Royal Academy Engineering Fellowship-interest by 25 June

Royal Academy Engineering. 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

Supporting documents

Expression of interest applicant guidance notes (2026/27) (PDF, 607 KB)

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

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.