Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027–2028: Up to £703,800 for Early-Career STEM Researchers in the UK
The Royal Society is inviting applications for its Career Development Fellowship, a four-year postdoctoral research funding opportunity designed to support talented early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in establishing successful research careers in the United Kingdom.
With funding of up to £703,800 over four years, the fellowship provides financial support for high-quality, curiosity-driven research, alongside mentoring, professional training and networking opportunities. The scheme aims to improve the retention and progression of researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The application deadline is 18 November 2026. Interested researchers should review the official eligibility requirements and application guidance before applying.
About the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship
The Career Development Fellowship was developed to address barriers faced by researchers from underrepresented backgrounds as they transition from postgraduate study into early postdoctoral research and academic careers.
The current pilot scheme focuses on researchers from Black heritage backgrounds, including Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black heritage communities. The Royal Society may consider broadening the scheme to additional underrepresented groups depending on the outcome of the pilot.
The fellowship supports researchers in developing independent research programmes at UK institutions while gaining the skills, professional relationships and institutional support needed to build long-term careers in STEM.
The programme also reflects the Royal Society’s commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion in science and strengthening the UK research workforce.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Successful applicants can receive funding of up to £703,800 over four years, subject to the scheme’s funding rules and eligible expenditure requirements.
The funding can cover:
- Research fellow salary: A contribution towards the fellow’s salary and associated employment costs, funded at 80%.
- Directly allocated costs: Eligible costs allocated to the research project, funded at 80%.
- Research expenses: Eligible research-related expenditure funded at 100%.
- Relocation and visa costs: Eligible costs for the fellow and their dependants, including a partner and children, may be requested in addition to the £703,800 grant cap.
In addition to financial support, fellows benefit from a tailored programme of mentoring, training and professional engagement. Further opportunities may include leadership development, science communication, public engagement and networking with other researchers.
The scheme also offers flexibility for personal circumstances, including part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments, subject to the applicable funding conditions. Support provisions include eligible parental and sick leave arrangements and certain childcare costs associated with research-related activities.
Alzheimer’s Society Partnership
The Royal Society also offers a Career Development Fellowship in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society for research directly relevant to dementia.
This partnership supports research aligned with the scheme’s objectives, excluding clinical and interventional studies on humans. Researchers interested in this route should consult the official scheme guidance to confirm the relevant eligibility criteria and application arrangements.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for early-career, postdoctoral researchers from the backgrounds covered by the scheme who wish to establish their research careers at a UK institution.
Applicants should review the official eligibility criteria carefully, including requirements relating to career stage, research experience, institutional arrangements and the scheme’s focus on researchers from Black heritage backgrounds.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers seeking to establish an independent research direction and develop the professional skills required for a long-term career in science.
Important: Eligibility should not be assumed solely on the basis of academic qualifications or research experience. Applicants must satisfy all requirements set out in the official scheme notes.
Application Deadline and Key Details
- Fellowship: Career Development Fellowship
- Funding organisation: Royal Society
- Funding duration: Four years
- Maximum funding: Up to £703,800
- Career stage: Early-career postdoctoral researchers
- Research fields: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- Host country: United Kingdom
- Application deadline: 18 November 2026
- Application method: Royal Society Flexi-Grant online application system
The scheme is funded through the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and Royal Society charitable funds, with additional partnership support from the Alzheimer’s Society for relevant dementia research.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Royal Society Career Development Fellowship webpage.
- Read the scheme notes and eligibility requirements in full.
- Identify a suitable UK research institution and review any institutional requirements.
- Prepare the research proposal, supporting documentation and other materials requested by the Royal Society.
- Submit the application through the official Flexi-Grant system before the deadline.
Applicants should also review the Royal Society’s funding guidance for details on eligible costs, salary contributions, relocation support and other grant conditions.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Why Researchers Should Consider This Fellowship
The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship offers a substantial opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to establish themselves in the UK scientific community. By combining research funding with structured mentoring, professional development and networking, the scheme is designed to support researchers beyond the immediate needs of an individual research project.
For eligible scientists from Black heritage backgrounds, the fellowship may provide an important route towards developing research independence, strengthening professional networks and contributing to a more inclusive scientific workforce.
Researchers interested in applying should review the official guidance promptly and ensure that their applications are submitted by 18 November 2026.
Disclaimer: Funding amounts, eligibility requirements and application conditions are subject to the Royal Society’s official scheme documentation. Applicants should consult the official website for the latest information before applying.
