AHRC
AHRC Large Grants – Outline Stage
4:00pm UK time. Outline stage only; full stage invited separately. Projects start 1 November 2027.
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AHRC Large Grants fund ambitious, collaborative arts and humanities research projects of 3-5 years duration with a total cost of £2M-£3M, of which AHRC contributes 80% (£1.6M-£2.4M). Applications must come from a team-convened project with distributed co-lead leadership across multiple investigators; single-applicant proposals are not eligible. The lead research organisation must be UK-based, though international co-leads may comprise up to 30% of the total budget.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | £1.6M–£2.4M AHRC contribution (80% of £2M–£3M FEC) |
| Deadline | 16 September 2026 |
| Duration | 3–5 years |
| Consortium | Required — team-convened approach with distributed leadership across project co-leads; single applicants not eligible |
| Application | 2-stage: outline stage (deadline 16 Sep 2026) → invited full stage (costings and work plan required) |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Supports novel, ambitious, transformative arts and humanities research teams (3–5 years, £2M–£3M FEC; AHRC funds 80%). Must be team-convened with distributed co-lead leadership. Lead research organisation must have standard UKRI eligibility (UK-based). International co-leads eligible up to 30% FEC. No PhD studentships permitted. Proposals must fall within AHRC subject remit.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based research organisations leading a consortium of 3+ co-investigators
- •Teams with distributed leadership across named project co-leads
- •Arts and humanities researchers with novel, transformative research questions
- •Consortia where international partners comprise no more than 30% of total FEC
- •Established researchers and institutions with capacity to manage multi-institutional projects
Key Dates
- •Outline stage deadline: 16 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- •Two-stage process: outline (Sep 2026) followed by invited full proposal with detailed costings and work plan
- •Projects start 1 November 2027; duration 3-5 years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium structure is non-negotiable, the panel assesses distributed leadership explicitly; ensure all co-leads are named and have distinct research roles.
- ✓Outline stage is intentionally brief (90 days before full invited stage); use it to establish feasibility and team fit rather than exhaustive detail; reviewers expect brevity.
- ✓International partners strengthen the proposal but cost against your FEC ceiling; plan budget carefully if you involve partners outside the UK, as they cannot exceed 30% of the total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for AHRC Large Grants?
Total project cost is £2M-£3M, of which AHRC funds 80%, meaning an AHRC contribution of £1.6M-£2.4M. Applicants must secure the remaining 20% through co-funding or institutional contribution.
Can a single researcher apply for AHRC Large Grants?
No, applications must come from a team-convened project with distributed co-lead leadership. Single-applicant proposals are not eligible.
What is the outline stage?
The outline stage (deadline 16 September 2026) is the first step; only invited applicants proceed to the full stage, where detailed costings and a full work plan are required.
Can international researchers be part of an AHRC Large Grants consortium?
Yes, international co-leads are eligible, but they cannot exceed 30% of the total project FEC. The lead research organisation must be UK-based.
Can I include PhD studentships in an AHRC Large Grants project?
No, PhD studentships are not permitted in AHRC Large Grants.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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