Deadline: 25-Nov-2025
The Faraday Discovery Fellowships Accelerated International Route Programme provides a fast-track option for attracting mid-career researchers looking to relocate to the UK from overseas.
The aims of the Faraday Discovery Fellowships Accelerated Route are to: Attract the most talented mid-career research leaders to the UK – attracting outstanding mid-career researchers from overseas and retaining them in the UK, in the longer term as well as their groups/teams. Fund high-quality original research – providing long-term funding to enable talented mid-career researchers to focus on their research vision and address the most challenging research questions (including supporting translation or commercialisation where those are part of their long-term vision for their research).
Develop world leading research groups/teams in the UK – providing long-term, stable levels of support to enable the UK-based award holder to establish world-leading groups/teams and pursue their research. Train the next generation – providing the next generation of research leaders with a programme of mentoring, training and networking. A career development package including training and events will also be made available to PDRAs in their research group funded on the grant. They will monitor others in the research group including (early career researchers, PDRAs, PhD students and technicians) to evaluate the impact of the funding on their careers.
The scheme provides up to £4 million in funding over a five-year period to support the development of world-leading research groups. Flexibility is offered to accommodate personal circumstances such as part-time working, sabbaticals, and secondments. Provision is also made for parental leave, extended sick leave, and childcare costs arising from conferences or research visits.
Fellows and their teams benefit from career development and engagement opportunities, including training in leadership, science communication, and public engagement, alongside activities coordinated by the Royal Society’s policy and schools engagement teams.
Eligibility is restricted to applicants currently based overseas, who are mid-career researchers with 10 to 20 years of post-PhD research experience, although exceptional candidates with fewer years may also be considered. Candidates with career breaks, non-linear paths, or changes in discipline are welcomed. Applicants must be recognised leaders in their field, demonstrate significant research contributions within the last 10 years, show evidence of international networks, and contribute widely to research culture.
Eligible host organisations include higher education institutions funded by UK bodies, research institutes with long-term national funding involvement, approved independent research organisations, and public sector research establishments. Businesses may collaborate with eligible hosts but cannot hold the grant directly.
The accelerated international route is intended for situations where a fast-tracked recruitment is strategically advantageous, time-sensitive, or arises from exceptional circumstances. Successful candidates must secure a full-time permanent contract with their UK host organisation before the award can commence.
Applications are assessed by a Selection Committee of experts, with each application reviewed by at least two members. Shortlisted applications may be recommended directly for funding or referred for independent peer review. Approximately three fellowships will be awarded annually through this route, with start dates agreed at the offer stage.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.
