British Academy ERC Starting Grants Webinar 2026: Free Guidance for UK Researchers in Humanities and Social Sciences

<p data-start="809" data-end="1022">The <strong data-start="813" data-end="848">British Academy Grants Webinars</strong> provide UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences with an opportunity to gain practical guidance on applying for <strong data-start="979" data-end="1021">European Research Council (ERC) grants</strong>. The webinars are led by <strong data-start="1048" data-end="1075">British Academy Fellows</strong> who have experience with ERC grants and/or ERC evaluation panels. Their purpose is to help researchers better understand the ERC application process, including the proposal format, evaluation criteria, and the key issues researchers need to consider when planning, writing, and costing a competitive proposal. The next webinar will focus specifically on the <strong data-start="1435" data-end="1463">ERC Starting Grants Call</strong>, which opened in July 2026. The upcoming session will take place on <strong data-start="1533" data-end="1582">Monday, 28 September, from 14:30 to 16:00 BST</strong>.</p> <p data-start="1585" data-end="1835">Researchers who want to participate must register by <strong data-start="1638" data-end="1676">Friday, 25 September at 12:00 noon</strong>. Those who would like to submit a B1 draft proposal for possible panel feedback during the webinar must submit it by <strong data-start="1794" data-end="1834">Thursday, 17 September at 12:00 noon</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="9exqc2" data-start="1837" data-end="1881">About the British Academy Grants Webinars</h2> <p data-start="1883" data-end="1993">The British Academy organizes these webinars as part of its <strong data-start="1943" data-end="1992">European Research and Collaboration programme</strong>.</p> <p data-start="1995" data-end="2159">The sessions are designed for researchers who are considering applying for ERC grants and want to better understand what is expected when preparing an ERC proposal.</p> <p data-start="2161" data-end="2298">Rather than simply providing general information about funding, the webinars focus on the practical aspects of developing an application.</p> <p data-start="2300" data-end="2348">Participants can gain a deeper understanding of:</p> <ul data-start="2350" data-end="2588"> <li data-section-id="vcqowa" data-start="2350" data-end="2375">The ERC proposal format</li> <li data-section-id="vf8u24" data-start="2376" data-end="2400">The evaluation process</li> <li data-section-id="wfn3lx" data-start="2401" data-end="2451">Important issues that applicants need to address</li> <li data-section-id="1ueucxt" data-start="2452" data-end="2482">Planning a research proposal</li> <li data-section-id="a7f4ge" data-start="2483" data-end="2510">Writing a strong proposal</li> <li data-section-id="1yhkor2" data-start="2511" data-end="2531">Costing a proposal</li> <li data-section-id="1qjbw0l" data-start="2532" data-end="2588">The issues that can affect how a proposal is evaluated</li> </ul> <p data-start="2590" data-end="2714">This makes the webinar particularly relevant to researchers who are preparing, or considering preparing, an ERC application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="t5qset" data-start="2716" data-end="2752">Next Webinar: ERC Starting Grants</h2> <p data-start="2754" data-end="2834">The next British Academy webinar will focus on the <strong data-start="2805" data-end="2833">ERC Starting Grants Call</strong>.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1ni6v1c" data-start="2836" data-end="2855">Webinar details</h3> <ul data-start="2857" data-end="3246"> <li data-section-id="1wlgcmx" data-start="2857" data-end="2894"><strong data-start="2859" data-end="2868">Date:</strong> Monday, 28 September 2026</li> <li data-section-id="41bpe8" data-start="2895" data-end="2922"><strong data-start="2897" data-end="2906">Time:</strong> 14:30–16:00 BST</li> <li data-section-id="p3svp3" data-start="2923" data-end="2955"><strong data-start="2925" data-end="2935">Focus:</strong> ERC Starting Grants</li> <li data-section-id="9uwt5o" data-start="2956" data-end="3037"><strong data-start="2958" data-end="2978">Target audience:</strong> UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences</li> <li data-section-id="1lwmu6y" data-start="3038" data-end="3066"><strong data-start="3040" data-end="3051">Format:</strong> Online webinar</li> <li data-section-id="14yr6lm" data-start="3067" data-end="3099"><strong data-start="3069" data-end="3083">Organizer:</strong> British Academy</li> <li data-section-id="7n82fa" data-start="3100" data-end="3168"><strong data-start="3102" data-end="3128">Registration deadline:</strong> Friday, 25 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</li> <li data-section-id="123gllp" data-start="3169" data-end="3246"><strong data-start="3171" data-end="3204">B1 draft submission deadline:</strong> Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</li> </ul> <p data-start="3248" data-end="3332">The webinar will focus on the ERC Starting Grants Call that opened in <strong data-start="3318" data-end="3331">July 2026</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="5t6x8e" data-start="3334" data-end="3365">What Will the Webinar Cover?</h2> <p data-start="3367" data-end="3497">A central purpose of the webinar is to help researchers understand the <strong data-start="3438" data-end="3472">proposal and evaluation format</strong> used in the ERC process.</p> <p data-start="3499" data-end="3636">For researchers preparing an ERC application, understanding what evaluators are looking for is an important part of proposal development.</p> <p data-start="3638" data-end="3704">The webinar will therefore address key considerations involved in:</p> <h3 data-section-id="1lvcxh2" data-start="3706" data-end="3729">Planning a Proposal</h3> <p data-start="3731" data-end="3830">Researchers will receive guidance on issues they need to consider when planning their ERC proposal.</p> <p data-start="3832" data-end="3961">This can help applicants think carefully about how their research idea should be structured before moving into the writing stage.</p> <h3 data-section-id="pywuc3" data-start="3963" data-end="3985">Writing a Proposal</h3> <p data-start="3987" data-end="4124">The webinar will provide insight into the proposal format and the key issues researchers need to address when writing their applications.</p> <p data-start="4126" data-end="4260">This is intended to help researchers better understand how to communicate their research project within the ERC application framework.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1kakjb4" data-start="4262" data-end="4284">Costing a Proposal</h3> <p data-start="4286" data-end="4445">The session will also address <strong data-start="4316" data-end="4327">costing</strong>, helping researchers understand issues they need to consider when developing the financial aspects of their proposal.</p> <h2 data-section-id="upy0tb" data-start="4447" data-end="4504">Opportunity to Receive Feedback on a B1 Draft Proposal</h2> <p data-start="4506" data-end="4644">One of the notable features of this webinar is the opportunity for participants to have their <strong data-start="4600" data-end="4643">B1 draft proposal reviewed by the panel</strong>.</p> <p data-start="4646" data-end="4770">Researchers interested in receiving this feedback can indicate their interest when completing the webinar registration form.</p> <p data-start="4772" data-end="4840">If selected, their B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar.</p> <p data-start="4842" data-end="4937">However, there is an important condition: <strong data-start="4884" data-end="4936">not every submitted B1 proposal will be reviewed</strong>.</p> <p data-start="4939" data-end="5054">The British Academy makes clear that submitting a draft does not guarantee that it will be selected for discussion.</p> <p data-start="5056" data-end="5156">When a proposal is discussed during the webinar, <strong data-start="5105" data-end="5155">all names and personal details will be removed</strong>.</p> <p data-start="5158" data-end="5261">This allows the panel to focus on the substance of the proposal while removing identifying information.</p> <h2 data-section-id="obb4zo" data-start="5263" data-end="5314">Feedback Is Designed to Benefit All Participants</h2> <p data-start="5316" data-end="5458">Even though not every B1 draft will be selected for review, the guidance provided during the webinar is intended to benefit <strong data-start="5440" data-end="5457">all attendees</strong>.</p> <p data-start="5460" data-end="5672">Therefore, researchers who submit a proposal but are not selected for individual feedback can still participate in the session and learn from the broader discussion and guidance provided by the experienced panel.</p> <p data-start="5674" data-end="5857">This makes the webinar useful not only for researchers whose proposals are reviewed but also for participants who want to understand how ERC proposals can be approached and evaluated.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1p2wbxh" data-start="5859" data-end="5888">Who Will Lead the Webinar?</h2> <p data-start="5890" data-end="6047">The session will be led by <strong data-start="5917" data-end="5950">Professor Patrick Haggard FBA</strong> together with British Academy Fellows who have experience with <strong data-start="6014" data-end="6046">ERC grants and/or ERC panels</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6049" data-end="6158">The involvement of Fellows with experience of ERC funding and evaluation gives the webinar a practical focus.</p> <p data-start="6160" data-end="6346">Participants can therefore expect the session to draw on experience with the ERC proposal and evaluation process rather than relying solely on general descriptions of grant applications.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1m6owy7" data-start="6348" data-end="6394">Why Researchers May Find the Webinar Useful</h2> <p data-start="6396" data-end="6487">Applying for a major research grant requires more than having an interesting research idea.</p> <p data-start="6489" data-end="6532">Researchers also need to understand how to:</p> <ul data-start="6534" data-end="6804"> <li data-section-id="1p4r757" data-start="6534" data-end="6572">Structure their proposal effectively</li> <li data-section-id="11rdgp6" data-start="6573" data-end="6624">Address the issues required by the funding scheme</li> <li data-section-id="zpoino" data-start="6625" data-end="6657">Present their research clearly</li> <li data-section-id="4uzxt4" data-start="6658" data-end="6693">Understand the evaluation process</li> <li data-section-id="1p0oozg" data-start="6694" data-end="6728">Plan their application carefully</li> <li data-section-id="mxotg" data-start="6729" data-end="6760">Develop an appropriate budget</li> <li data-section-id="1t2fh4j" data-start="6761" data-end="6804">Respond to the expectations of evaluators</li> </ul> <p data-start="6806" data-end="6952">The British Academy webinar is designed to address these areas and help researchers develop a deeper understanding of the ERC application process.</p> <p data-start="6954" data-end="7074">For researchers considering an ERC Starting Grant, this can provide useful preparation before submitting their proposal.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1m8xyzi" data-start="7076" data-end="7100">Registration Deadline</h2> <p data-start="7102" data-end="7162">Researchers who want to attend the webinar must register by:</p> <p data-start="7164" data-end="7208"><strong data-start="7164" data-end="7208">Friday, 25 September 2026 at 12:00 noon.</strong></p> <p data-start="7210" data-end="7280">Registration must be completed using the designated registration form.</p> <p data-start="7282" data-end="7372">Researchers should register before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.</p> <h2 data-section-id="a0jibr" data-start="7374" data-end="7416">Deadline for B1 Draft Proposal Feedback</h2> <p data-start="7418" data-end="7526">There is an earlier deadline for researchers who want their B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback.</p> <p data-start="7528" data-end="7544">The deadline is:</p> <p data-start="7546" data-end="7592"><strong data-start="7546" data-end="7592">Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon.</strong></p> <p data-start="7594" data-end="7646">Researchers interested in submitting a draft should:</p> <ol data-start="7648" data-end="7909"> <li data-section-id="18d49bh" data-start="7648" data-end="7742">Indicate their interest in receiving B1 proposal feedback on the webinar registration form.</li> <li data-section-id="iv0xgu" data-start="7743" data-end="7778">Prepare their B1 draft proposal.</li> <li data-section-id="18c1dd" data-start="7779" data-end="7820">Send the draft to <strong data-start="7800" data-end="7819">Barbora Krasova</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1t4b8uy" data-start="7821" data-end="7909">Ensure that the draft is submitted no later than <strong data-start="7873" data-end="7908">17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong>.</li> </ol> <p data-start="7911" data-end="7985">Again, submitting a draft does <strong data-start="7942" data-end="7984">not guarantee that it will be reviewed</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1rm6rpu" data-start="7987" data-end="8036">Important Difference Between the Two Deadlines</h2> <p data-start="8038" data-end="8100">Applicants should be careful not to confuse the two deadlines.</p> <h3 data-section-id="sbgdue" data-start="8102" data-end="8132">B1 Draft Proposal Deadline</h3> <p data-start="8133" data-end="8168"><strong data-start="8133" data-end="8168">17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong></p> <p data-start="8170" data-end="8273">This applies to researchers who want to have their B1 draft considered for feedback during the webinar.</p> <h3 data-section-id="xf0qc9" data-start="8275" data-end="8308">Webinar Registration Deadline</h3> <p data-start="8309" data-end="8344"><strong data-start="8309" data-end="8344">25 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong></p> <p data-start="8346" data-end="8405">This is the deadline for registering to attend the webinar.</p> <p data-start="8407" data-end="8509">The B1 draft deadline therefore comes <strong data-start="8445" data-end="8466">eight days before</strong> the general webinar registration deadline.</p> <h2 data-section-id="biyo9k" data-start="8511" data-end="8546">The Webinar Will Not Be Recorded</h2> <p data-start="8548" data-end="8646">Another important point for prospective participants is that the <strong data-start="8613" data-end="8645">webinar will not be recorded</strong>.</p> <p data-start="8648" data-end="8753">Researchers who want to benefit from the session should therefore make arrangements to attend it live on:</p> <p data-start="8755" data-end="8810"><strong data-start="8755" data-end="8810">Monday, 28 September 2026, from 14:30 to 16:00 BST.</strong></p> <p data-start="8812" data-end="8975">Because there will be no recording available afterward, participants should make sure that they register on time and reserve the webinar period in their schedules.</p> <h2 data-section-id="52o67f" data-start="8977" data-end="9013">How to Prepare Before the Webinar</h2> <p data-start="9015" data-end="9105">Researchers planning to attend can make better use of the session by preparing in advance.</p> <p data-start="9107" data-end="9140">Useful preparation could include:</p> <ol data-start="9142" data-end="10028"> <li data-section-id="pnay86" data-start="9142" data-end="9285"> <p data-start="9145" data-end="9186"><strong data-start="9145" data-end="9186">Reviewing the ERC Starting Grant Call</strong></p> <p data-start="9191" data-end="9285">Familiarize yourself with the specific grant scheme that will be discussed during the webinar.</p> </li> <li data-section-id="18owdem" data-start="9287" data-end="9443"> <p data-start="9290" data-end="9323"><strong data-start="9290" data-end="9323">Developing your research idea</strong></p> <p data-start="9328" data-end="9443">Have a clear understanding of the research question, objectives, and broader significance of your proposed project.</p> </li> <li data-section-id="1iw4yxy" data-start="9445" data-end="9622"> <p data-start="9448" data-end="9492"><strong data-start="9448" data-end="9492">Preparing a B1 draft if seeking feedback</strong></p> <p data-start="9497" data-end="9622">If you want your proposal to be considered for panel discussion, prepare your B1 draft well before the 17 September deadline.</p> </li> <li data-section-id="1ss1oii" data-start="9624" data-end="9715"> <p data-start="9627" data-end="9648"><strong data-start="9627" data-end="9648">Registering early</strong></p> <p data-start="9653" data-end="9715">Complete the webinar registration before 25 September at noon.</p> </li> <li data-section-id="laalim" data-start="9717" data-end="9857"> <p data-start="9720" data-end="9743"><strong data-start="9720" data-end="9743">Preparing questions</strong></p> <p data-start="9748" data-end="9857">Consider the areas of proposal planning, writing, evaluation, and costing where you need additional guidance.</p> </li> <li data-section-id="smq2va" data-start="9859" data-end="10028"> <p data-start="9862" data-end="9889"><strong data-start="9862" data-end="9889">Attend the full session</strong></p> <p data-start="9894" data-end="10028">Since the webinar will not be recorded, attending the live session is important for researchers who want to benefit from the guidance.</p> </li> </ol> <p style="text-align: center;">Learn more and Apply <a href="https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/projects/europe-futures-research-and-collaboration/erc-grants-webinars/?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=erc&amp;utm_content=cta" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p> <h2 data-section-id="w52klk" data-start="10030" data-end="10060">Key Information at a Glance</h2> <div class="group TyagGW_tableContainer"> <div class="TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="10062" data-end="10699"> <thead data-start="10062" data-end="10086"> <tr data-start="10062" data-end="10086"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="10062" data-end="10071" data-col-size="sm">Detail</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="10071" data-end="10086" data-col-size="md">Information</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="10097" data-end="10699"> <tr data-start="10097" data-end="10128"> <td data-start="10097" data-end="10109" data-col-size="sm">Organizer</td> <td data-start="10109" data-end="10128" data-col-size="md">British Academy</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10129" data-end="10190"> <td data-start="10129" data-end="10141" data-col-size="sm">Programme</td> <td data-start="10141" data-end="10190" data-col-size="md">European Research and Collaboration programme</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10191" data-end="10230"> <td data-start="10191" data-end="10207" data-col-size="sm">Webinar focus</td> <td data-start="10207" data-end="10230" data-col-size="md">ERC Starting Grants</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10231" data-end="10267"> <td data-start="10231" data-end="10238" data-col-size="sm">Date</td> <td data-start="10238" data-end="10267" data-col-size="md">Monday, 28 September 2026</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10268" data-end="10294"> <td data-start="10268" data-end="10275" data-col-size="sm">Time</td> <td data-start="10275" data-end="10294" data-col-size="md">14:30–16:00 BST</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10295" data-end="10322"> <td data-start="10295" data-end="10304" data-col-size="sm">Format</td> <td data-start="10304" data-end="10322" data-col-size="md">Online webinar</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10323" data-end="10405"> <td data-start="10323" data-end="10347" data-col-size="sm">Intended participants</td> <td data-start="10347" data-end="10405" data-col-size="md">UK-based researchers in humanities and social sciences</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10406" data-end="10463"> <td data-start="10406" data-end="10430" data-col-size="sm">Registration deadline</td> <td data-start="10430" data-end="10463" data-col-size="md">25 September 2026, 12:00 noon</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10464" data-end="10517"> <td data-start="10464" data-end="10484" data-col-size="sm">B1 draft deadline</td> <td data-start="10484" data-end="10517" data-col-size="md">17 September 2026, 12:00 noon</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10518" data-end="10573"> <td data-start="10518" data-end="10532" data-col-size="sm">B1 feedback</td> <td data-start="10532" data-end="10573" data-col-size="md">Available for selected proposals only</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10574" data-end="10650"> <td data-start="10574" data-end="10612" data-col-size="sm">Recommendation on proposal feedback</td> <td data-start="10612" data-end="10650" data-col-size="md">Names and personal details removed</td> </tr> <tr data-start="10651" data-end="10699"> <td data-start="10651" data-end="10663" data-col-size="sm">Recording</td> <td data-start="10663" data-end="10699" data-col-size="md">The webinar will not be recorded</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <h2 data-section-id="1fr96qo" data-start="10701" data-end="10732">Important Points to Remember</h2> <p data-start="10734" data-end="10818">Researchers interested in this opportunity should keep the following points in mind:</p> <ul data-start="10820" data-end="11799"> <li data-section-id="5sdykb" data-start="10820" data-end="10909">The webinar is aimed at <strong data-start="10846" data-end="10908">UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1uljqf5" data-start="10910" data-end="11008">It focuses on <strong data-start="10926" data-end="10940">ERC grants</strong>, with this particular session dedicated to <strong data-start="10984" data-end="11007">ERC Starting Grants</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="17nxzhb" data-start="11009" data-end="11081">The session is designed to explain the proposal and evaluation format.</li> <li data-section-id="1qfkbwq" data-start="11082" data-end="11144">Guidance will cover proposal planning, writing, and costing.</li> <li data-section-id="kstbp8" data-start="11145" data-end="11237">The webinar will be led by British Academy Fellows with ERC grant and/or panel experience.</li> <li data-section-id="1nzf4r7" data-start="11238" data-end="11297">Participants may submit a B1 draft for possible feedback.</li> <li data-section-id="1q7wp1u" data-start="11298" data-end="11349">Not every submitted B1 proposal will be reviewed.</li> <li data-section-id="8wdsie" data-start="11350" data-end="11432">Selected B1 proposals will be discussed with names and personal details removed.</li> <li data-section-id="12587d9" data-start="11433" data-end="11525">The guidance is intended to benefit all attendees, even if their proposal is not selected.</li> <li data-section-id="1hkvd6d" data-start="11526" data-end="11595">Webinar registration closes on <strong data-start="11559" data-end="11594">25 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1sc3fz" data-start="11596" data-end="11683">B1 drafts for consideration must be submitted by <strong data-start="11647" data-end="11682">17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1tz8ewz" data-start="11684" data-end="11759">The webinar takes place on <strong data-start="11713" data-end="11758">28 September 2026 from 14:30 to 16:00 BST</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1uw9gzf" data-start="11760" data-end="11799">The webinar <strong data-start="11774" data-end="11798">will not be recorded</strong>.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="11801" data-end="11814">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="11816" data-end="12047">The <strong data-start="11820" data-end="11872">British Academy ERC Starting Grants Webinar 2026</strong> provides UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the ERC grant application and evaluation process.</p> <p data-start="12049" data-end="12268">Led by British Academy Fellows with experience of ERC grants and panels, the webinar focuses on practical aspects of developing an ERC proposal, including <strong data-start="12204" data-end="12267">planning, writing, costing, proposal format, and evaluation</strong>.</p> <p data-start="12270" data-end="12530">A particularly valuable feature is the opportunity for researchers to submit a <strong data-start="12349" data-end="12398">B1 draft proposal for possible panel feedback</strong>. Although selection for review is not guaranteed, the guidance provided during the session is designed to benefit all participants.</p> <p data-start="12532" data-end="12746">Researchers interested in attending should register by <strong data-start="12587" data-end="12622">25 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong>, while those seeking consideration for B1 proposal feedback must submit their draft by <strong data-start="12710" data-end="12745">17 September 2026 at 12:00 noon</strong>.</p> <p data-start="12748" data-end="13018" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Because the webinar will not be recorded, eligible researchers should plan to attend the live online session on <strong data-start="12860" data-end="12905">28 September 2026 from 14:30 to 16:00 BST</strong> and take advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from experienced researchers and ERC panel contributors.</p> <p data-start="12748" data-end="13018" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">More opportunities <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/31/british-academy-erc-starting-grants-webinar-2026-free-guidance-for-uk-researchers-in-humanities-and-social-sciences/">British Academy ERC Starting Grants Webinar 2026: Free Guidance for UK Researchers in Humanities and Social Sciences</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>