From the archive: Random rules at the British Academy

The latest Small Research Grants call involving automated selection is now open

A stalwart scheme for researchers at any career stage in the humanities and social sciences, the British Academy’s Small Research Grants call was given something of a jolt in 2022 when the academy announced that it would start a three-year trial of a partially randomised selection system for the scheme.

Results from the first year of partial randomisation were “promising”, the academy reported in September 2023, with underrepresented groups selected at higher rates than in previous grant cycles. The trial will continue through 2024.