Call for Applications: British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) Grant Opportunities 2025-2026
The British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025-2026 grant programme, offering multiple funding opportunities for researchers and scholars engaged in humanities and social sciences studies related to Eastern Africa.
These grants aim to support research, facilitate knowledge dissemination, foster collaboration, and create real-world impact within the region. Interested applicants are invited to apply for various funding schemes, including, Postdoctoral Writing Fellowships, Thematic Grants, Dissemination Grants, Workshop Grants, Impact Grants, and the Graduate Attachment Scheme (GAS).
Each grant category is designed to support different aspects of academic research and engagement. Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, 11 April 2025, at 5pm (BST) / 7pm (EAT).
1. Postdoctoral Writing Fellowships
This three-month fellowship is intended to assist early-career postdoctoral researchers in finalizing publication-ready research articles in the humanities and social sciences. Fellows must base their articles on PhD research completed within the past two years and submit them to either Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa or the Journal of Eastern African Studies.
Key Details:
- Fellows will receive a stipend of £1,200 per month for three months.
- They may work remotely or at the BIEA library in Nairobi.
- They must submit the completed article to the chosen journal by the end of the fellowship period.
- Fellows must commit to working no more than 15 hours per week in other employment.
- Expected outputs including a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and a public presentation (in-person or online).
2. Thematic Grants
This grant supports original research projects in Eastern Africa, focusing on BIEA’s key research themes, including Africa in the World, Retelling the Past, Changing Environments, Urban Lives, Technologies of Knowledge, and Next Generations.
Key Details:
- Grants typically range between £500 and £1,000, with a maximum of £1,500 available.
- Open to postgraduate students, independent researchers, and collaborative projects.
- Projects should engage with BIEA’s research themes and contribute to new research agendas or larger projects.
- Expected outputs include a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and a public presentation (in-person or online).
- Research must be completed by 31 January 2026.
3. Dissemination Grants
This grant supports postdoctoral researchers in returning to the location of their PhD research within three years of completing their doctorate. The goal is to present findings to local stakeholders and explore further research, policy, or collaboration opportunities.
Key Details:
- Maximum grant amount: £3,000 per scholar.
- Funding covers travel, event hosting, and engagement with local research participants and policymakers.
- Expected outputs include a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and a public presentation (in-person or online).
- Dissemination activities must be completed by 31 January 2026.
4. Workshop Grants
This grant supports international research workshops that bring together scholars working in the humanities and social sciences on topics relevant to Eastern Africa. Workshops must involve both African and UK-based researchers and run for a minimum of one day.
Key Details:
- Standard funding: Up to £2,000 per workshop.
- Exceptional cases: Up to £4,000 with justification.
- Funding can cover participant travel costs or event space hire.
- Suitable outputs include funding proposals, collaborative publications, or journal special issues.
- Expected outputs include a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and workshop acknowledgments in related outputs.
- Workshops must be completed by 31 January 2026.
5. Impact Grants
Impact grants enable scholars to translate their academic research findings into policies or practices that benefit Eastern Africa. These projects should aim to create positive change in society, culture, the environment, or the economy by collaborating with local partners beyond academia (e.g., policymakers, civil society organizations, artists, museums, and activists).
Key Details:
- Standard funding: Up to £2,000 per project.
- Exceptional cases: Up to £4,000 for projects demonstrating high-impact potential.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to real-world impact and align with global or regional policy agendas.
- Expected outputs include a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and a public presentation (in-person or online). – Projects must be completed by 31 January 2026.
6. Graduate Attachment Scheme (GAS)
The Graduate Attachment Scheme provides recent graduates interested in further studies in the humanities and social sciences in Africa with practical research experience through a three-month placement at the BIEA in Nairobi.
Key Benefits:
- Attachés can conduct literature reviews, archival research, field visits, and research assistance.
- Participants gain valuable research and administrative experience by assisting in event planning and institutional activities.
- Opportunities to network with leading researchers and practitioners.
- Enrolment in Kiswahili language classes (beginner to advanced levels) if required.
Support Provided:
- BIEA covers travel costs to and from Nairobi and assists with visa arrangements.
- A monthly stipend is provided for the duration of the placement.
- Assistance with accommodation arrangements if needed.
Programme Cohorts:
July – September 2025
September – November 2025
Applicants must indicate their preferred cohort but placement in a specific cohort cannot be guaranteed. Successful applicants must provide a blog, a report for BIEA’s Annual Review, social media posts, photos, and acknowledge BIEA in related outputs.
Application Process
Interested applicants must: 1. Download the relevant application form. 2. Submit their completed applications via email to [email protected] by Friday, 11 April 2025, at 5pm (BST) / 7pm (EAT).
Each application will be assessed based on its research quality, relevance to BIEA’s themes, feasibility, and potential impact.
The BIEA 2025-2026 Grant Programme presents valuable opportunities for scholars, researchers, and early-career academics to advance their research, share knowledge, and contribute to policy and practice in Eastern Africa.
Whether through writing fellowships, research grants, workshops, dissemination initiatives, impact-driven projects, or graduate attachments, these funding opportunities aim to support meaningful academic and societal contributions.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure that their proposals align with BIEA’s research themes and impact objectives.
For further details and to access application forms, visit BIEA’s official website or contact [email protected].
Funded Research Visits for PhD Students under the EUI Widening Europe Programme 2025-2026
