Applications open for Faraday Discovery Fellowship Program

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The Faraday Discovery Fellowship Program supports exceptional mid-career research leaders to conduct ambitious, high-quality STEM research in the UK. Fellows can receive up to £8 million over 10 years, including up to £6 million in core funding and up to £2 million in additional funding for justified needs such as major equipment.

About the Faraday Discovery Fellowship Program

The Faraday Discovery Fellowship Program is designed to attract and retain outstanding research leaders from the UK and around the world. The programme provides long-term, stable funding that enables established researchers to build world-leading research groups, pursue ambitious scientific questions, and develop the next generation of research leaders. There are no specific thematic priorities. Applications are assessed primarily on the applicant’s research track record and the quality, ambition, and vision of the proposed research. Fellowship Funding Successful applicants can receive up to £8 million over 10 years.

The funding structure includes:

Up to £6 million in core funding. Up to £2 million in additional funding where there is strong justification, such as significant equipment requirements. The long-term funding model gives researchers greater flexibility to develop their research programmes and respond to emerging scientific opportunities. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship is intended to provide researchers with the resources and stability needed to establish and lead world-class research programmes. Other research-related requirements justified within the proposal. Career Development and Research Leadership A major objective of the programme is to develop the next generation of research leaders. Fellows will have opportunities to support researchers within their groups through: Mentoring. Training. Networking. Career development. Research leadership experience. The programme also includes a career development package for postdoctoral researchers. Flexibility for Researchers The fellowship recognizes that researchers may have different career circumstances. The scheme can accommodate circumstances such as:

Part-time working

Career breaks. Other personal circumstances affecting research careers. Childcare costs associated with conferences and research visits. This flexibility is intended to help talented researchers maintain and develop successful research careers. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be established research leaders with a strong record of research achievement.

They should generally have:

10–20 years of research experience after obtaining a PhD or equivalent qualification. A strong research track record. Experience managing significant research grants. Experience leading research groups. A clear and ambitious research vision. A permanent academic position or be in the later stages of a recognised long-term research fellowship. International Applicants Researchers of any nationality can apply. However, successful applicants must be based in the United Kingdom to undertake the fellowship. International researchers who require immigration permission may be able to use the Global Talent Visa fast-track process, subject to the applicable requirements. What Will Applications Be Assessed On? There are no prescribed research themes. Instead, applications are assessed on the strength of the researcher and the proposed research.

Important considerations include:

Researcher’s track record. Quality of previous research. Research leadership experience. Ambition of the proposed research. Scientific originality. Quality and clarity of the research vision. Potential to establish a world-leading research group. Ability to train and mentor future research leaders. Research at the Frontiers of Science The programme encourages ambitious research that addresses challenging scientific questions. It welcomes research at the frontiers of science as well as research that can contribute to wider resilience and prosperity.

Examples include research relating to:

Quantum technologies. Advanced materials. Engineering biology. Artificial intelligence. Net Zero technologies. Other emerging scientific and technological fields. Benefits of the Fellowship The Faraday Discovery Fellowship offers researchers a combination of substantial funding and long-term stability.

Key benefits include:

Up to £8 million over 10 years. Long-term support for ambitious research. Flexibility in research direction. Opportunities to establish world-leading teams. Support for mentoring and researcher development. Career development opportunities. International eligibility. Flexibility for personal and career circumstances. Opportunities to contribute to the development of future research leaders. Key Facts at a Glance

Programme: Faraday Discovery Fellowship Program

Maximum funding: £8 million

Core funding: Up to £6 million

Additional funding: Up to £2 million with justification

Maximum duration: 10 years

Research areas: All STEM disciplines within the Royal Society’s remit

Thematic priorities: None

Career stage: Mid-career research leaders

Post-PhD experience: Generally 10–20 years

Nationality: Any nationality

Academic position: Permanent post or latter stages of a recognised long-term fellowship

Leadership experience: Required

Major grant management experience: Required

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Faraday Discovery Fellowship? It is a long-term fellowship programme supporting exceptional mid-career STEM researchers to develop world-leading research programmes and research teams in the UK. How much funding is available? Researchers can apply for up to £8 million over 10 years, including up to £6 million in core funding and up to £2 million in additional funding where justified. Which research disciplines are eligible? The programme covers STEM fields within the Royal Society’s remit, including biological sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and phy