The Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s National Academy of Sciences, is committed to promoting excellence in scientific research. To support this mission, it offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowships designed to nurture talent, foster innovation, and facilitate collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.

University Research Fellowship (URF)

The University Research Fellowship is aimed at outstanding early-career scientists who have the potential to become leaders in their respective fields. This prestigious fellowship provides recipients with the freedom and flexibility to pursue independent research in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Fellowships are awarded for up to eight years, subject to a mid-fellowship review, and offer comprehensive support, including salary and research expenses.

Newton International Fellowship

The Newton International Fellowship is designed for non-UK scientists at an early stage of their research careers who wish to conduct research in the UK. This two-year fellowship aims to attract and retain emerging talent, providing funding for research expenses and offering opportunities for international collaboration. The program fosters long-term relationships between researchers and UK institutions, enhancing the global scientific community.

Industry Fellowship

The Industry Fellowship scheme facilitates the movement of talented scientists and engineers between academia and industry. These secondments, lasting up to two years full-time or four years part-time, support researchers’ development, promote knowledge exchange, and stimulate long-term collaborations. The fellowship is open to academic and industrial researchers at all career stages, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and its practical applications.

Career Development Fellowship

The Career Development Fellowship is a four-year postdoctoral program targeting early-career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM. This fellowship provides research funding and high-quality training opportunities, aiming to support the retention and progression of diverse talent within the scientific community. The program includes mentoring, networking, and professional development to help fellows establish successful research careers in the UK.

Application Process

Applications for these programs are managed through the Royal Society’s online Flexi-Grant® system. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the specific guidelines and eligibility criteria for each scheme. Detailed information, including application deadlines and requirements, is available on the Royal Society’s official website.

For more information about the Royal Society’s funding opportunities and to access the application portal, please visit the official website: https://royalsociety.org/grants/.