Applications are open for the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027 - a four-year postdoctoral research fellowship supporting talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM with research funding plus mentoring, training, and networking to build a strong UK research career.
The scheme is currently offered as a pilot for researchers from Black heritage (including mixed Black backgrounds). Applicants can request up to £703,800 over four years. Deadline: 18 November 2026. Decisions expected by 30 June 2027.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Royal Society scheme page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | The Royal Society (funded by BIST and Royal Society charitable funds) |
| Host country | United Kingdom |
| Duration | 4 years postdoctoral research fellowship |
| Funding | Up to £703,800 over four years |
| Career stage | Early career (PhD held or will hold by start; <24 months postdoctoral experience) |
| Remit | Natural sciences (biology/biomedical, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and related) |
| Open date | 22 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 18 November 2026 |
| Decision by | 30 June 2027 |
| Apply | Royal Society Flexi-Grant® |
Benefits
- Up to £703,800 over four years for high-quality curiosity-led research
- Contribution to Research Fellow salary and associated on-costs (at 80%)
- Directly allocated costs (at 80%) and research expenses (at 100%)
- Relocation and visa costs for the fellow and dependants (partner and children) can be requested in addition to the £703,800 cap
- Bespoke programme of mentoring, training, networking, and engagement
- Access to Royal Society Research Fellow career development opportunities (leadership, science communication, public engagement, and more)
- Flexibility for part-time working, leave provisions, and childcare support for eligible research travel
- Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement eligibility for applicants who require a visa
Eligibility
- Self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background
- UK national or completed part of education in the UK (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD) or hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK
- Hold a PhD, or will have one by the time funding starts, with less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
- Research within the Royal Society remit of natural sciences
- UK and non-UK domiciled researchers who will conduct research in the UK may apply; any nationality welcome
Read the official scheme notes before applying to confirm you meet every requirement.
How to Apply
- Review the scheme on the official Royal Society Career Development Fellowship page.
- Confirm Black heritage eligibility, UK education/postdoc link (or UK nationality), PhD timing, and natural sciences remit.
- Prepare your research proposal and host arrangements for a UK institution.
- Submit via Flexi-Grant® by 18 November 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an in-person interview at the Royal Society.
Official Links
Royal Society Career Development Fellowship (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027/2028
- CEES Fellowship Program 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027
When is the deadline?
18 November 2026. Applications opened 22 September 2026; decisions expected by 30 June 2027.
How much funding is available?
Up to £703,800 over four years, with relocation and visa costs for the fellow and dependants requestable above that cap.
Who can apply?
Early career researchers from Black heritage (including mixed Black backgrounds) with a UK nationality, UK education, or UK postdoctoral link, a PhD (or PhD by start) and under 24 months postdoctoral experience, proposing natural sciences research in the UK.
Where do I apply?
Through the Royal Society Flexi-Grant® system.
Is there an Alzheimer’s Society stream?
Yes - a partnership stream funds one applicant whose research is directly relevant to dementia (excluding clinical and interventional studies on humans). See the official page for details.
