The UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) will grow the strong supply of talented individuals needed to ensure that UK research and innovation continues to be world class.Â
Application Deadline:
- 16 June 2026, 4:00 p.m. UK time
Tell Me About The Fellowship:
The Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), provide long-term, flexible support for early-career researchers and innovators across disciplines. Round 11 offers up to £110 million in funding to help fellows establish independence, pursue ambitious research or innovation, and develop into impactful leaders.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- All UKRI remits: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Natural Environment, Biotechnology, and Technology Facilities.
- Innovation projects translating disruptive ideas into products, services, or systems.
- Priority areas include the five critical technologies in the UK Science and Technology Framework.
Type:
- Fellowship | Early-Career Research & Innovation Leadership
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be researchers or innovators transitioning to or establishing independence.
- Be hosted by a UK-based eligible organisation (academic or non-academic).
- Demonstrate originality, ambition, and leadership potential.
- Have host organisation support (including salary commitment).
Not eligible if:
- Already independent (e.g., managing significant programmes or holding funding at this career stage).
- Senior academics or innovators.
How are Fellows Selected?
Applications must show:
- Clear objectives and delivery plan.
- Suitability of applicant to lead the work.
- Career development potential and benefit to others.
- Host organisation support.
- Ethical and Responsible Research & Innovation (RRI) considerations.
Selection involves peer review and panel assessment. Academic host organisations face application caps, with diversity monitoring required.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Applicants must be based at UK organisations. International collaborators are allowed under UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) framework.
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
- UK-based organisations (universities, NHS trusts, charities, catapults, or eligible non-academic institutions).
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; funding pool is £110 million.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
- Funding for up to 7 years (initial 4 years + optional 3-year extension).
- Salary support (tapered, with host organisation increasing contribution).
- Flexible funding for research, innovation, training, and career development.
- Opportunities for international collaboration, skills development, and sector mobility.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- Up to 7 years (4 years initially, renewable for 3 more).
How to Apply:
- Apply via the UKRI Funding Service (academic hosts) or Innovation Funding Service (non-academic hosts).
- Create an account, confirm eligibility, and complete application form.
- Include research proposal, career development plan, costs, and host support.
- Submit via host organisation’s research office by 16 June 2026.
