The Royal Academy of Engineering is now accepting applications for its renounced Research Fellowships for this academic year.
The Research Fellowships is a remarkable opportunity for early-career researchers who want to establish themselves as future leaders in engineering.
With the program, you will be given financial support, mentorship, and recognition to help you make a significant impact in your field.
The purpose of the initiative is to support exceptional early-career researchers from around the world who want to lead the field of engineering in the future.
Purpose of the Research Fellowships
The Research Fellowships scheme is designed to provide long-term support to outstanding early-career engineers, allowing them to establish their independent research careers and make significant contributions to the field of engineering.
The objectives of the scheme include:
- Supporting independence: Helping researchers build their reputation in the global scientific community.
- Promoting ambitious research: Enabling the pursuit of high-impact, innovative engineering research.
- Fostering STEM advocacy: Cultivating researchers who will act as ambassadors for engineering and STEM disciplines.
Through these fellowships, the Royal Academy of Engineering will invest in the next generation of engineers who will drive forward advancements in technology, innovation, and engineering solutions.
Why should you apply?
This fellowship is not just about funding – it’s about creating opportunities.
By securing a spot in this program, you will receive the support you need to focus on groundbreaking research while also benefiting from professional development and networking opportunities.
Key Benefits of the Research Fellowships
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Funding: Each fellowship is awarded a maximum contribution of £625,000 over five years. This funding covers 80% of the full economic costs associated with the fellowship.
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Career Development: Fellows are provided with the resources and support to build a strong, independent research profile while contributing to the development of the engineering community.
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Global Networking: Fellows will join a distinguished network of engineers and researchers, gaining access to world-class opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
Eligibility requirements
The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships are open to early-career researchers who meet the following criteria:
- PhD Requirement: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD within the past four years.
- Eligible Institutions: The research fellowship must be hosted by one of the following institutions:
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- A UK higher education institution/university, or
- A UK research organization that is eligible to receive UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.
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- Support from Host Institution: The host institution must demonstrate its ability to support the applicant’s research project fully, as it would for a permanent employee.
Research focus
The research proposed for the fellowship must fall within the field of engineering, broadly defined.
This includes various subfields such as electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical, and more.
The scheme is open to all areas of engineering that are capable of advancing knowledge and creating real-world impact.
Global opportunities
There are no restrictions based on nationality or age. Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply, though they must ensure that their host institution can provide the necessary support for visas or work permits if required.
Reapplication policy
Researchers who have previously applied to this fellowship but were unsuccessful are eligible to reapply.
These applications will be considered fresh and will be evaluated based on their merits.
Research Fellowship duration and start date
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Start Date: Research Fellowships must commence between August 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026.
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Duration: The fellowship is awarded for five years on a full-time basis, with part-time arrangements also possible on a pro-rata basis. Please note that requests for fellowships shorter than five years will not be accepted.
Application process
Applicants are advised to carefully read the Applicant Guidance Notes for this year, which contain detailed instructions on how to apply for the fellowship, along with essential eligibility information and assessment criteria.
Important: Each host institution can only submit a limited number of applications, so it is important to contact your institution early if you plan to apply.
How to apply
To submit your application for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, please follow the application instructions provided in the official guidelines.
Apply here: Royal Academy of Engineering – Apply for Research Fellowships
For more information
For more detailed information on the fellowship, eligibility, benefits, and application process, please visit the official page on the Royal Academy of Engineering website.
Official website: Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships
