Leaky Foundation scholarships are specialized scholarships for international students. All the students who want to pursue their PhD degrees in quality and productive research can opt for this option. The grants have been awarded to human pre-history enthusiasts. It is a partially funded scholarship in which all the students are provided with many grants and stipends. The duration of this scholarship is normally two years.

Leaky Foundation is a human-oriented research platform where the history and evolution of humanity are the core subjects. It leads to a multi-disciplinary approach to explore and discover human origin details.

Benefits of Leaky Foundation Research Grants

The core benefits of this research grant are:

  • The PhD researcher can get a grant of Up to $20,000.
  • Post-PhD researchers can get up to $30,000.
  • The fund is only for research purposes.
  • The fund can also cover travel, research expenses, supplies and living expenses during the fieldwork.

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Major fields of Study to Apply For

There are many fields of study that researchers can go for. They include all the disciplines of human origin and evolution for research studies. But some of the current high-focusing areas are:

  • Paleoanthropology of the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene
  • Primates: Evolution, behavior, morphology, ecology, endocrinology, genetics, isotope studies
  • Modern hunter-gatherer groups

Some other disciplines may include:

  • Biological anthropology,
  • Geology
  • Paleo botany
  • Paleoclimatology
  • Behavioral ecology
  • Archeology

Who can Apply for the Leakey Foundation’s Research Grants?

  • Applications are open for all international researchers. There is no restriction on citizenship.
  • The research enthusiast for the human origin and evolution are welcome only.
  • The students who want to pursue PhD, post PhD or advanced PhD can apply for the grant.
  • The candidates must be affiliated with some university or institute before applying.
  • Anybody who want to resubmit the application is encouraged and welcomed.
  • The candidates who received Leakey Foundation grant in the past, can reapply in the program. He just has to fulfil all the reporting requirements to apply for the new one. \

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How to Apply for the Leakey Foundation’s Research Grants

  • Go to the official website and locate Start application button
  • Select the option that best suits you regarding the application.
  • Now, you are brought to create your account here.
  • Login into your account.
  • Now fill your application form by inserting appropriate information.
  • Attach all the documents in the form of PDF.
  • Submit the application.

Note: You can download and read the instruction manual as an application guide. Download the guide.

Deadline

The last date to apply for the spring cycle of research grants is 10 January. For the fall cycle, the application is open until 15 July.

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Official website

To get more information about the Leaky Foundation Research Grant, you can visit their official website. It will give you all the latest updates regarding the program.

If you have any query, feel free to comment down here.

FAQs

1. Can I submit more than one research proposal per grant cycle?

You can only submit one proposal as the main investigator (PI). However, you can still be a co-investigator on other proposals.

2. What costs can I include in the grant budget?

You can include fieldwork-related costs like travel, supplies, and research help. But you cannot request funding for your salary, tuition, childcare, meetings, or institutional fees.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

Only PhD holders or advanced doctoral candidates can apply. If you’re an undergraduate or Master’s student, you’re not eligible.

4. Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?

No, the grant is open to international applicants from any country.

5. How can I check if my research topic is eligible?

Your topic should be related to human origins, including primate evolution, fossil studies, or modern hunter-gatherers. If unsure, contact the foundation with a short project summary before applying.

6. Can I apply if I’m not a PhD candidate yet?

Maybe. You should email the foundation with your academic status, and their grants officer will confirm if you’re eligible.

7. Do you fund undergraduate or Master’s research?

No, funding is only for PhD-level research or applicants with a PhD or its equivalent in anthropology or a related field.

8. I already got a grant from the foundation. Can I apply again?

Yes, you can apply again if you met all conditions of your previous award.

9. Can I apply if I’m not connected to a university or research center?

No, you must be affiliated with an academic or research institution to apply.

10. When will I get the decision on my grant application?

Results are emailed in mid-May (Spring) and mid-December (Fall). If you don’t hear back by June 1 or December 20, contact the foundation directly.

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Updated by Z on May 28, 2025.