Are you an internationally-recognized research leader ready to take your expertise to new heights in the UK? The Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2025 Round 2, offering a powerful opportunity for mid- and senior-career researchers to relocate, lead innovative projects, and shape the future of STEM fields in Britain.
About the Fellowship
Jointly funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation, this prestigious five-year fellowship aims to:
- Support the strategic recruitment of globally leading scientists to UK institutions
- Boost research excellence in critical disciplines
- Enable outstanding research through flexible, long-term funding
This opportunity is tailored for overseas-based researchers with a strong academic reputation and a confirmed offer of employment from a UK university or not-for-profit research institute.
What the Fellowship Offers?
Successful applicants may request up to £300,000 over five years, with the following benefits:
- Salary Enhancement: Up to 20% of your salary may be covered
- Research Expenses: Including equipment (up to £10,000), travel, fieldwork, and visa costs
- PhD Studentships and Research Assistance funding
- Relocation Support: Visa and relocation costs for fellows and their dependents (spouse/partner and children)
- Additional Funding Flexibility: The total grant cap can be exceeded to accommodate justified relocation and visa needs
Also included are:
- Career development support (leadership, science communication, public engagement)
- EDI-compliant flexibility for part-time work, parental leave, sick leave, and conference-related childcare costs
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to you if:
- You are a mid-career or senior researcher with a proven international track record (e.g., high-impact publications, keynote talks, mentoring roles)
- You are currently based outside the UK and have a confirmed job offer from a UK research institution
- Your research falls within the natural sciences, including (but not limited to): Biology & biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, and mathematics.
- Applicants of any nationality are welcome
- Eligible applicants can use the Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement route.
Note: This scheme does not support applicants moving between UK institutions.
Apply: https://royalsociety.org/grants/royal-society-wolfson-fellowship/
Application Timeline
The application process for the Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship 2025 (Round 2) opened on 11 June 2025. Interested applicants must submit their complete applications no later than 04 September 2025. Final decisions on successful candidates will be announced by 31 December 2025.