The broad aim of this route is to support high-quality research where the speculative, experimental or exploratory nature of the work means that results or outcomes are uncertain or cannot be guaranteed, or where a significant degree of risk is involved. It is anticipated that the projects supported through this route will be distinct from those normally supported in the competitive environment of the Standard Route of the Research Grants scheme.
The speculative research route provides grants for projects with a full economic cost (fEC) between £20,000 and £200,000 for a varying duration up to a limit of 60 months.
This route is not intended for individual research.
Please note that the assessment process for a Research Grants scheme application (Standard, Speculative and Early Career routes) takes approximately 30 weeks and the earliest start date for a project should be no earlier than 9 months after submission to the AHRC.
On occasions, there might be a delay in obtaining the peer reviews for an application and this may result in the assessment process taking longer. In such circumstances, the AHRC will contact the applicant to inform them of any delay.
For all routes of the Research Grants scheme you must submit an application through the cross-council Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) System. If you need any assistance to use the system, please contact the Je-S Helpdesk on 01793 444164 or on JeSHelp@rcuk.ac.uk.
AHRC Research Funding Guide (919kb) provides an overview of the different routes of the Research Grants Scheme. It details the eligibility criteria, assessment criteria, information on how to apply, application deadlines, eligible dates and terms and conditions of awards. You must ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria before submitting an application
Subject Coverage
Impact Summary and Pathways to Impact: - Frequently Asked Questions (154kb)
RCUK Impact Requirements - Frequently Asked Questions (151kb)
Examples of Impact from AHRC-funded projects (273kb)
The AHRC work with the RCUK Shared Services Centre (SSC) to deliver all of our funding activities. All queries regarding eligibility for funding and applications in progress and also queries regarding current awards, should be directed to the SSC team dealing with your subject area using the contacts page.