Applications are now open for the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships 2026/27. This highly competitive 5-year programme supports outstanding early-career researchers in engineering to become future research leaders.
The fellowship provides substantial funding and protected research time at a UK university or research organisation. It is open to researchers from all nationalities who completed their PhD recently. There is no application fee.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Post-PhD (early-career researchers)
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026 (5:00 PM BST) – Expression of Interest
- Programme Duration: 5 years
- Funding Type: Partially funded (up to £800,000 from the Academy)
- Nationalities Eligible: Open to all nationalities
- Start Date: Between 1 August 2027 and 31 October 2027
- Application Fee: None
What this Scholarship Offers:
- Up to £800,000 funding over five years (80% of full economic costs)
- Protected research time with reduced teaching and administrative duties
- A competitive salary as part of the funding package
- Funding for equipment, experiments, travel, and engagement activities
- Personal mentoring from an experienced Academy Fellow
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- Membership in the Academy’s Awardee Excellence Community for networking
- Strong platform to establish your international reputation as a research leader
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have been awarded (or unconditionally approved) your PhD no earlier than 25 December 2021 (4 years + 6 months margin allowed for this round)
- Plan to carry out the fellowship at a UK university or UKRI-eligible research organisation
- Propose research in an engineering subject area (broadly defined)
- Obtain formal support from your chosen host institution
- Be able to start the fellowship between August and October 2027
Note: There are no age or nationality restrictions. Part-time fellowships (minimum 50%) are allowed.
Eligible Fields:
The fellowship is open to all areas of engineering. Eligible fields include:
- Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
- Materials and Mining
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Transport and Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing and Design
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy and Power Engineering
- Medical and Bioengineering
- Computing and Communications
- Emerging and Multi-disciplinary Engineering
- Other engineering fields
How to Apply:
- Register on the Royal Academy of Engineering Grants Management System.
- Complete the Expression of Interest form (Stage 1).
- Get a formal declaration letter from your host institution.
- Submit your application by 25 June 2026, 5:00 PM BST.
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full application in December 2026.
