Funding for early career researchers whose work has had international impact and whose future research career is exceptionally promising. Prizes may be used for any research purpose.
This year, up to 30 prizes will be awarded across the following broad subject areas:
- Biological Sciences
- History
- Law
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Philosophy and Theology
- Sociology and Social Policy
The subject areas selected are intentionally broad, and nominations will be considered irrespective of a nominee’s departmental affiliation.
*Due to institutional caps in each subject area, an internal selection process will apply to this call (see document below).
ELIGIBILITY
Nominees must hold either a permanent post or a long-term fellowship in a UK University with research degree awarding powers that would extend beyond the duration of the Philip Leverhulme Prize. Those otherwise without salary are not eligible to be nominated.
Nominees should normally have been awarded their doctoral degree not more than ten years prior to the closing date of 14 May 2026.
VALUE AND DURATION
Each prize is worth £100,000 for between two and three years.
Eligible items of expenditure include:
- research assistance
- teaching replacement
- travel and subsistence
- consumables (including specialist books, databases and similar materials)
- technical support
- computer equipment and software
Ineligible items of expenditure are:
- capital equipment
- augmentation of the Prize Winner’s salary
- institutional overheads
KEY DATES
Deadline: 14 May 2026
Decision: November 2026
Start date: the first of any month between 1 December 2026 and 1 November 2027
More information can be found in the guidance documents below and on the opportunity webpage, where you will also find details of recent awards and the projects they were used to fund. You can view other grants previously awarded under this scheme on Pivot-RP.