"2026 Philip Leverhulme Prizes in Philosophy and Theology"

Philip Leverhulme Prizes recognise the achievement of outstanding researchers whose work has already won international recognition and whose future is exceptionally promising. In 2026 there are thirty prizes available, with up to five prizes offered for researchers in Philosophy and Theology.

Prizes offer £100,000 over two or three years and may be used for any purpose that advances the prize winner’s research, with the following exceptions: salary costs for the prize winner, capital costs, and institutional overheads.

In 2026, the Trust is inviting nominations for researchers working in the following subject areas: Biological Sciences, History, Law, Mathematics and Statistics, Philosophy and Theology, and Sociology and Social Policy. The subject areas are intentionally broad and we encourage nominees to consider which best reflects their area of research, irrespective of their departmental affiliation.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a post in a UK university or research institution and must have received their highest degree no earlier than 14 May 2016. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a break in their academic career.

Applicants must be nominated by their Head of Department (or equivalent). Applicants may be nominated in one subject area only.

Closing date: 4pm on 14 May 2026

Guidance and nominations: full scheme details and the online nomination form are available on the Leverhulme Trust website (see apply link).

The prizes commemorate the contribution to the work of the Trust made by Philip Leverhulme, the Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of William Hesketh Lever, the founder of the Leverhulme Trust.