UK Research and Innovation has opened for applications round 8 of their Future Leaders Fellowships programme. The programme aims to develop, retain, attract, and sustain research and innovation talent in the UK, and facilitate movement between disciplines and sectors.

To be considered for a fellowship, you must be an early career researcher or innovator who is either:

  • looking to establish or transition to independence, or
  • developing their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting.

You must be based at, and have the support of, an eligible academic or non-academic institution. This includes commercial organisations of any size and in any sector, provided that they are registered as eligible to apply for funding from the research councils.

Your project can last for up to four years, with the option to apply to renew for a further three years, to support long-term focus on a particular area of research or innovation, and continued career development.

There is no minimum or maximum project cost. The scheme will provide salary support, and there is no preference for lower or higher cost proposals. The closing date for applications is 4 July 2023.

So far, since the scheme started, almost 500 fellowships have been awarded to support applicants from diverse career paths, including those returning from a career break or following time in other roles. Funding is available for work in all research and innovation areas supported by UKRI.

See: Future Leaders Fellowships: round eight – UKRI