AHRC

AHRC, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, is a United Kingdom public funder that supports research in the arts and humanities. As a council within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), it funds projects, fellowships, doctoral training, and knowledge exchange across disciplines such as history, languages, literature, philosophy, archaeology, art history, design, media, and cultural heritage. The council aims to advance understanding of human culture and society, stimulate creativity, and strengthen public engagement with research.

History and structure: AHRC was established in 2005, succeeding the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) as the UK’s main funder for arts and humanities research. Since 2018 it has operated within UKRI, which unites several research councils. The council is governed by a board and supported by an executive team, with funding decisions implemented through various schemes and partnerships with universities, museums, libraries, and cultural organizations.

Funding and activity: AHRC's funding streams include responsive mode grants, strategic programs, and international collaborations. It supports doctoral training partnerships, early-career fellowships, and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect research to policy, industry, and the public. The council emphasizes impact, public engagement, and knowledge exchange in its funding criteria.

Impact and scope: AHRC-supported research contributes to cultural understanding, education, and the creative economy, while helping preserve cultural heritage. As part of UKRI, it aligns arts and humanities research with national priorities and international collaboration.