Overview
Deadline: November 18, 2026 Applications for the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027 are now open. This scheme provides the most talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM with research funding and high-quality training opportunities to build a strong base for a successful research career. The Career Development Fellowship (CDF) is a four-year,
Complete fellowship details
Deadline: November 18, 2026
Applications for the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027 are now open. This scheme provides the most talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM with research funding and high-quality training opportunities to build a strong base for a successful research career.
The Career Development Fellowship (CDF) is a four-year, postdoctoral research fellowship that aims to support the retention in STEM of researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. Fellowships will provide funding to conduct high-quality research and a comprehensive programme of mentoring, training and networking opportunities to support award holders in establishing a successful research career in the UK.
This fellowship aims to:
Support talented early career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in taking the first step towards establishing their research in a UK institution.
Provide researchers with the opportunity to undertake high-quality curiosity-led research.
Provide the most promising researchers with the mentoring, networking opportunities, training and support required to establish a successful research career in the UK.
Support talented researchers from underrepresented groups to pursue a career in STEM and strengthen the UK scientific workforce.
Funding
Applicants can apply for up to £703,800 over four years.
Funds can cover:
Contribution to the Research Fellow’s salary and associated on-costs (at 80%)
Directly allocated costs (at 80%)
Research expenses (at 100%)
Relocation and visa costs for themselves and their dependants (partner and children) can be requested in addition to the total grant cap of £703,800 over four years.
Eligibility
This scheme is for you if:
You self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background;
You are a UK national or you have completed a part of your education in the UK through your Undergraduate, Master’s or PhD degree studies or you hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK;
You have a PhD, or will have one by the time the funding starts, but have less than 24 months post-doctoral experience;
Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.
Both UK and non-UK domiciled researchers who wish to conduct their research in the UK are eligible. Applicants can be of any nationality and those requiring a visa are eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa under the fast-track process of endorsement.
Application
Click here to apply
For more information, visit Royal Society Career Development Fellowship .
Tips for this fellowship
Practical JobOpportunity guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- 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.
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- Treat “fully funded” as a source fact only when the official provider explicitly confirms the covered costs.
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