British Academy Launches COVID-19 Special Research Grants

British Academy Launches COVID-19 Special Research Grants

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the British Academy is providing grants to support primary research in the humanities and social sciences that will directly address issues relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The insights to be brought to bear by researchers in fields covered by the British Academy are wide-ranging and it is encouraged that all potential applicants to think carefully and creatively about this call, and to propose innovative ideas and projects with the potential to improve understanding both now and in the future. Proposals should clearly describe in straightforward language, without jargon, the potential impacts on society that will result if the research is funded.

The potential for researchers to understand, compare, and inform the impact of COVID-19 that draws on and combines humanities and social science is extensive, and primary and secondary research can explore issues such as the:

ethical and behavioural issues raised by the pandemic

implications of migration on disease transmission

feasibility and effectiveness of policy responses aimed at preventing or containing Covid-19, including secondary impacts such as school closures, quarantine etc

past experience of epidemics, pandemics and quarantine

communication of risk to the wider public

behavioural studies understanding how people have been affected, both mentally and physically by living through the pandemic

community responses to crisis

access and equity to essential services, including digital communications and technologies

translation and analysis of information for multilingual populations

role of arts and culture in community building, recovery and resilience

strategies to combat misinformation

impacts on socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

This opportunity is open to all researchers in line with eligibility criteria for the Small Research Grants scheme, namely researchers of postdoctoral or equivalent level, in the fields of humanities and social sciences, ordinarily resident in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, employed in UK research institutions or a recognised UK overseas research institutions, or independent postdoctoral (or equivalent) researchers.

Applications may be made by relevant researchers both to this Special Research Grants: COVID-19 call and the BA / Leverhulme Small Research Grants Call currently open, but only one application can be funded if successful. 

The British Academy will fund projects costing up to £10,000 over two years. Applications will not be considered for less than £500.

Funds may be sought to cover the direct expenses incurred in planning, conducting, and developing the research.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 27 May 2020 (5pm UK time).

Outcomes will be notified by 30 June 2020.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.