The Leakey Foundation Research Grant supports innovative research on human origins, evolution, and behavior. This grant funds PhD dissertation research and post-PhD projects across disciplines like archaeology, paleoanthropology, and primate behavioral ecology.
The Leakey Foundation is a leading nonprofit funder of human origins research, awarding approximately $1,000,000 annually. Based in San Francisco, USA, it prioritizes exploratory and multidisciplinary approaches to expand understanding of the human story.
Leakey Foundation Research Grant Benefits
- Up to $20,000 for PhD candidates
- Up to $30,000 for post-PhD researchers
- Funding for travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, and research expenses
Leakey Foundation Research Grant Eligibility Criteria
- Research must be relevant to human origins and evolution
- Open to advanced doctoral students (all but dissertation) or post-PhD researchers
- No citizenship requirements; open to applicants worldwide
- Applicants must be affiliated with a university or museum
- Past grantees must complete all reporting requirements before receiving a new grant
How to Apply for Leakey Foundation Research Grant
- Download the instructions and materials packet from the Leakey Foundation website
- Read and follow all instructions carefully
- Submit your application online via the provided application portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Leakey Foundation Research Grant. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for the Leakey Foundation Research Grant?
Advanced doctoral students (all but dissertation) and post-PhD researchers are eligible. High school and undergraduate students are not eligible. There are no citizenship restrictions, and applicants must be affiliated with a university or museum.
What is the maximum funding amount for PhD candidates?
PhD candidates may apply for up to $20,000. Post-PhD researchers may apply for up to $30,000. Funding covers expenses directly related to research such as travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, and research expenses.
What are the application deadlines for the Leakey Foundation Research Grant?
There are two cycles each year: January 10 for the spring cycle and July 15 for the fall cycle. Spring cycle applicants are notified in mid-May, and fall cycle applicants are notified in mid-December.
Can I apply if I am not a US citizen?
Yes, there are no citizenship requirements. The Leakey Foundation Research Grant is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. You must be affiliated with an institution such as a university or museum.
What types of research does the Leakey Foundation fund?
The foundation funds research related to human origins, including paleoanthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, primate behavioral ecology, genetics, geology, anatomy, morphology, paleobotany, and paleoclimatology.
Can I submit more than one proposal per granting cycle?
Investigators may only submit one proposal as a principal investigator (PI) per granting cycle. This policy does not apply to co-investigators, so you can be a PI on one proposal and a co-investigator on another.
What expenses are not covered by the grant?
The grant does not cover salary or fringe benefits of the applicant or senior project personnel, tuition, child care, equipment, travel to meetings, institutional overhead, publication costs, or institutional support.
How are grant proposals selected for funding?
Proposals are selected based on scientific merit, methods and feasibility, budget, qualifications of investigators, relevancy to human origins, the applicant pool, and available funds. The process includes peer review and evaluation by the Scientific Executive Committee.
Can I resubmit a proposal if it was not funded?
Yes, resubmittals are welcome and encouraged. However, beginning in Fall 2026, proposals may only be resubmitted once, regardless of previous submissions. Resubmitted proposals will be reviewed by the Scientific Executive Committee.
Is there emergency grant funding available?
Yes, emergency grants are available for urgent circumstances outside normal cycles. Applicants must provide a thorough explanation of urgency, and evaluation is made by the Scientific Executive Committee. Email [email protected] for more information.
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