British Academy International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2027

Scholarship Overview

The British Academy International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2027 provide a funding opportunity for international research focused on mobilities. The programme supports 24-month projects with up to £300,000 in funding. This initiative is designed for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences to lead teams that connect international partners across both SHAPE and STEM disciplines.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani researchers are eligible to participate as Co-Applicants. The scheme explicitly states that the Principal Investigator (PI) must hold an eligible role at a UK-based institution, but these researchers can be of any nationality. Furthermore, the team must include at least one overseas Co-Applicant, providing a clear pathway for Pakistani academics to join these international research consortia. Nationality is not a barrier for the PI or the Co-Applicants.

Funding and Benefits

The British Academy provides a maximum contribution of £300,000 for a 24-month project, calculated at 80% of Full Economic Costing (FEC). The total project value at 100% FEC may reach £375,000. Eligible costs include:

• PI and Co-Applicant time.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent research assistance.
• Training and professional development.
• Travel, fieldwork, and networking.
• University hosting and indirect costs.
• Justified childcare costs linked to grant activities.

Note that the scheme does not cover PhD studentships, laptops, cameras, books, permanent resources, or publication-related production costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered as a Principal Investigator, you must:

• Work in the humanities or social sciences.
• Hold an established role at an eligible UK university or research institute.
• Hold postdoctoral status or equivalent research experience.
• Commit 20% to 100% of your time to the project.

Co-Applicants must also hold postdoctoral status or equivalent research experience and be based outside the UK for the international requirement.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare several sections for the online Flexi-Grant system, including:

• 150-word abstract.
• 600-word quality, significance, and originality statement.
• 600-word interdisciplinary approach statement.
• 600-word feasibility and dissemination plan.
• 300-word equitable partnerships statement.
• Detailed budget and financial justification.

Application Timeline

The deadline for submitting applications and receiving institutional approval is 7 October 2026 at 17:00 BST. It is advised to submit to your UK research office at least five working days before the final deadline.

How to Apply

The application process is managed through the British Academy Flexi-Grant portal. The PI must initiate the application, invite Co-Applicants via email, and secure internal institutional approval before the final submission.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

For Pakistani researchers, focus on demonstrating how your specific regional expertise, local data access, or policy connections are essential to the research. Successful applicants will prove that their inclusion creates an intellectual dependency—meaning the project's goals would be unattainable without your specific contribution. Build an equitable partnership by ensuring you have a role in research design and governance, not just data collection.

Important Terms and Limitations

The project must address themes related to the movement of people, materials, ideas, narratives, or innovation. The programme excludes projects primarily focused on creative practices like music composition or film-making unless they serve a clear, integrated academic objective.