The British Academy is a UK-based national humanities and social sciences academy. It was established in 1902 and operated as an independent fellowship of scholars elected for their outstanding contributions to research and scholarship in the humanities and social sciences.
The Academy's mission is to support and promote excellence in the humanities and social sciences, both within the UK and internationally. It does this by funding research, providing scholarly advice and expertise to government and other organizations, and promoting public understanding of the importance and relevance of these disciplines.
The Academy's activities include:
Funding research: The Academy funds individual research projects, collaborative research programs, and interdisciplinary initiatives across the humanities and social sciences.
Fellowships: The Academy elects Fellows from across the humanities and social sciences who are chosen for their distinction in their field of study. The Academy also offers Postdoctoral and Mid-Career Fellowships to support researchers at different career stages.
Events and conferences: The Academy hosts many events and conferences, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and symposia. These events unite scholars worldwide to discuss and exchange ideas on essential humanities and social sciences topics.
Policy advice: The Academy provides expert advice and guidance to governments, policymakers, and other organizations on humanities and social sciences matters. This includes issues such as education, cultural heritage, and international development.
Public engagement: The Academy promotes a general understanding of the importance and relevance of the humanities and social sciences. This includes initiatives such as the British Academy Debates and the British Academy's Summer Showcase, which showcase research and scholarship to a broader audience.
The British Academy elects Fellows from across the humanities and social sciences who are chosen for their distinction in their field of study. Fellowship is a recognition of an individual's outstanding scholarship and is considered one of the highest honors for scholars in the UK.
The election process for Fellowship is rigorous and competitive, and current Fellows of the Academy nominate candidates. Nominees are then subject to a thorough peer review process, which evaluates their research and contribution to their field.
The British Academy offers several categories of Fellowship:
Fellows: This is the most prestigious category of Fellowship and is awarded to scholars who have achieved distinction in their field through their research and publications.
Corresponding Fellows: This category of Fellowship is awarded to scholars based outside the UK who have made an exceptional contribution to scholarship in the humanities and social sciences.
Honorary Fellows: This category of Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have contributed excellently to public life, learning, or the arts. This category is not limited to scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
The British Academy also offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to support early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. These Fellowships provide funding for up to three years to support research projects and career development.
Senior Fellows: This category of Fellowship is awarded to scholars who have significantly contributed to their field over a sustained period.
The British Academy's Fellowship includes scholars from various disciplines, including history, philosophy, linguistics, economics, law, anthropology, and psychology. The Academy's Fellows are involved in a wide range of activities, including research, teaching, and public engagement, and contribute to the Academy's mission to promote excellence in the humanities and social sciences.