Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates: October 29, 2026, at 4pm (University host applications) | Mid-January 2027 (Student placement information) | January 19, 2027 (Awards and agreements) | January 19–March 3, 2027 (Host recruitment) | March–April 2027 (Student notifications) | June 28–September 3, 2027 (Placement window) | September 2027 (Celebration event)
Funding Amounts: Approximately £50,000 per institution for six eight-week placements, including £4,588 per student in stipends
Summary: Research Ready funds summer research placements at UK universities to help underrepresented undergraduates and recent graduates progress into science and engineering research.
Key Information: Each host application must provide six placements, whether submitted by one university or jointly by two.
Description
Research Ready is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering in partnership with the Royal Society, with support from the Leverhulme Trust. It funds eight-week summer research placements at UK universities for undergraduates and recent graduates from groups underrepresented in science, engineering and technology. Universities design and deliver the placements and recruit participants. Applied or discovery research is eligible, with particular encouragement for emerging and interdisciplinary research.
The programme aims to help participants develop research expertise, understand career routes and build confidence in progressing towards postgraduate research. It also supports university departments in developing equitable, inclusive research environments. Hosts benefit from fresh research insights and opportunities to develop inclusive leadership, while contributing to a research community better equipped to reflect and respond to society’s needs.
