Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellowships
Forecasted
Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellowships support UK engineering academics pursuing research with industry to develop new products, processes and services with societal and economic benefit.
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Access Mentoring) | March 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to £450,000 over five years, with host institution and industrial sponsor contributions
Summary: Supports UK engineering academics leading applied research with industry to develop products, processes and services with societal and economic benefit.
Key Information: Applicants must secure industrial sponsor support before applying and hold a permanent academic position or unconditional offer.
Description
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellowships strengthen links between industry and academia. The scheme supports UK-based academics in any engineering discipline to lead ambitious, use-inspired research addressing industrial needs and real-world engineering challenges. Collaborative programmes should combine world-class underpinning research with opportunities to develop new products, processes and services that deliver societal and economic benefit.
Awards help establish or enhance world-leading research groups and turn existing industry relationships into focused, long-term partnerships. Alongside funding, awardees receive protected research time through reduced teaching and administrative duties, mentoring from an Academy Fellow, training and networking opportunities. Awardees are expected to disseminate research outcomes and build a self-sustaining group by securing substantial external grant income before the award ends.
