The British Academy Elevate Programme Leadership Stream is a CPD-accredited development programme for eligible early-career researchers in SHAPE disciplines. It combines training, mentoring, coaching and peer networking to help researchers build practical leadership skills. The 2026/27 cohort is selective, with 62 participants drawn from the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network and eligible Wellcome-funded researchers. The programme runs from March to June 2027.
Participation is free, but eligibility is more specific than a general international leadership programme. Applicants must be active British Academy ECRN members, and active membership requires attendance at at least three Network events by the application deadline. Wellcome-funded ECRs in SHAPE disciplines, including those outside the UK, can apply after joining the ECRN. The official closing date is 28 October 2026.
British Academy Elevate Programme 2027 Details
The British Academy Elevate Programme is a three-year pilot funded by Wellcome and operated by the British Academy. Its Leadership Stream is designed for researchers preparing for or stepping into leadership roles, with content covering communication, strategic planning, research management, collaboration and decision-making. The programme is intended to strengthen leadership both inside and beyond academia.
Delivery includes online and in-person workshops, specialised training, mentoring, coaching and networking. UK-based participants are expected to attend approximately ten in-person sessions in different UK locations, while online delivery is available only to participants based outside the UK. Applicants must commit to the complete training schedule.
| Provider | The British Academy |
| Stream | Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream |
| Cohort size | 62 participants |
| Programme period | March–June 2027 |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Applications open | 1 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 28 October 2026 |
Stay Updated with Guidance Gem
Follow Guidance Gem for new scholarships, internships, fellowships and study opportunities.
Benefits, Funding and Recognition
The British Academy Elevate Programme provides structured leadership development through workshops, mentoring, coaching and networking. The Leadership Stream is CPD-accredited, and participants receive getTWOit Skills Passport credentials for completed training sessions. These credentials can help researchers document professional development for employers, institutions and funders.
The programme itself is free. The ECRN covers eligible travel and accommodation for in-person sessions, while childcare support of up to £60 per day can be reimbursed where required. Participants must also organise a Network event or activity within nine months of completion, and the British Academy can provide up to £3,000 to support delivery.
- Training: leadership workshops, coaching, mentoring and peer networking.
- Recognition: CPD accreditation and Skills Passport credentials.
- Travel support: eligible in-person travel and accommodation arranged by ECRN.
- Childcare: reimbursement up to £60 per day where applicable.
- Post-programme activity: up to £3,000 support for a Network event or activity.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
Eligibility for the British Academy Elevate Programme is tied to the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network. Applicants must be active ECRN members and must have attended at least three Network events by the time the application is submitted. This means the opportunity should not be described simply as open to everyone worldwide.
Wellcome-funded early-career researchers working in SHAPE disciplines can apply by first joining the ECRN, including eligible researchers based outside the UK. Applicants who are employed must obtain approval from their line manager and institution, while independent researchers can seek approval from the ECRN Elevate team. Full attendance is expected.
- Active British Academy ECRN membership.
- At least three ECRN events attended before application submission.
- Early-career researcher profile in SHAPE disciplines.
- Line-manager and institutional approval if employed.
- Commitment to all scheduled programme activities.
Application Information and Commitments
Applications are submitted through the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant system using a direct link circulated through the ECRN Online Community Platform and ECRN Newsletter. The application is not listed through the general Flexi-Grant homepage. Candidates should therefore make sure their ECRN membership and communication preferences are active.
Applicants must demonstrate that they can commit to the programme and its follow-up responsibilities. Accepted participants sign a commitment agreement, attend sessions in full, complete programme surveys, organise an ECRN event or activity within nine months and provide peer-to-peer mentoring to the next cohort. These requirements are part of the programme rather than optional extras.
How to Apply
First confirm that you meet the ECRN activity requirement and, if employed, obtain the necessary institutional approval. Monitor the ECRN Online Community Platform and newsletter for the direct Flexi-Grant application link. Complete the form carefully and provide the information requested by the British Academy.
The British Academy Elevate Programme uses a competitive panel review, and places cannot be reserved in advance. Applicants should explain how the programme connects to their current or emerging leadership responsibilities and show that they can use the training in practical research, policy or organisational settings.
- Confirm active ECRN membership and attendance at three Network events.
- Obtain line-manager/institutional approval if required.
- Use the direct application link circulated through ECRN channels.
- Complete the Flexi-Grant application before the deadline.
- Be ready to commit to all training and post-programme requirements.
Recruitment Timeline and Programme Dates
The 2026/27 call opened on 1 September 2026 and closes on 28 October 2026. The British Academy expects outcome notifications in the week beginning 14 December 2026. Cohort induction is still to be confirmed, with the main course scheduled from March to June 2027.
Applicants should plan around the attendance requirement before applying, especially if they are UK-based and need to travel to approximately ten in-person training sessions. Researchers comparing other development opportunities can also review our Dartmouth Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The official British Academy guidance gives a more restricted eligibility picture than some third-party summaries. Applicants should rely on the ECRN membership and participation rules on the current programme page.
The questions below highlight the conditions that most often affect whether a candidate can apply.
Is the Elevate Leadership Stream free?
Yes. The British Academy states that all courses in the Leadership Stream are free of charge.
Can researchers outside the UK apply?
Eligible Wellcome-funded ECRs in SHAPE disciplines who are based outside the UK can apply after joining the ECRN. Online delivery is available only to participants based outside the UK.
How many people are selected?
The Leadership Stream is offered to a selective cohort of 62 participants per year.
Conclusion
The British Academy Elevate Programme is a structured leadership-development route for eligible early-career researchers who want practical training, mentoring and recognised professional development. Its free delivery, CPD accreditation and support for eligible travel, childcare and post-programme activity make it more substantial than a short standalone workshop.
Before applying for the British Academy Elevate Programme, confirm active ECRN membership, the three-event participation requirement and your ability to attend the full programme. Use the direct ECRN application route and submit before 28 October 2026.
