AHRC suspends grant extension fund

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has paused its Follow-on Fund while it reviews the scheme's aims and contribution to the UK economy. 

Follow-on- Funding offers grants of up to £100,000 for existing AHRC-funded projects to for up to one year. The financing supports “unforeseen knowledge exchange, public engagement, active dissemination and commercialisation activities” that arise during or following the project.

AHRC said the review will assess the scheme's “value for money” and provide “an enhanced evidence base” for how the council is supporting arts and humanities research and innovation.

Its aims include examining the scheme's contribution to the UK economy and society between 2015 and 2024 and how it supports responsive funding for impactful, engaging and diverse arts and humanities.

The review will include interviews with sector-wide stakeholders, in addition to working with previous and current grant holders. Wider engagement with the research community will be announced towards the end of 2024.

While the review is underway, applications will be paused, but those received up until the deadline of round four, closing on 18 July, will be processed.