The Royal Society is inviting applications for the Career Development Fellowship 2027. This fellowship targets early-career Black researchers in STEM. In addition, the provided source data indicates funding of up to £703,800.
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship (CDF) is a four-year postdoctoral research fellowship for talented early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
The fellowship provides research funding alongside training, mentoring, networking, and career-development opportunities to help researchers establish a successful research career in the UK.
The current scheme is being offered as a pilot for researchers from Black heritage backgrounds, particularly researchers from Black or Mixed Black African, Black Caribbean, or other Black heritage backgrounds transitioning from postgraduate study to the early postdoctoral stage.
The fellowship aims to support high-quality, curiosity-led research and help strengthen the UK scientific workforce.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The fellowship is for research in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The source specifically notes an additional Royal Society and Alzheimer’s Society Career Development Fellowship for research directly relevant to dementia, excluding clinical and interventional studies on humans.
Type:
Four-year postdoctoral research fellowship.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at talented early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
The current pilot focuses on researchers from Black heritage backgrounds, including:
- Black African heritage
- Black Caribbean heritage
- Mixed Black African heritage
- Other Black heritage backgrounds
The scheme is particularly focused on researchers making the transition from postgraduate study to the early postdoctoral stage.
The source provided does not include the full detailed eligibility criteria, so additional requirements such as nationality, degree, host institution, or years since PhD are not specified here.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The source states that applications go through an application and assessment process, but the detailed assessment criteria and selection procedure are not included in the supplied information.
The decision date for this round is 30 June 2027.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The source does not specify a list of eligible countries or nationalities.
The fellowship is intended to help researchers establish their research careers in the UK.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The fellowship supports researchers undertaking research at a UK institution.
How Many Awards?
The source does not specify the number of fellowships available for the 2027 round.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Applicants can apply for up to £703,800 over four years.
The funding can cover:
- Research Fellow salary and associated on-costs at 80%.
- Directly allocated costs at 80%.
- Research expenses at 100%.
- Relocation costs.
- Visa costs for the fellow and their dependants.
Relocation and visa costs can be requested in addition to the £703,800 grant cap.
Fellows also receive:
- Bespoke training.
- Mentoring.
- Networking opportunities.
- Career-development support.
- Leadership training.
- Science communication training.
- Public engagement opportunities.
- Opportunities connected with science policy and schools engagement.
The scheme also provides flexibility for personal circumstances, including part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments. Support is available for maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoptive leave, extended sick leave, and childcare costs associated with eligible professional activities.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The fellowship lasts four years.
Key dates for the 2027 round:
- 22 September 2026: Applications open
- 18 November 2026: Applications close
- 30 June 2027: Decision
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted through the Royal Society Flexi-Grant system.
Applicants should review the Career Development Fellowship scheme notes and Royal Society Funding Guidance for the full funding and application requirements.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
