About this opportunity
The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027 is a four year postdoctoral research fellowship for talented early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, now open for applications after opening on 22 September 2026.
Successful applicants can apply for up to £703,800 over four years. That covers support toward the fellow's salary, eligible research expenses and directly allocated costs funded at 80 percent. Relocation and visa costs for the fellow and their dependants, including a partner and children, can be requested in addition to that grant cap. Alongside the funding, the fellowship provides a tailored programme of training, mentoring, networking, leadership development, and opportunities in science communication and public engagement.
Eligibility
is specific, so read it carefully. Applicants must self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed Black background, and must satisfy at least one UK connection condition: being a UK national, having completed part of their education in the UK through an undergraduate, Master's or PhD degree, or holding or having held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK. You must have a PhD, or expect to have one by the time funding begins, and less than 24 months of postdoctoral experience.
Researchers of any nationality can apply, and the Royal Society confirms that both UK and non-UK domiciled researchers who intend to conduct their research in the UK are eligible. Those needing a visa may apply for a Global Talent Visa through the fast-track endorsement process the Royal Society describes. A partnership with Alzheimer's Society also funds research directly relevant to dementia, excluding clinical and interventional studies.
What you receive
- Up to £703,800 over a four year postdoctoral fellowship
- Support toward the fellow's salary and eligible research expenses
- Funding for eligible directly allocated costs at 80 percent
- Relocation and visa costs for the fellow and dependants may be requested above the grant cap
- Fast-track Global Talent Visa endorsement available for researchers who need a visa
- Tailored training, mentoring, networking and leadership development
- Science communication and public engagement opportunities
- Flexible arrangements for certain personal circumstances
- A separate Alzheimer's Society funded route for dementia relevant research
Who can apply
- Self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed Black background, as the current pilot specifically focuses on researchers from this group
- Meet at least one UK connection condition: you are a UK national, you completed part of your education in the UK through an undergraduate, Master's or PhD degree, or you hold or have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK
- Hold a PhD, or expect to have obtained one by the time the fellowship funding begins
- Have less than 24 months of postdoctoral experience
- Work within the Royal Society's natural sciences remit, which includes but is not limited to biological research, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics
- Intend to conduct the research in the United Kingdom
- Any nationality is accepted, and applicants do not need to be UK domiciled
Who should not apply
- The current pilot is limited to researchers from a Black heritage background, including mixed Black background
- Researchers with 24 months or more of postdoctoral experience are not eligible
- Clinical and interventional dementia studies are excluded from the Alzheimer's Society funded route
Documents to prepare
- A completed Flexi-Grant application submitted through the Royal Society grant management system
- Details of your PhD award, or the expected completion date before funding begins
- Evidence of your postdoctoral experience, which must total less than 24 months
- A research proposal falling within the Royal Society's natural sciences remit
- A host institution statement or confirmation of the UK research organisation hosting the fellowship
- Supporting budget covering salary, research expenses, directly allocated costs and any relocation or visa requests
How to apply
- Read the scheme notes and eligibility requirements for the Career Development Fellowship at https://royalsociety.org/grants/career-development-fellowship/
- Confirm which UK connection condition you satisfy and, if you need one, how you will meet visa requirements
- Identify the UK research organisation that would host your fellowship and agree the arrangements
- Prepare your research proposal and budget, including any relocation and visa costs for you and your dependants
- Submit your application through Flexi-Grant at https://grants.royalsociety.org/ before the closing date of 18 November 2026
Selection process
- Applications open on 22 September 2026 and close on 18 November 2026
- Assessment is overseen by the Career Development Fellowship panel
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an in-person interview at the Royal Society
- Applicants are expected to receive decisions by 30 June 2027
- The Royal Society publishes application tips explaining what the panel expects
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes. Applicants can be of any nationality. The Royal Society states that both UK and non-UK domiciled researchers who intend to conduct their research in the UK can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions.
How much postdoctoral experience can I have?
Less than 24 months. You must also hold a PhD, or expect to have obtained one by the time the fellowship funding begins.
Does the £703,800 cover relocation and visas?
Relocation and visa costs for you and your dependants, including a partner and children, can be requested in addition to the £703,800 grant cap over four years.
Which research areas qualify?
Research must fall within the Royal Society's natural sciences remit, including but not limited to biological research, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. Check the Society's detailed subject group information for your specific area.
Important disclaimer
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