The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) invites applications for the Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) Round 11, offering exceptional opportunities for early career researchers and innovators to establish independence and develop ambitious projects across the UK. The fellowships provide long-term funding, mentoring, and career development support, enabling fellows to tackle novel challenges and contribute to transformative research and innovation.

The FLF scheme is funded by multiple UKRI councils, including:

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Innovate UK
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

The total fund available for this round is £110,000,000.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The FLF program aims to:

Develop, retain, and attract high-potential research and innovation talent in the UK.
Foster new career paths across academic, business, and interdisciplinary sectors.
Support ambitious research or innovation programmes with long-term, flexible funding.
Enable fellows to develop as influential leaders, delivering societal and economic impact through their work.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be researchers or innovators who are either establishing independence or transitioning to independent roles. Applicants can be based at academic or non-academic organisations eligible for UKRI funding.

Key Requirements:

Must be supported by a UK-based host organisation eligible to receive UKRI funding.
No restrictions based on permanent or open-ended positions.
Fellowship duration may be up to seven years, with an initial funding period of four years and the option to extend for an additional three years.
Joint applications on a job-share basis are permitted and must clearly outline responsibilities.

Not Eligible:

Applicants who have already achieved research or innovation independence.
Senior academics or established innovators managing significant independent programmes.

Fellowship Scope and Expectations

The FLF encourages applicants to pursue research and innovation across the full spectrum of UKRI’s remit, including:

Arts, humanities, social sciences, and the five critical technologies identified by the Department for Science and Innovation.
Innovative translation of ideas into products, services, processes, or business models that generate economic or social value.

Applicants are encouraged to include activities such as:

Developing international collaborations and networks.
Participating in professional development, training, and mentoring.
Engaging in cross-sector experience to enhance research or innovation leadership.

The fellowship may consist of a single programme or multiple interlinked projects (Portfolio Fellowship). Flexibility is allowed to respond to emerging research opportunities or business needs.

Funding and Support

UKRI funds 80% of the full economic cost (FEC), with no minimum or maximum limit.
Previous awards have ranged from £300,000 to over £2 million.
Host organisations must commit to salary support, tapering over the fellowship period.
Academic hosts must offer an open-ended UK-based position during or upon completion of the fellowship.
Clinical applicants may spend a limited proportion of time on clinical duties, with specific allowances for patient-oriented research.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

UKRI promotes inclusive and equitable funding processes, supporting applicants from diverse backgrounds, including:

Those taking career breaks or with caring responsibilities.
Applicants adopting flexible or alternative working patterns.
International researchers eligible under the Global Talent visa.
Individuals requiring disability or accessibility support.

Application Process

Applications for academic-hosted fellows are submitted via the UKRI Funding Service, and non-academic hosted applicants use the Innovation Funding Service.
Each academic organisation is subject to a cap on the number of applicants; internal shortlisting is required.
Host organisations must provide inclusive selection statements and diversity monitoring data as part of the application process.

Timeline

Closing Date (academic applicants): 16 June 2026, 4:00pm UK time
Closing Date (non-academic applicants): 4 November 2026, 11:00am UK time
Webinars for Applicants and Hosts: March 2026
Interview Panels: May 2027

Career Development

The FLF prioritises fellows’ career progression, providing:

Protected time for research or innovation.
Access to international networks and collaborations.
Training in leadership, commercialisation, policy, and professional skills.

This comprehensive support ensures fellows can fully realise their potential and deliver high-impact research or innovation outcomes.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.