Applications are invited for the British Academy Innovation Fellowships Scheme 2026 - Route B: Policy-led, working with the FCDO and Cabinet Office. The scheme funds established early-career and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences (SHAPE) to partner beyond academia on challenges needing innovative approaches.
Awards of up to £120,000 for 12 months (Full Economic Costing at 80%). Deadline for submissions and UK institutional approval: 18 November 2026, 17:00 GMT. Awards expected to commence by 31 March 2027 (subject to security checks and agreement).
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the British Academy scheme announcement and guidance summaries. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog. Always confirm details on the official Academy page and scheme notes.
Quick Facts - British Academy Innovation Fellowships 2026 (Route B)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | The British Academy (with FCDO & Cabinet Office) |
| Route | Route B: Policy-led |
| Fields | Humanities and social sciences (SHAPE) |
| Career stage | Established early-career and mid-career researchers |
| Award | Up to £120,000 for 12 months (FEC at 80%) |
| Host | UK HEI or Independent Research Organisation (IRO) |
| Start | By 31 March 2027 (security check / agreement dependent) |
| Deadline | 18 November 2026, 17:00 GMT (submission + institutional approval) |
| Apply | British Academy Flexi-Grant® |
Policy Areas (2026 Call)
- Applied History
- Critical Infrastructure and European Warfare
- South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security
- The UK - France Relationship in 2027 and Beyond
- UK National Security Strategy
Benefits
- Up to £120,000 over 12 months (FEC at 80%)
- Close engagement with FCDO and Cabinet Office policymakers
- Knowledge mobilisation and translation beyond academia
- Skills development and career pathways across policy and related sectors
- New professional networks linking research and government
Eligibility
- Ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom with a current long-term appointment continuing at least through the award at a UK HEI or IRO
- Established early-career or mid-career researcher (independent researchers not accepted in this round)
- Must meet “Working at and with the FCDO” requirements in the official scheme notes
- Challenge must benefit from Humanities or Social Sciences expertise
- May not hold more than one comparable British Academy award at once
- Not currently working toward a PhD, awaiting viva outcome, or awaiting examiner corrections
- Postgraduate students are not eligible
How to Apply
- Review the scheme on the official British Academy Route B page and full scheme guidance.
- Choose one of the five FCDO policy areas aligned with your expertise.
- Engage your UK research office early - institutional approval is required by the same deadline.
- Submit via Flexi-Grant® by 18 November 2026, 17:00 GMT.
Questions: international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Official Links
Innovation Fellowships Route B: Policy-led (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027
- TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026/2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - British Academy Innovation Fellowships 2026
When is the deadline?
18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT for both application submission and UK institutional approval.
How much funding is available?
Up to £120,000 for a 12-month fellowship at 80% Full Economic Costing.
Who can apply?
UK-based early- and mid-career humanities/social sciences researchers with a continuing UK HEI/IRO appointment, applying to Route B policy themes with FCDO/Cabinet Office.
Where do I apply?
Through the British Academy Flexi-Grant® system.
