British Academy UK Innovation Fellowships 2025
Description
The British Academy’s Innovation Fellowships 2025–26 – Route B: Policy-Led is a prestigious funding opportunity for early- and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. This scheme offers selected fellows the unique chance to work directly with UK government departments on real-world policy challenges related to sustainable development, climate, and public engagement.
Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), this initiative is part of the broader Innovation Fellowships Scheme and supports academic engagement with public policy and sustainable futures. Applications are currently open with a deadline of 6 August 2025 at 17:00 BST, and the fellowship will commence between 1–31 March 2026.
Degree Level
British Academy UK Innovation Fellowships 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at British Academy.
Available Subjects
About the Policy-Led Route B Fellowship
Route B is policy-led, meaning fellows apply to work with predefined UK government partners:
- Defra – Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- DESNZ – Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- GO Science – Government Office for Science
This route aligns closely with the British Academy's Sustainable Futures policy programme and is focused on mobilising knowledge from academia into government policymaking. Fellows will work within their chosen department on specified themes including:
- Landscape Recovery (Defra)
- Public Participation Strategy (DESNZ)
- Climate, Society and International (GO Science)
Importantly, applicants do not need to submit a detailed research proposal during application. Instead, the exact scope of the project will be developed collaboratively after the award is granted.
Benefits
Award Value: Up to £120,000, based on Full Economic Costing (FEC) at 80%
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be ordinarily resident in the UK
- Employed at a UK HEI or Independent Research Organisation
- Must be early- or mid-career
- Employment must last the duration of the award
Applicants must also comply with nationality and security clearance requirements outlined in the official scheme guidance.
Why Apply?
The Innovation Fellowships – Route B offer a rare and impactful chance to:
- Contribute directly to UK government policymaking
- Collaborate with leading policymakers on urgent sustainability challenges
- Develop skills in policy engagement, communication, and impact
- Establish long-term networks beyond academia
- Enhance your career trajectory in both academic and policy spheres
Application Procedure
Application Process
- Scheme Opens: 5 June 2025
- Deadline to Apply: 6 August 2025 (17:00 BST)
- Apply via: British Academy Flexi-Grant Portal
- Contact Email: grants@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Applicants are encouraged to read the Scheme Guidance Notes and Frequently Asked Questions before preparing their application.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Innovation Fellowships Route B?
Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK, at early- or mid-career stage, and employed at a UK-based higher education or research organisation.
Q2: Can I choose my own project or partner institution?
No, Route B is policy-led, and applicants must choose from one of the pre-selected government partners and work within their defined policy themes.
Q3: Is full-time commitment required for the Fellowship?
Not necessarily. Applicants must commit between 0.4 and 0.8 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) over the 12-month duration of the award.
Conclusion
The Innovation Fellowships 2025–26 (Route B) represent an exceptional opportunity for researchers in the humanities and social sciences to directly influence public policy in the UK. With structured support, meaningful collaboration, and real-world impact, this fellowship is a gateway to a more engaged and policy-relevant academic future.
Apply now to help shape a more sustainable and informed society.
