12/08/2026
*Funding Call at British Academy*
Value of commission per paper: £2500
Call for Discussion Papers: Humanity, Climate & Nature *
The British Academy is launching a new international policy programme on Humanity, Climate & Nature, building on the success of its Global (Dis)Order programme. This multi-year initiative aims to generate fresh insights and creative thinking to inform policymakers and practitioners working at the intersection of climate, nature, and human wellbeing.
At its outset, the programme will seek to explore how different approaches to synergies, integration, triangulation, nexus thinking, and related concepts have been understood and applied in efforts to address environmental and development challenges together. It will examine both the opportunities and limitations of these approaches, including questions of power, trade-offs, contestation, and justice.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 17:00 (BST).
Aims
This call seeks to commission approximately 20 discussion papers to contribute to the initial phase of the Humanity, Climate & Nature programme.
The discussion papers will provide crucial evidence-based insight and innovative ways of thinking to inform the programme in its initial phase. Commissioned authors will be invited to join meetings and events convened by the Academy as part of the programme.
Objectives of the call
We are interested in papers that explore how synergistic and integrated approaches have been conceptualised, applied, and experienced in addressing environmental and development challenges.
The programme is particularly interested in proposals that address questions such as:
What does integrated or synergistic action look like in practice?
Why do synergistic approaches often appear attractive in theory but prove difficult to implement?
Are implementation challenges the problem, or do current approaches rely on flawed assumptions?
When and why did efforts to address multiple challenges together emerge?
What is the difference between alignment, integration, and synergy?
Is "bringing things together" always beneficial, and under what conditions?
Deliverables
The expected output is a concise, robust, evidence-based, well-referenced and balanced discussion paper that responds to the programme objectives and is accessible to policymakers and practitioners.
As a guide:
Papers should be approximately 4,000 words (excluding references).
Papers should be based on existing research, knowledge, and analysis.
New primary research is not required.
Papers should include practical examples, case studies, conclusions, and where appropriate, recommendations or areas for further discussion.
Following review, successful papers will be published by the British Academy, either individually or as part of a series.
Author profile
Applications are welcomed from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and independent experts with relevant expertise and experience.
Jointly authored papers are permitted.
The programme welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages contributions from individuals working across research, policy, and practice communities.
Funding and duration
This is a paid commission.
Fee: £2,500 per paper, to be paid in full following successful review.
Key dates:
Application deadline: 16 September 2026
Outcome communicated: 7 October 2026
First draft due: 7 December 2026
Feedback provided: 25 January 2027
Final draft due: 1 March 2027
Responding to the call
To apply, applicants must submit:
A brief CV (maximum two pages); and
A short outline or abstract (1000 words) describing the proposed discussion paper.
Applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposal addresses the objectives and scope of the call.
Contact details
For questions about the call, please contact: [email protected]
