Funder: Royal Society
Due Dates: October 29, 2026, 3:00 PM UK time (Application and host approval)
Funding Amounts: Up to £1,907,400 over eight years; up to seven awards planned
Summary: Supports early-career natural scientists needing flexible working to develop independent research careers at UK institutions.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate a current, ongoing need for flexibility due to personal circumstances.
Description
The Royal Society’s Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship provides a first step towards an independent research career for outstanding early-career scientists who need flexible support. It funds innovative natural sciences research, including biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics. The scheme is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
The eight-year fellowship offers research freedom alongside part-time working and extended leave provisions for health reasons or caring responsibilities. Fellows receive tailored professional development, mentoring, networking and engagement opportunities, and join a supportive community of researchers. The programme aims to help fellows establish their own research vision, develop as research leaders and build independent careers at UK universities or research institutions.
