Overview
The Royal Society's 2027 Faraday Discovery Fellowships are open to outstanding mid-career STEM research leaders seeking long-term support to build world-leading research groups in the United Kingdom.
Complete fellowship details
The scheme offers a single Principal Investigator up to £8 million over ten years, comprising up to £6 million in core funding with up to a further £2 million subject to specific justification. It supports original research across the Royal Society's natural-sciences remit and is designed to give mid-career leaders long-term stability to pursue ambitious research and develop research teams. The 2027 round starts with a Stage 1 application; invited candidates proceed to Stage 2.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants should be mid-career researchers in the Royal Society's natural-sciences remit. The Society generally expects 10 to 20 years of post-PhD or equivalent research experience, while allowing exceptional candidates and considering non-linear careers. Candidates should be recognised research leaders with significant research contributions and experience managing grants and research groups. Applicants may be of any nationality; the official page states that those requiring a visa can apply for Global Talent Visa endorsement through the fast-track process.
Tips for this fellowship
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Use Stage 1 to present a clear research vision and a strong record of research leadership.
- Review the Royal Society remit and mid-career definition before applying.
- Check eligibility, funding coverage, study/project level and every required document before investing time in the application.
- Prepare transcripts, references, language tests, proposal/motivation statement and proof documents early.
- Separate the scholarship deadline from any university/program admission deadline; they may be different.
- Treat “fully funded” as a source fact only when the official provider explicitly confirms the covered costs.
Verification notes
Verified on the Royal Society's official Faraday Discovery Fellowship page on 2 September 2026. Stage 1 is open from 5 August to 22 September 2026. The page provides a direct Flexi-Grant application route and states funding of up to £8 million over ten years. No salary, relocation or housing amount has been inferred.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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