The Royal Society has officially opened Round 3 of applications for its prestigious Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025–2026, offering a golden gateway for international scientific leaders to collaborate with top UK universities and research institutions.
This fully funded opportunity is tailored for experienced researchers looking to take a sabbatical for up to 12 months — or spread their visit flexibly over two years — while nurturing global research partnerships and enriching UK science.
What is the Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship?
Jointly funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Royal Society, the Visiting Fellowship enables internationally recognized senior researchers to spend a sabbatical period at a UK institution. The goal? To foster long-term international research collaborations, contribute to the UK’s scientific ecosystem, and share cutting-edge expertise in the natural sciences.
The Benefits and Funding Highlights
Fellows may request funding up to £125,000, which can be used for:
- Bursary: Up to £80,000 per annum (full-time), depending on the host institution’s discretion.
- Research costs: Travel, fieldwork, consumables, and small equipment — up to £10,000.
- Relocation and visa support for the Fellow and their dependents (spouse/children), with flexibility to exceed the grant cap if well justified.
- Childcare expenses during conferences or research-related travel.
- Option for part-time work, sabbaticals, and support for maternity/paternity/extended sick leave.
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for:
- Senior international research leaders or established scientists with a proven track record.
- Researchers who have a firm offer from a UK host university or research institution.
- Those working in the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit, including but not limited to: Biology and biomedical sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics.
Visa Support
International applicants of any nationality are eligible. Those requiring a visa may apply through the Global Talent Visa fast-track route, supported by the Royal Society.
Apply: https://royalsociety.org/grants/royal-society-wolfson-visiting-fellowship/
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2025–2026 (Round 3) is as follows: The application portal opened on 11 June 2025, and all complete submissions must be received by the application deadline of 4 September 2025.
The final funding decisions for this round will be communicated by 31 December 2025.
