The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has unveiled its summer 2026 funding priorities, signalling a significant boost for arts and humanities research projects across the UK. At the heart of this strategy is the council's commitment to curiosity-driven research, allowing experts to explore uncharted territories and drive innovation in fields ranging from economic growth to public health.
Central to AHRC's plans are its core applicant-led research programmes, which provide a foundation for ambitious projects. These include Standard Research Grants for large-scale initiatives, Curiosity Awards designed to encourage intellectual risk-taking, and Catalyst Awards supporting early-stage translation and prototyping. Rolling deadlines throughout the year offer flexibility for applicants, aligning with their project timelines and partnerships.
The AHRC has also launched an outline stage for a new Large Grants opportunity, building on previous pilot programmes that focus on team-convened research with collaboration at its core. This initiative will feature a two-stage application process, balancing openness with strategic oversight of the final portfolio. The full stage is expected to launch in January 2027.
In a bid to ensure curiosity-led research translates into tangible impact, AHRC programmes such as Proof of Concept provide flexible support for previously funded research to move towards economic or societal impact. This includes knowledge exchange, commercialisation, and venture building opportunities. The council is also reinvesting in Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs), offering strategic funding to research organisations to enhance engagement with non-academic partners.
These combined efforts aim to position the arts and humanities sector at the forefront of national progress, recognising the crucial role these disciplines play in driving innovation and knowledge exchange. The AHRC's diverse portfolio of funding opportunities seeks to empower researchers and cultural organisations to tackle complex questions and generate value that extends beyond academic scholarship.
The foundation remains committed to ensuring high-quality research can thrive domestically and internationally, supporting a generative space for curiosity-driven work while maintaining openness and strategic oversight.