Applications are now open for the Leakey Foundation Research Grants Programme, which supports studies that advance understanding of human origins, evolution, and behaviour. Each year, the foundation awards approximately $1 million in funding to researchers engaged in impactful scientific work across these fields.
The programme accepts applications from advanced PhD candidates and post-PhD researchers undertaking exploratory or multidisciplinary projects. It covers several disciplines, including archaeology, biological anthropology, paleoanthropology, primate behavioural ecology, genetics, geology, anatomy, morphology, palaeobotany, and palaeoclimatology. Current priorities include research on Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene hominin evolution, alongside studies of primate behaviour, ecology, and modern hunter-gatherer societies.
Funding is available at different levels, with up to $20,000 awarded to doctoral candidates and up to $30,000 provided to postdoctoral researchers. Support may cover fieldwork travel, subsistence during research periods, essential materials, and other project-specific costs. The programme places strong emphasis on original inquiry and cross-disciplinary approaches that expand understanding of human evolutionary history.
Applicants of all nationalities are eligible. Eligible candidates include advanced PhD candidates who have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation, as well as individuals holding a completed PhD. All applicants must hold a formal affiliation with a recognised academic or research institution, such as a university or museum. The foundation runs two annual application cycles, with submission deadlines in January and July.
Key Details
- Grant Name: Leakey Foundation Research Grants
- Funding Organisation: The Leakey Foundation
- Country: USA
- Research Fields: Human Origins, Anthropology, Archaeology, Paleoanthropology, Primatology, Genetics, Geology, Evolutionary Studies
- Grant Type: Research Grant
- Funding Amount: Up to $20,000 for PhD Candidates; Up to $30,000 for Post-PhD Researchers
- Application Type: Open Call
- Eligible Applicants: Advanced PhD Candidates and Post-PhD Researchers
- Required Qualification: Advanced PhD Candidacy or PhD
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
Explore additional research grants and academic funding opportunities in the USA through The Leakey Foundation and other international funding bodies.
Research Areas
- Human Origins and Human Evolution
- Archaeology and Paleoanthropology
- Biological Anthropology and Primate Research
- Genetics, Anatomy, and Morphological Studies
- Geology, Palaeobotany, and Palaeoclimatology
Eligibility Criteria
- Research must be relevant to human origins and evolution
- Applicants must be advanced doctoral students or post-PhD researchers
- PhD applicants must have advanced to candidacy status (all but dissertation completed)
- Applicants must be affiliated with a university, museum, or similar institution
- Researchers from any country may apply
- Resubmissions are permitted in accordance with programme guidelines
- Previous grant recipients must complete all reporting requirements before receiving a new grant
Grant Funding
The Leakey Foundation Research Grants support research that contributes to understanding human origins, evolution, and behaviour. The programme funds both dissertation research and post-PhD research projects, with a particular emphasis on exploratory studies and multidisciplinary approaches.
Funding is available at the following levels:
- Up to $20,000 for advanced PhD candidates
- Up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers
Grant funding may be used for expenses directly related to the proposed research project, including:
- Research travel
- Living expenses during fieldwork
- Research supplies and materials
- Essential project-related research costs
The grant does not support salaries, fringe benefits, childcare expenses, equipment purchases, conference travel, publication costs, or institutional overheads.
Why Apply for the Leakey Foundation Research Grants?
The programme provides flexible funding for researchers investigating human origins and evolutionary history. It supports both dissertation and postdoctoral research, welcomes applicants from around the world, and funds a wide range of disciplines linked to human evolution. Overall, the grants are relevant to researchers developing new research directions, conducting fieldwork, or pursuing multidisciplinary projects that contribute to knowledge of the human past.
Application Process
Applicants should review the official application instructions and supporting materials before preparing their submission. Applications must be submitted through the online application system before the deadline.
In addition, beginning with the Fall 2026 funding cycle, proposals may only be resubmitted once, regardless of previous submission history. Resubmitted applications will be reviewed by members of the Scientific Executive Committee and may not proceed to external review unless requested.
Required Documents: Applicants should consult the official application instructions and materials packet for the complete list of required documents. Application materials may include:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Project budget
- Institutional affiliation information
- Supporting materials specified by the funding organisation
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open Now
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
- Notification of Results: Mid-December 2026
Researchers working in human origins, archaeology, anthropology, and related fields should submit their applications before the July funding deadline to be considered for support of up to $30,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Leakey Foundation Research Grants?
The Leakey Foundation Research Grants support PhD dissertation research and post-PhD research related to human origins, evolution, and behaviour. The programme funds projects across several disciplines connected to the study of human evolution.
Who can apply for the Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2026?
Advanced PhD candidates who have reached candidacy status and researchers holding a PhD are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be affiliated with a university, museum, or similar institution.
How much funding does the Leakey Foundation Research Grants programme provide?
The programme provides funding of up to $20,000 for PhD candidates and up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers conducting research related to human origins and evolution.
What research fields are eligible for the Leakey Foundation Research Grants?
Eligible fields include archaeology, biological anthropology, paleoanthropology, primate behavioural ecology, genetics, geology, anatomy, morphology, palaeobotany, and palaeoclimatology.
What expenses are covered by the Leakey Foundation Research Grants?
Funding may be used for research travel, living expenses during fieldwork, research supplies, and other project-related costs directly required for the proposed research.
When is the application deadline for the Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2026?
The deadline for the Fall 2026 funding cycle is 15 July 2026. Successful applicants are expected to receive notification of the funding decision in mid-December 2026.
Related Academic Opportunities
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- Human Evolution and Prehistory Research Opportunities
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- International Research Opportunities
- Research Grants for Early-Career Researchers
About The Leakey Foundation
The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organisation that supports research on human origins, evolution, and behaviour. It provides grants and scholarships that advance work across anthropology, archaeology, paleoanthropology, primatology, genetics, geology, and related disciplines. Through its research funding programmes, the organisation supports studies that explore the biological and cultural history of human evolution.
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