Catalyst Award
Awards to support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, unlocking their potential and building leadership and convenor experience through the delivery of ambitious or complex projects.
This scheme takes a people-centred approach with funding available to support the development of researchers and their research ideas. Applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers.
Development is at the core of this award. Projects must clearly articulate how the funding will contribute to the development of all those involved through the way that the project has been designed and will be managed, with appropriate support structures in place.
Eligibility is determined on the basis of funding history. Candidates cannot be a current or former project lead on AHRC or other UKRI research grants or fellowship grants (exceptions apply).
Value and duration: funding is available for projects up to five years in duration and £300,000 in cost.
Deadline: 30 October 2024
Curiosity Award
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 are no specific qualification requirements, and you do not necessarily need a PhD. Eligibility is determined on the basis of grant-holding history as project lead. Applications are welcomed from teams, networks and solo researchers.
Projects can be single discipline, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary. The majority of the disciplinary focus of the project must fall within the AHRC’s subject remit. Practice-based and practice-led research is supported by this scheme.
An indicative list of examples of funded activities is included below. You are encouraged to request and justify costs for activities that best meet the aims of your project. This may include:
- idea generation
- seed corn funding
- high risk and high potential concepts
- novel research
- networking activity
- partnership building
- knowledge exchange
- public engagement
- international collaboration
- scoping and piloting, for example, early-stage proof of concept for ideas or change of direction
- pivots in research focus at any career stage
- mentoring for members of the research team
Value and duration: funding is available for projects up to five years in duration and £100,000 in cost.
Deadline: 30 October 2024