# Catalyst Awards (Applicant-Led Mode)

**Funder:** AHRC
**Budget:** Up to £300,000 FEC (AHRC funds 80%)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** Optional — project co-leads and partnerships supported and encouraged but solo researchers also welcomed
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-catalyst-awards-applicant-led-mode/
**Last updated:** 23 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports researchers without prior experience leading a significant research project to develop independence and leadership; open to teams, networks or solo researchers, including non-academic roles (archivists, curators, technicians, practitioners). Does not fund PhD studentships; project start must be at least 9 months after submission.

## Summary

AHRC Catalyst Awards fund up to £300,000 (with AHRC covering 80% of full economic costs) over up to five years for researchers who have not yet led a significant research project. The scheme is open to solo applicants, teams and networks, including people in non-academic roles such as archivists, curators, technicians and practitioners, based at UK institutions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.

## Who should apply

- Researchers without prior experience leading a significant research project
- UK-based applicants, solo, in teams or in networks
- Non-academic roles including archivists, curators, technicians and practitioners
- Arts and humanities research projects aiming to build leadership and independence

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline with continuous submission
- Project start must be at least 9 months after submission
- Up to five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Use the 9-month lead time to build in partnership or co-lead arrangements even though consortia are optional.
- Frame the proposal around developing leadership and independence, not just the research question, since that is the scheme's core eligibility test.
- Non-academic applicants such as curators or archivists should make their institutional support and role clear, as the scheme explicitly welcomes these profiles.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the AHRC Catalyst Award pay?

Up to £300,000 in full economic costs, with AHRC funding 80% of that total.

### Who is eligible for the AHRC Catalyst Award?

Researchers who have not previously led a significant research project, including solo applicants, teams, networks and non-academic roles like archivists or technicians, based in the UK.

### Is there a deadline for the AHRC Catalyst Award?

No, the call runs continuously with a rolling deadline rather than fixed submission dates.

### Can I use an AHRC Catalyst Award to fund a PhD studentship?

No, the scheme does not fund PhD studentships.

### Do I need a consortium to apply for the AHRC Catalyst Award?

No, a consortium is optional; solo researchers are welcomed alongside teams and partnerships.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ahrc-catalyst-awards-applicant-led-mode-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=ahrc-catalyst-awards-applicant-led-mode-2026).