The British Academy has opened applications for its 2026 Global Innovation Fellowships with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, offering UK-based early- and mid-career researchers up to £150,000 for a 12-month placement in policy-focused work. The scheme is aimed at researchers in the humanities and social sciences who want to connect academic expertise with international policy practice.
Key facts
- Applications opened on 22 September 2026.
- The deadline is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
- Up to two fellowships are available, each worth up to £150,000 for up to 12 months.
- Successful fellows may be hosted in Washington, DC, Singapore, or Beirut.
- The programme is for UK-based early- and mid-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
What does this mean for researchers and universities in the UK?
The fellowship gives eligible researchers a chance to spend up to a year embedded in a major international policy organisation while remaining attached to an eligible UK institution. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and hold a current long-term appointment at a Higher Education Institution or Independent Research Organisation that can act through the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant system.
For universities and research organisations, the scheme is a route for staff to develop policy engagement skills, build international networks, and bring those connections back into teaching, research, and public-facing work. The fellowship is designed for researchers whose work aligns with one of four themes: sustainability, climate and geopolitics; global order and institutions; South and East Asia; or the Middle East and North Africa.
- Deadline: 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT
- Interview date: 8 February 2027
- Expected start: by September 2027, with possible earlier commencement in March or April 2027
- Contact: international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
What is being funded?
The programme offers up to two awards, each lasting 12 months and worth up to £150,000. The British Academy says the funding is intended to support researchers in developing new ideas, building international networks, and translating academic knowledge into practical applications.
The awards are offered with Full Economic Costing at 80 percent. The fellowship is part of the British Academy’s broader Innovation Fellowships programme, which is supported by funding from the UK Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Where could fellows be placed?
Placements depend on the thematic area and the proposed project. Washington, DC is listed for fellowships on sustainability, climate and geopolitics; global order and institutions; and some work on South and East Asia or the Middle East and North Africa. Singapore may host fellows working on South and East Asian issues, while Beirut may host fellows working on Middle East and North Africa issues through Carnegie’s Middle East Program.
Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to early- and mid-career researchers based in the UK who work in eligible humanities and social science disciplines. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and have a current long-term appointment that will continue for at least the duration of the award. Postgraduate students are not eligible, and applicants cannot be in the process of completing a PhD, waiting for a viva outcome, or waiting for corrections to be accepted.
Why does Carnegie’s role matter?
The fellowship is built around direct engagement with Carnegie experts working across democracy, technology, climate change, international affairs, and regional geopolitical developments. That structure is meant to give researchers exposure to policy analysis, international engagement, and practical problem-solving, while Carnegie benefits from the perspectives and expertise of UK humanities and social science researchers.
What should applicants consider before applying?
Applicants are expected to show more than general interest in a topic. The programme looks for a strong understanding of the relevant policy environment, evidence of intellectual openness, an interest in interdisciplinary engagement, and a clear reason why working with Carnegie supports the researcher’s professional development.
Language skills can help where relevant to the proposed work, but they are not mandatory. The British Academy also says applicants should explain how their expertise could contribute to Carnegie’s work and how the fellowship could shape their future career.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 18 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
How many fellowships are available?
Up to two fellowships are available in 2026, each with funding of up to £150,000 for up to 12 months.
