant, for example, travel grant, public engagement grant, skills training grant.
Project co-leads
Project co-leads are permitted and encouraged for interdisciplinary applications or where a co-lead would provide specific technical expertise that is essential to the project. This can include international co-leads as per the guidance below. However, it must be clear that the project lead is responsible for leading the project.
Employment
The project lead and any project co-leads must be employed and supported by an eligible organisation for at least the duration of the UKRI support; it is not a requirement that a contract be in place at the point of application submission. It is also not a requirement to have a permanent employment contract to apply for funding.
Skills and qualifications
You must have the appropriate skills to lead the project in line with UKRI’s terms & conditions. There are no specific qualification requirements, and you do not necessarily need a qualification such as a PhD. During your project, you must be primarily based and permitted to work in the UK.
You do not need to hold an academic research or teaching post to apply; applications are welcomed from those working as archivists, curators, librarians, technicians, practitioners.
International applicants
We also encourage international researchers to participate as project co-leads. See sections two and three of the AHRC research funding guide for full details on eligibility of researchers, organisations and costs.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.
We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:
- career breaks
- support for people with caring responsibilities
- flexible working
- alternative working patterns
Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at UKRI.