Leakey Foundation Research Grants — Spring 2027

Biology, Evolution, Evolutionary Biology and research grant from The Leakey Foundation

January 10, 2027: Apply by Sunday, Jan 10

Closing time not stated; check the source.

Up to $30,000

About

Support dissertation and postdoctoral research related to human origins and evolution. Priority topics include Miocene to Pleistocene paleoanthropology, primate behaviour, morphology, ecology, endocrinology and genetics, and contemporary hunter-gatherers. Exploratory phases and innovative interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. The spring-cycle deadline is 10 January, with decisions in mid-May; one proposal as principal investigator is permitted per cycle.

Eligibility

Career stage: PhD · Postdoc · Early independent researcher · Mid-career researcher · Established researcher

Apply directly

Covers: Up to USD 20,000 for doctoral candidates and USD 30,000 for post-PhD researchers, for essential project costs such as fieldwork, travel, supplies and research assistance. No applicant salary, tuition, equipment, conference travel, overhead or publication costs.

Host location: Worldwide

Nationality or residence: No citizenship restrictions.

Eligibility source

Reviewed Oct 18, 2026. Check the funder’s full conditions before applying.

Advanced doctoral candidates or researchers holding a PhD who are affiliated with a university, museum or research institution. Projects must explicitly concern human origins. Doctoral applicants normally must have completed requirements other than the dissertation; anticipated candidacy before decisions may be considered under the funder’s rules. One resubmission is permitted under the revised policy.