The Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowships are prestigious long-term research awards designed for exceptional mid-career STEM researchers who are ready to establish or lead world-class research groups in the UK.
The programme provides up to £8 million over 10 years to support ambitious, investigator-led research and the development of outstanding research teams. International researchers can also apply, making this a particularly significant opportunity for established scientists looking to build their research career in the UK.
Program Overview: Royal Society Faraday Discovery
- Opportunity Type: Long-Term Research Fellowship / Investigator-Led Research Grant
- Organizer: Royal Society, United Kingdom
- Career Stage: Mid-career researchers / established research leaders
- Eligible Nationalities: Worldwide
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Education Requirement: PhD or equivalent research experience
- Work Experience: Typically 10–20 years of research experience after a PhD or equivalent; exceptional candidates with fewer years may also be considered
- Research Areas: STEM and the Royal Society’s natural-sciences remit, including biological sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics
- Leadership Requirement: Applicants should have experience leading research programmes, managing significant research grants and supervising researchers or equivalent leadership experience
- Nomination Required: No for the standard 2027 round
- University Admission: Not required as a student admission; applicants must have an eligible UK host institution
- Funding: Up to £8 million over 10 years
- Application Fee: £0
- Location: United Kingdom
- Deadline: 22 September 2026
Who Can Apply?
The Faraday Discovery Fellowship is not aimed at recent PhD graduates or early-career researchers. It is specifically designed for researchers who have already established a substantial research track record.
The Royal Society normally expects applicants to have:
- Around 10–20 years of research experience post-PhD
- A strong and internationally recognised research profile
- Experience managing significant research grants as a Principal Investigator
- Experience managing a research group or equivalent leadership experience
- A record of significant and original research contributions
- Established international research networks
- Evidence of contributions to research impact and research culture
Career breaks, changes in research direction and non-linear career paths are taken into account. Researchers with industrial research experience are also encouraged to apply.
Can International Researchers Apply?
Yes.
The Royal Society explicitly states that applicants can be of any nationality.
The programme is also intended to attract outstanding mid-career researchers from overseas to establish their research groups in the UK. Researchers who require a visa may be eligible for the Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement.
What Does the Fellowship Fund?
Successful applicants can request up to £8 million over 10 years.
The maximum consists of:
- Up to £6 million in core funding
- Up to an additional £2 million, subject to specific and exceptionally strong justification
The funding is intended to support the development of a world-leading research group and can cover eligible research-related costs, researchers and other resources required to deliver the proposed programme.
What Research Does It Support?
The Royal Society considers applications across its natural-sciences remit.
Potential areas include:
- Biological sciences
- Biomedical sciences
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Other eligible STEM disciplines
The Society assesses applications primarily on the track record of the candidate and the quality and vision of the proposed research.
What Makes the Fellowship Different?
The Faraday Discovery Fellowship is designed to do more than fund an individual researcher.
The programme aims to help fellows:
- Establish world-leading research teams
- Pursue ambitious, long-term scientific questions
- Recruit and train researchers
- Develop the next generation of research leaders
- Build international collaborations
- Support research translation and commercialisation where relevant
Postdoctoral researchers funded through the grant can also receive access to career development, training and networking opportunities.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The 2027 competition has two stages.
Stage 1 — Outline Application
Applicants submit:
- CV
- Summary of proposed research
- Relevant information demonstrating their research track record
Deadline: 22 September 2026
The Royal Society will assess Stage 1 applications and invite selected candidates to proceed.
Stage 2 — Full Application
Invited applicants will submit a detailed research proposal and supporting materials.
The Royal Society will then conduct committee assessment and independent peer review.
Stage 2 opens: 2 December 2026
Stage 2 deadline: 3 February 2027
There is no interview for the Faraday Discovery Fellowship. Shortlisted applicants instead have an opportunity to respond to reviewers’ comments before the final assessment.
Who Is This Best For?
Best match:
Mid-career STEM researcher + PhD/equivalent + 10–20 years research experience + research leadership + strong international profile + willing/able to establish a research group in the UK.
Not a good match:
Bachelor’s/Master’s students, recent graduates, early-career researchers without significant research leadership, or applicants looking for a personal scholarship.
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