The APEX Awards (Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research) are now open for applications. Jointly run by the British Academy, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, and generously supported by the Leverhulme Trust, this prestigious scheme provides established independent researchers with the opportunity to pursue bold, curiosity-driven, and interdisciplinary research.
The programme aims to promote collaboration across disciplines—particularly at the boundaries between science, engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities. It supports outstanding projects that push beyond conventional funding pathways, helping researchers develop innovative approaches, form new partnerships, and generate knowledge with societal impact.
Awards of up to £200,000 are available for projects lasting up to 24 months. Funding may cover staff costs, teaching replacement, research expenses, and up to £10,000 for public engagement. Applications must involve collaboration across disciplines within the remit of more than one of the Academies. Approximately six awards will be available in this round.
Scheme Objectives
Promote interdisciplinary cooperation, particularly between the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and science. Encourage transdisciplinary, curiosity-driven research that is difficult to finance through conventional channels. Give scholars the opportunity to broaden their horizons intellectually and create novel approaches. Encourage the sharing of information and concepts across industries and disciplines. Boost research’s contribution to solving societal issues by utilizing interdisciplinary perspectives.
Topics Discussed
every branch of science, including environmental, biological, and physical sciences. Technology and engineering History, philosophy, economics, law, sociology, and cultural studies are examples of humanities and social sciences. initiatives that bridge gaps between the social sciences, arts, and STEM fields at the interdisciplinary level. studies that have the potential to influence society more broadly and interest the public.
Key Details and Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 September 2025 (15:00 BST)
- Result Announcement: March 2026
- Award Start Date: 1 October and 31 December 2026
- Duration: Up to 24 months
- Funding Type: Fellowship/Research Grant
- Organizers: British Academy, Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering
- Supported by: Leverhulme Trust
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities (must be based at a UK university or not-for-profit research institution)
- Eligible Gender: Male/Female
- Target Group: Established and senior independent researchers with strong track records
- Field: Interdisciplinary research spanning science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
- Study Level: Postdoctoral researchers and above
- Number of Opportunities: 6 awards
- Program Language: English
- Host Country: United Kingdom
Rewards and Honors
The following items are part of the APEX Awards:
up to £200,000 in funding for personnel and research expenses. Support for: Training co-applicants and the lead’s replacement. support for research (PDRAs, technicians, and research personnel). master’s, doctoral, or undergraduate studentships. Examine supplies, tools, and group travel (up to 25% of the overall budget). Up to £10,000 for project-related public engagement initiatives. freedom to conduct large-scale, multidisciplinary research that isn’t typically supported by other programs. opportunity to develop new approaches and create robust cross-disciplinary networks.
Eligibility Criteria
Below are the eligibility requirements:
- The application is open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Applicants must be established independent researchers with strong track records (STEM, engineering, humanities, or social sciences).
- Must collaborate with a co-applicant from a different discipline (same or different UK institution).
- The application must be endorsed by the Head of Department, confirming access to facilities and teaching release if needed.
- Proposals must span the remit of more than one Academy (not limited to one).
- Only one application per round is allowed.
How to Apply?
- Register and submit applications via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® system using the link below
- Secure all required references and Head of Department approvals.
- Submit a complete application by 9 September 2025 (15:00 BST).
- Ensure referees and co-applicants complete their sections before the deadline.
- For support, contact apex@royalsociety.org or call +44 20 7451 2666.
