Research Fellowships

About the scheme

Our Research Fellowships offer exceptional early-career engineering researchers the time, resources and support to pursue an ambitious programme of independent research and establish themselves as future engineering research leaders.

At a glance

• Who: Open to early-career (maximum four years and six months post PhD award date) engineering researchers at UK universities
• What: A five-year fellowship supporting independent research
• Funding: Up to £800,000 Academy contribution (projects costed up to £1 million, funded at 80% fEC)
• How to apply: Submit an expression of interest (EoI) by 25 June. Successful applicants at EoI stage will be invited to submit a full application

Why should I apply?

• Up to £800,000 over five years (projects costed at up to £1 million, funded at 80% fEC)
• Establish a strong research track record, with your time protected through reduced teaching and administrative duties
• Increased funding from 2026/27, covering experimental costs, equipment, travel, and engagement activities, in addition to salary costs
• Simplified application process, with an initial EoI outlining your research vision
• Training and mentoring from leading engineers to support your development
• Membership of our Awardee Excellence Community, offering events and opportunities to connect and collaborate

Who is the scheme for?

Research Fellowships are open to early-career researchers who: 

• are at a UK university or research organisation eligible to receive UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding
• are working in any engineering subject area
• were awarded their PhD no more than four years and six months before the EoI deadline (25 December 2021 for the 2026/27 round) or have an unconditionally approved PhD at the time of submitting their EoI

Further guidance on eligibility, the application process and changes for the 2026/27 round can be found in the applicant guidance notes, and eligibility, FAQ and how to apply pages.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Royal Academy of Engineering is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all underrepresented groups across engineering. It is the Academy's policy to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged or receives less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

For all queries, please contact the Academy's research programmes team at [email protected].