AHRC
Catalyst Awards (Applicant-Led Mode)
Rolling deadline
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Catalog updated: .
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No deadline is on file for this call. Check AHRC's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
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.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £300,000 FEC, funded at 80% by AHRC |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Consortium | Optional — project co-leads, partnerships and collaboration are supported and encouraged but solo researchers may apply |
| Application | Single stage, submitted via UKRI Funding Service |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Supports researchers without prior experience leading a significant research project to build independence and leadership, via single/interdisciplinary or practice-based projects. Applicants must self-define eligibility (cannot be current/former lead on AHRC or other UKRI research/fellowship grants, with some exceptions); international co-leads permitted. Does not fund PhD studentships.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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