Apply for Leakey Foundation Grants: Funding for Evolutionary Anthropology Research

About Fellowship/Grant

The Leakey Foundation Research Grants offer exceptional funding opportunities for groundbreaking studies in human origins and evolution. Specifically designed to support dissertation research and exploratory studies, these grants enable scholars and researchers to advance their work in anthropology, archaeology, and related disciplines. Whether you’re exploring ancient human fossils, examining primate behaviour, or studying evolutionary genetics, this grant helps bring your research to life. Ideal for doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, the Leakey Foundation continues its long-standing commitment to advancing the science of human evolution.

This funding opportunity is not just a financial boost but also a way to contribute to the broader scientific understanding of human origins and our evolutionary path. Researchers worldwide, irrespective of citizenship, can apply, provided they are affiliated with a recognised institution such as a university or museum.

Fellowship/Grant Details

Fellowship/Grant Title: Leakey Foundation Research Grants in Human Origins
Host Institution: Leakey Foundation
Administering Organisation: Leakey Foundation
Location: Global (no citizenship restrictions)
Fellowship/Grant Type: Research Grant
Research Field: Paleoanthropology, Biological Anthropology, Primate Behavioural Ecology, Genetics, Geology, Anatomy, Morphology, Palaeobotany, Palaeoclimatology, and more
Eligible Nationalities: Open to all nationalities
Duration: Flexible based on research timeline
Funding/Compensation:
- Up to $20,000 for PhD candidates (all but dissertation)
- Up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers
Start Date: Flexible (based on project timeline)
Scholarship Can Be Taken At: Anywhere globally, as long as applicants are affiliated with a recognised academic institution (university, museum, etc.)
Required Degree/Diploma: Advanced doctoral students (ABD – All But Dissertation) or post-PhD researchers

Research Areas

The Leakey Foundation grants support research in a wide range of disciplines critical to understanding human origins and evolution. Eligible research areas include, but are not limited to:

Paleoanthropology: Studies on the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene eras
Primates: Evolution, behaviour, morphology, ecology, endocrinology, genetics, isotope studies
Modern Hunter-Gatherer Groups: Insights into contemporary human survival and social structure
Palaeobotany: Ancient plant life and its role in human evolution
Palaeoclimatology: Environmental factors influencing human and primate evolution
Geology: Fossil site formation and sedimentary studies are crucial to understanding human history

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must be advanced doctoral students (ABD – All But Dissertation) or post-PhD researchers.
Must have an active affiliation with an academic institution (university, museum, etc.)
Research must be directly related to human origins, evolution, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

Research focusing on the Leakey Foundation’s current priority areas: Miocene to Pleistocene paleoanthropology, primate studies, modern hunter-gatherer groups, and environmental evolution.
Strong academic background and demonstrated research capability in human evolution or evolutionary anthropology.

Not Eligible:

Individuals not affiliated with an academic institution.
Proposals that are not aligned with human origins or evolutionary research.
Requests for funding for salaries, child care, equipment, travel to conferences, or institutional overhead.

Fellowship/Grant Benefits

Monthly Stipend:
- Up to $20,000 for PhD candidates
- Up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers
Professional Development Funding: Research supplies, fieldwork expenses, and other direct research costs
Research Supplies: Financial support for necessary research supplies.
Travel Allowances: Funding for travel and living expenses related to fieldwork
Fieldwork Expenses: Support for costs directly related to field research, such as accommodation, meals, and other essential field-related expenses.
Data Collection Costs: Support for costs related to gathering and analyzing data.
Research Tools: Financial assistance for essential research tools or materials.
Documenting Research: Funds for documenting findings and preserving research data.

Application Process

How to Apply:

Visit the official Leakey Foundation website to access the application portal and detailed instructions.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal outlining their project, objectives, and methodology.
Include supporting documents such as academic recommendations, proof of institutional affiliation, and any relevant research experience.

Required Documents:

Research Proposal: Detailed description of your research goals and objectives
Letters of Recommendation: Two or more academic references supporting your application
Proof of Affiliation: Institutional letter confirming your academic or museum affiliation