Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships 2025/2026

Applications are now open for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships 2025/2026. These fellowships are designed to support outstanding early-career researchers in engineering, helping them establish their independence and become future research leaders.

📖 About the Fellowships

The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships aim to:

• Support the best early-career researchers in establishing their independence and international reputation.
• Provide long-term support for ambitious engineering research and its impact.
• Develop ambassadors for the Academy and advocates for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

Key Details:

• Date Published: March 26, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 17, 2025
• Category: Fellowship, Postdoctoral
• Location: United Kingdom
• Sponsor Organisation: Royal Academy of Engineering

The scheme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and provides funding for five years. Each application is capped at a maximum contribution of £625,000 over the five-year period, covering 80% of full economic costs. Fellowships must be held at a UK higher education institution/university or a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.

🎁 Benefits

The fellowship offers the following benefits:

• Financial Support: Up to £625,000 over five years at 80% of full economic costs.
• Mentorship: Guidance from an Academy Fellow on research and career development.
• Reduced Workload: Reduction in teaching and administrative duties to focus on research.
• Training Opportunities: Access to training and additional funding opportunities.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with other Research Fellows and Academy Fellows.
• Career Advancement: Establish a strong research track record to secure additional funding and expand research teams.
• Community Membership: Be part of the RAEng Awardee Excellence Community.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Host Institution Requirements:

   • Must be a UK higher education institution/university or a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
   • The host institution must agree to provide the Research Fellow with all the support normal for a permanent employee.

2. Research Focus:

   • The proposed research project must be in an engineering subject area, broadly defined to include diverse fields.

3. Applicant Requirements:

   • Must have a PhD awarded (or unconditionally approved) no more than four years before the submission deadline (September 17, 2025). A margin of up to three months is acceptable.
   • Consideration will be given for extenuating circumstances (e.g., maternity/paternity leave, extended sick leave, national service, etc.).
   • No nationality or age restrictions. The host institution is responsible for securing necessary work permits and related costs.

4. Part-Time Fellowships:

   • Fellowships can be held part-time (minimum 50% of full-time equivalent) with external employment outside the host organisation. Requests for part-time arrangements must be clearly stated in the application.

5. Reapplication:

   • Applicants who were unsuccessful in previous rounds are eligible to reapply, and their applications will be treated as new.

6. Start Date:

   • Fellowships must begin between August 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026. The duration is five years full-time (or pro-rata for part-time awards).

7. Institutional Application Limit:

   • There is a limit on the number of applications each host institution can submit. Applicants should check their institution's internal selection process.

📝 Application Process

1. Eligible Institutions:

   • Fellowships must be held at a UK higher education institution/university or a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

2. Submission:

   • Applications must be submitted via the Academy's Grants Management System (GMS).

3. Guidance Notes:

   • Applicants are encouraged to read the Applicant Guidance Notes 2025/26 for detailed instructions.

4. Supporting Documents:

   • Applicant Guidance
   • Reporting and Review Meetings Guidance
   • RF General Reviewer Guidance
   • RF Expert Reviewer Guidance

5. Contact Information:

   • For questions, refer to the FAQ page.
   • If your query is not covered, contact the Research Team at research@raeng.org.uk.

📅 Application Deadline

September 17, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

For more details, visit the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships page.

To apply, follow the instructions on the How to Apply page.

This fellowship is a fantastic opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their careers and contribute to groundbreaking engineering research. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625,000 over the five-year period, at 80% of full economic costs.
• Mentoring support from an Academy Fellow to offer advice on research and career development.
• Reduction of teaching and administrative duties to dedicate time to research.
• Training and additional funding opportunities.
• Networking opportunities with other Research Fellows and Academy Fellows.
• An opportunity to establish a strong research track record which will improve the chances of securing additional funding and expanding their own research teams.
• Be part of the RAEng Awardee Excellence Community.