AHRC responsive mode: catalyst awards (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council
Award
£100k – £300k
Deadline
Closes 31 March 2027
Where
UK-wide
Summary
AHRC awards to support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, to unlock their potential and build leadership and convenor experience. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. There is no limit on the value of the grant, the value specified within the summary page is an example.
Who can apply
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 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 at point of submitting your application. 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 at point of application, except: doctoral training awards (any) early career fellowships (any) Daphne Jackson Fellowships 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) researcher lead/recipient of an AHRC 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. Please note this eligibility criteria does not apply for co-leads or mentors. Who is not eligible to apply We do not support project studentships (funding PhD study) within this funding opportunity. 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. 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. Project co-leads are permitted to have previously led or be currently leading a significant research project and are not required to meet the eligibility criteria above. Other roles Other roles that are supported by this funding opportunity are listed in the How to Apply section below. International researchers 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 UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.
Full details
Awards to support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, to unlock their potential, build leadership and convenor experience. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £300,000. Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding for projects can be up to five years in duration.