Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The Royal Society Visiting Fellowship Programme supports short-term scientific research collaborations between researchers in Hong Kong and academics based in the UK or USA. The scheme funds up to three-month research visits in natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics, with grants of up to £3,000 covering travel and subsistence costs.
Programme Overview
This fellowship promotes high-level international collaboration between leading universities in Hong Kong and research institutions in the UK or USA. It enables visiting researchers to undertake joint scientific projects, strengthen academic partnerships, and advance knowledge in natural sciences and related disciplines.
The programme is administered through the Royal Society and supports mobility-based research exchange rather than long-term appointments.
Eligible Research Areas
The fellowship supports research in:
- Biological sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Interdisciplinary natural sciences
- Clinical science (in some cases, if research-based)
The focus is on fundamental and applied scientific collaboration with strong academic value.
Eligible Host Institutions in Hong Kong
Applicants must collaborate with one of the following institutions:
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- University of Hong Kong
Fellowship Duration and Timing
- Maximum visit duration: up to 3 months
- Start window: at least 5 months after application closing date
- Final eligibility deadline: projects must begin by 31 March 2027
- Optional extension: up to 1 year (no-cost extension available)
The programme is designed for short, focused research visits.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: £3,000 per fellowship
- Covers:
- International airfare (economy or club class APEX fares)
- Accommodation costs
- Subsistence expenses during visit
Restrictions:
- Only direct travel between Hong Kong and UK/USA is funded
- No third-country travel is allowed
- Funding is strictly for exchange purposes only
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must hold a PhD or equivalent research experience
- Must be employed at a university or not-for-profit research institution
- Must hold a permanent or fixed-term contract covering the fellowship period
- Must already be based at their institution at time of application
- Retired researchers may apply if affiliated with a host institution
Additional rules:
- UK/USA lead applicant must initiate application
- Hong Kong researcher acts as co-applicant
- Only one application per round is allowed
- Existing award holders must complete prior projects before reapplying
Ineligible Applications
Applications are not eligible if they:
- Involve only UK–USA collaboration without Hong Kong participation
- Include travel via third countries
- Seek to extend existing fellowships
- Exceed permitted duration or funding limits
- Do not involve eligible institutions
Application Process
Key steps include:
- Application initiated via the Flexi-Grant system
- Submission by UK/USA-based lead applicant
- Joint project proposal with Hong Kong co-applicant
- Clear research plan outlining collaboration goals
- Defined visit schedule and research outputs
Only one collaborative project is supported per application.
Objectives of the Programme
The fellowship aims to:
- Strengthen UK/USA–Hong Kong scientific collaboration
- Promote high-level research exchange in natural sciences
- Enable knowledge transfer between leading institutions
- Support short-term mobility of senior researchers
- Foster long-term academic partnerships
- Encourage interdisciplinary scientific innovation
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Enhances global scientific collaboration
- Strengthens Hong Kong’s role in international research networks
- Supports early-stage and advanced scientific innovation
- Enables access to world-class research facilities
- Promotes mobility and academic exchange
- Encourages interdisciplinary discoveries in natural sciences
- Builds long-term institutional partnerships
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be rejected if they:
- Do not include a Hong Kong partner institution
- Exceed the 3-month visit limit
- Include non-eligible travel routes or third countries
- Lack a clear research collaboration plan
- Fail to meet PhD or equivalent experience requirements
- Are submitted by ineligible institutions or individuals
- Attempt to extend existing fellowships improperly
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define a focused scientific research question
- Demonstrate strong collaboration between institutions
- Highlight mutual academic benefits for both partners
- Provide a realistic timeline for a short-term visit
- Ensure alignment with natural science priorities
- Show clear research outputs (papers, datasets, etc.)
- Confirm institutional support from both sides
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Researchers in the UK or USA collaborating with Hong Kong university researchers.
What is the funding amount?
Up to £3,000 per fellowship.
What is the duration of the visit?
Up to 3 months.
Which fields are eligible?
Natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics.
Which institutions in Hong Kong are eligible?
Five major universities, including HKU, CUHK, and HKUST.
Can travel include other countries?
No, only direct UK/USA–Hong Kong travel is allowed.
Can I reapply if I already have an award?
Not until the previous project is completed and reported.
Conclusion
The Royal Society Visiting Fellowship Programme provides a focused and highly competitive opportunity for short-term scientific collaboration between Hong Kong and the UK or USA. By supporting mobility-based research in natural sciences, it strengthens international academic partnerships and promotes high-impact scientific discovery through direct institutional cooperation.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.