Social sciences grants

Funds a single consortium project for further development and validation of existing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment, aiming for international regulatory acceptance. Consortia must be knowledge-chain-wide and interdisciplinary, potentially including humanities, social sciences, legislation experts, civil society, and industry. Main applicants must have participated in both mandatory collaborative workshops held in January–February 2026.

Open only to consortia focused on further development and validation of existing non-animal (NAM) methods for chemical safety assessment. Main applicant must have participated in both collaborative workshops (14 Jan & 4 Feb 2026). Consortium must be knowledge chain-wide and interdisciplinary; may include humanities/social sciences, exact sciences, legal experts, civil society, and industry. Proposals submitted via MijnZonMw only. Funds a single project.

Joint NL–Brazil (São Paulo/FAPESP) research call on replacing fossil raw materials with circular biomass-derived feedstocks. Two project sizes: small-scale (€140k–€290k) and large-scale (€350k–€700k); NWO/FAPESP fund max 70%, mandatory 30% co-funding from industry. Topics: biobased feedstocks and conversion processes; multidisciplinary scope required (chemical engineering, economics, sustainability, social, legal).

International awards recognising outstanding contributions across multiple categories: Basic Sciences, Biology & Biomedicine, Climate Change & Environmental Sciences, Economics/Finance/Management, Humanities, ICT, Music & Opera, and Social Sciences. These are prizes for lifetime/career achievement rather than funded research grants.

Bilateral Weave/Lead Agency call between SNSF and F.R.S.-FNRS (Belgium, Wallonia-Brussels). Swiss applicants apply under SNSF project funding; Belgian applicants must be based at one of six eligible universities (UCLouvain, ULB, ULiège, UMons, UNamur, USL-B). Max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants allowed. Proposals in languages other than English (possible in some humanities/social sciences disciplines) require prior agreement with all agencies.

Sandpit to co-develop projects enhancing existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures for federated discovery and access. Applicants must submit an individual expression of interest; in-person attendance at sandpit is mandatory. Institutions must fund 20% of full economic costs. International travel costs not covered. UK-based applicants at UKRI/ESRC-eligible organisations only.

For early-career researchers across biomedical, clinical, social science, and arts & humanities disciplines. Applications managed in English on the Wellcome Funding platform; administering organisation must approve and submit by 15:00 GMT/BST on deadline day. Global eligibility; researchers based in LMICs encouraged. Global Talent visa endorsement available for UK-based award holders.

Supports researchers at the career development stage across a broad range of disciplines (biomedical, clinical, social sciences, arts & humanities, data sciences). Applications managed in English via the Wellcome Funding platform; host organisation must administer the grant. Global eligibility; UK-hosted awardees may access Global Talent visa endorsement.

Organisation applicants only. Funds doctoral programmes within humanities and social sciences. Open 6 May – 18 August 2026.

Organisation applicants only. Supports scientific journals within humanities and social sciences. Open 6 May – 18 August 2026.

Supports research environments within humanities and social sciences at Swedish institutions. Open 6 May – 18 August 2026.

Upcoming call opening 19 August 2026. International postdoctoral fellowship for researchers in humanities, social sciences, and educational sciences. Mobility grant requiring postdoc to be conducted abroad; applicants must be affiliated with a Swedish institution.

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.

Open to researchers at eligible organisations globally; lead applicant salary not covered unless based in a low- or middle-income country with a permanent/long-term contract requiring external salary recovery. Applications managed in English. Covers discovery research across a broad range of disciplines including sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Establishes up to three new Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME Society) focused on social science and humanistic perspectives for the energy transition. Approved Norwegian research organisations eligible.

Swiss-based researchers apply to SNSF for projects with co-investigators in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, or the Netherlands (up to 50% of budget for foreign subproject). Humanities/social sciences projects may include UK subprojects (ESRC/AHRC) capped at 30% of overall budget. Max two concurrent SNSF projects per researcher; one must be Weave/Lead Agency/International Co-Investigator. No thematic overlap with ongoing SNSF projects permitted.

Bilateral project funding under the Weave framework between SNSF (Switzerland) and FWF (Austria). Swiss applicants must be hosted at a Swiss institution; Austrian partner applies under FWF Stand-Alone Projects. Max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants; topics must be clearly distinct. Non-English submissions possible in some humanities/social sciences disciplines — prior agreement with both agencies required. Projects must start on the same date in both countries.

Part of SNSF project funding (Weave/Lead Agency). Swiss applicants submit to SNSF; Luxembourg partner submits to FNR (CORE programme). Max 2 simultaneous project grants allowed, topics must be distinct. Non-English submissions possible only in certain humanities/social sciences disciplines — must be pre-agreed with both agencies. Projects must start on the same date in both countries.

UK-based organisations only (non-UK applicants ineligible). Projects must enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures (no new services). Focus on improving data discovery, access to sensitive data, technology-enabled pipelines (incl. AI), and upskilling data service staff. Must include an upskilling work package. Business/third sector/government co-leads permitted but cannot lead projects.

Open to established researchers or teams led by an established researcher based at eligible not-for-profit organisations in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or low- and middle-income countries (excluding India and mainland China). Research must fit within Wellcome's Discovery Research remit and have potential to improve human life, health, and wellbeing across any discipline including STEM, humanities, social science, and public health.

Supports joint basic research projects between German and Israeli researchers across all scientific and humanities disciplines. Applicants must have a German institutional affiliation (DFG side) and an Israeli counterpart (ISF side). Proposals submitted in parallel to DFG and ISF.

Joint DFG-Villa Vigoni call for various event formats (workshops, colloquia) for humanities researchers at German and Italian institutes. Call details available in German only.

Researchers from Flemish universities may apply for a research stay at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo (NVIC) for 3–12 weeks per semester. NVIC provides desk space and logistical support; in return the scholar gives a public lecture or teaches classes. Focus areas include Arabic/Islamic Studies, Egyptology, Archaeology, Middle East Studies, and related humanities/social sciences.

Supports collaborative research projects between researchers at German institutions and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia). Proposals can be submitted at any time under the Standing Open Procedure. Natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, and social sciences in scope.

Multilateral funding network (ORA) for social sciences research projects. Biennial calls for proposals; ANR (France) and DFG (Germany) are among the partner agencies. Proposals must involve researchers from multiple participating countries.

Joint basic research projects in all fields of sciences and humanities for Israeli-German teams. Proposals must be written in English. Commercial companies excluded as partners. Follows DFG Research Grants Programme ('Sachbeihilfe') rules for German applicants and ISF Personal Research Grant rules for Israeli applicants. Renewal proposals not permitted. Each organisation funds its own national researchers.

Post-doctoral contract (24 months, July 2026–Aug 2028) for researchers in humanities and social sciences (SHS only), hosted at a French institution, aimed at preparing a competitive ERC Starting Grant 2028 application (submission October 2027). Call is now closed.

Open to researchers from Flemish universities for a research stay at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo (NVIC). Covers desk space and logistical support; scholar must give a public lecture or teach classes in return. Focus areas include Arabic & Islamic Studies, Egyptology, Archaeology, Middle East Studies, social sciences and humanities.

For mid-career researchers ready to lead a substantial research programme. Administering organisation must be in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or a low/middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China); must be a not-for-profit (HEI, research institute, or healthcare org). Applicant must contribute ≥80% research time. Co-applicants not accepted. Any discipline including STEM, humanities, clinical sciences, and public health.

Arts and humanities large-scale team-based research grants for UK institutions. Applicants must use a 'team convening' approach with distributed leadership. Outline stage assessed via distributed peer review (Oct 2026); up to 15 teams invited to full stage. Proposals must be submitted in English through UKRI Funding Service. Nominated reviewers must be available throughout October 2026.

AHRC large grants for arts and humanities research. UK-eligible organisations only. Reviewers consider COVID-19 disruption impacts on applicant capability. Applications submitted via UKRI Funding Service.

Open to master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers enrolled at internationally recognised universities, working on Armenian-related social science topics (politics, sociology, anthropology, contemporary history, diaspora/migration studies, etc.). 7–10 grants expected in 2026. Fixed annual amounts per the call conditions document. Online applications only; institutional affiliation or supervisor required.

Basic research grant under IV edition of Norwegian/EEA Funds, 'Basic Research' programme. Focus on humanities, social sciences, and polar research. Priorities: green transition, democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and resilience. Requires collaboration with Norwegian/EEA partner.

Interdisciplinary basic research grant under IV edition of Norwegian/EEA Funds. Focus on humanities, social sciences, and polar research. Priorities: green transition, democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and resilience. Requires Norwegian/EEA partner.

Addresses researchers from humanities, cultural and social sciences (lead discipline) together with actors outside academia for transdisciplinary research on democratic forms of government under change. Cooperation with natural, life, data and technical sciences possible. Funds task forces and cooperation projects.

Aimed at outstanding professors from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences. Funds a substitute professorship to free up time for writing a major scholarly work (opus magnum). Applicants must hold a professorship.

Multilateral T-AP calls for research projects in humanities and social sciences. Not all T-AP members participate in every call. Applicants must review the latest call to confirm DFG and relevant partner organisations (e.g. NWO, HRZZ) are participating. Scope limited to humanities and social sciences.

Develop evidence base on 'learning in the flow of work' for Cabinet Office. Disciplines: social research methods, economics, behavioural science, organisation studies. Fellowship hosted at a UK government department.

Build capability, data and evidence to monitor and evaluate the UK's Industrial Strategy. Disciplines: economics, data science, social research, statistics, applied mathematics. UK government-hosted fellowship.

Advise on how net zero transition affects places and communities using multidisciplinary evidence. Disciplines: social sciences, behavioural science, geography, environmental science.

Steer FCDO activities on electricity grid infrastructure research and financing for clean energy transition globally. Disciplines: energy systems, engineering, energy economics, policy analysis.

UK-Brazil collaborative social science research. UK project lead must be at an ESRC-eligible organisation; São Paulo partner must be at a public or non-profit HEI/research org in the State of São Paulo eligible for FAPESP. UK FEC £350k–£1M (80% funded by ESRC). Proposals must be >50% social sciences. No thematic priorities; highest quality funded.

Joint ESRC–FAPESP call for UK–Brazil collaborative social science research. UK applicant must be based at an eligible UK research organisation; São Paulo-based PI applies via FAPESP SAGe. Proposals must comply with ESRC Framework for Research Ethics and ESRC Research Data Policy. Costs submitted separately: UK costs via UKRI Funding Service, Brazilian costs via FAPESP SAGe.

Bilateral DFG/AHRC initiative supporting humanities research collaborations between German and UK institutions. Now operating on a biennial basis for the next five rounds. Applicants must have partners in both Germany and the UK; proposals submitted separately to DFG (German side) and AHRC (UK side).

For researchers who have recently obtained their PhD. Dutch knowledge institutions. Researchers conduct research of their own choice in Social Sciences and Humanities.

For researchers who have gained several years of research experience after their PhD. Dutch knowledge institutions. Researchers develop their own innovative line of research in Social Sciences and Humanities.

For researchers who have recently obtained their PhD. Individual grant for researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions to conduct research of their own choice in Social Sciences and Humanities.

For senior researchers. Dutch knowledge institutions. Allows senior researchers to develop their own innovative line of research and build their own research group in Social Sciences and Humanities.

For researchers who have gained several years of research experience after their PhD. Individual grant for researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions in Social Sciences and Humanities.

For senior researchers. Individual grant for researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions to build their own innovative research group in Social Sciences and Humanities.

International call on societal transitions and strategies. Finnish component funded by Academy of Finland; international consortium required. Scope covers social sciences and humanities perspectives on societal change.

Funds distinguished researchers (typically 2–3 principal investigators) to collaborate on a broadly defined humanities or social sciences topic at a specific German site, including a fellow programme for visiting researchers from Germany and abroad for up to 2 years. No specific thematic or interdisciplinary requirement. Host institution must be in Germany.

Promotes German-Italian exchange in humanities and social sciences via small dialogue events (max 25 participants). Supports early-career academics. Proposals and announcement documents are in German only. Focuses on European culture, history and society from a comparative German-Italian perspective.

Multilateral research projects in humanities and social sciences submitted through the Trans-Atlantic Platform (T-AP), involving the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ). Calls are published at irregular intervals and not all T-AP members participate in every call.

Joint French-German projects in natural, life and engineering sciences (excluding space technology, nuclear research and defence). German applicants must meet DFG Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) eligibility; non-university research institution members must fulfil Kooperationspflicht with German universities. Proposals submitted to both DFG (elan portal) and ANR. Social sciences/humanities projects use a separate call.

Funds integrated German-French research projects in humanities and social sciences (no topic restrictions; data infrastructure components allowed). Requires convincing collaboration between German and French partners. German applicants apply to DFG; French partners are cooperation partners. Projects must demonstrate clear cross-border research benefit and leverage multilingualism.

Part of the IV edition of Norwegian/EEA Funds 'Basic Research' programme operated by NCN. Focuses on fundamental research, especially humanities, social sciences, and polar research. Priorities: green transition, democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and resilience. Requires Norwegian/EEA partner.

Open to UK research organisations eligible for ESRC funding. Single-institution or multi-institution consortia welcome; no size/geography stipulation. Funds one doctoral focal award plus for data-driven social science research, combining doctoral training (up to 8 studentships/year for 3 years) with training and capacity building for mid-career and senior researchers. Partnerships with business, public, and VCSE sectors encouraged.

Open to experienced researchers at Swiss higher education institutions (ETH domain, accredited universities, UAS, UTE, or research facilities of national importance). Proposals must be in English. Home institution must formally support the application and commit to financial/structural co-funding. ~10% of other applicants may be based outside Switzerland. Industrial partners may participate but cannot be applicants.

Funding programme for professors in the humanities and social sciences currently working in the USA who wish to work both in the USA and in Germany. Provides proportional financing of a professorship in Germany.

RESCOM International Scientific Conference grant supporting the 54th DGPs congress hosted by University of Luxembourg, September 7–10 2026. Covers psychological research across mental health, digital transformation/AI, and sustainable behaviour. Open to psychology and neighbouring disciplines; includes ECR travel grants and reduced fees.