AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council
Award
Up to £100k
Deadline
Closes 31 March 2027
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Flexible awards to fund fundamental research that leads to new research agendas, networking activity and idea generation, which enables the development of further research opportunities and new research agendas. There is no limit on the value of the grant, the value specified within the summary page is an example.
Who can apply
To lead a project, you must be based at an eligible organisation. Check if your organisation is eligible . Before applying for funding, please check: 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 Years of active research experience Applications are welcomed from researchers across all career stages, from early career to established researchers. 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 and 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, for example, as archivists, curators, librarians, technicians and practitioners. 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. 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. Who is not eligible to apply We do not support project studentships (funding PhD study) within this funding opportunity. 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
Flexible awards to fund fundamental research that leads to new research agendas, networking activity and idea generation, which enables the development of further research opportunities and new research agendas. Awards are available for projects up to £100,000 full economic cost (FEC) and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) will fund 80% of this. Funding is available for projects up to five years in duration.