🔬 British Academy Innovation Fellowships 2025–26 (Route B – Policy-Led with FCDO) | Apply Now

Are you a researcher looking to contribute to global policy through impactful research? The British Academy, in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), invites early and mid-career professionals to apply for the prestigious Innovation Fellowships 2025–26, under Route B: Policy-Led.

This 12-month fellowship allows scholars in humanities and social sciences to engage with real-world policy challenges, making their research relevant beyond academia. With strategic partnerships and targeted policy domains, applicants will co-create solutions that influence decision-making at national and global levels.

🎯 What Is the Policy-Led Innovation Fellowship?

The Route B: Policy-Led track under the Innovation Fellowships Scheme connects dynamic researchers with institutions like the FCDO to work on contemporary, urgent, and impactful themes — such as humanitarian crises, national security, and organized migration crimes.

Participants will work hand-in-hand with UK policymakers to provide evidence-based solutions to serious global and local policy challenges. Through this, fellows will bridge the gap between academic insights and real-world decision-making.

🌍 Key Features of the Fellowship

📌 Why Should You Apply?

This isn’t just a postdoctoral placement — it’s your chance to deliver real value where it matters most: policy creation. By engaging with FCDO experts and government actors, you’ll provide strategic input on priority areas while enhancing your professional profile and research visibility.

Here’s what makes this opportunity stand out:

✔️ 1. Real Policy Impact

Your research can directly shape government policies in areas like:

• Regional stabilization in the Western Balkans
• Strategies to combat Serious Organized Crime and Migration Patterns
• Humanitarian response improvement and risk mitigation
• Evolving the UK National Security Strategy

✔️ 2. Career-Boosting Partnerships

Working with high-level stakeholders gives you a unique opportunity to influence global challenges while honing networking, collaboration, and communication skills.

✔️ 3. Funding and Resources

Up to £120,000 allocable to cover personal costs, project collaborations, stakeholder meetings, and knowledge dissemination events. All applicants can benefit from training and engagement facilitated by British Academy and its partners.

📝 Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an early- to mid-career researcher nationally or internationally
• Work within the scope of Humanities or Social Sciences
• Be ready to partner with FCDO and other policy-driven institutions
• Finish required security clearance and agree to a January–March 2026 start window

No age limit or nationality barrier exists, making this a truly inclusive opportunity.

📚 What You’ll Gain:

• Policy Exposure: First-hand experience within UK foreign policy ecosystems
• Professional Growth: Enhance your leadership, communication, and policy advisory skills
• Recognition: Be part of a competitive and respected British government-affiliated program
• Research Legacy: Publish real-world case work that can influence long-term decision-making

📌 How to Apply for the Fellowship?  
Step 1: Visit the official British Academy Portal  
Step 2: Complete your application before October 1, 2025 (BST)  
Step 3: Submit supporting documents, including your project outline, CV, and organization partnerships  
Step 4: Await shortlisting and complete formalities, including security clearances and grant agreements  
Step 5: Kick off your fellowship between January–March 2026

Need help? You can contact the British Academy team at:  
📧 international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk  
 
🏆 Final Words  
The British Academy Innovation Fellowships (Route B – Policy-Led) offer more than just research roles – they’re shaping future leaders in policy, diplomacy, culture, and global development. This is your moment to step into a position of influence, armed not just with ideas —  
Apply now, and take your career and research to a level where change begins.

 

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