RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme
The JRFS supports promising postdoctoral researchers at Hong Kong UGC-funded universities to conduct independent research and transition into junior academic roles across all disciplines.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026: Call for Nominations opens (projected) | October 2026: Nomination submission deadline, 17:00 (projected)
Funding Amounts: Around HK$425,000/year stipend for 2 years (may extend to 3 years); HK$140,000/year research support if appointed as Assistant Professor/RAP during fellowship.
Summary: Supports promising postdoctoral researchers at Hong Kong UGC-funded universities to foster research talent and facilitate transition into junior academic roles.
Key Information: Only UGC-funded universities may nominate candidates; up to 60 fellowships awarded annually.
Description
The Junior Research Fellow Scheme (JRFS) is a competitive fellowship program by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council aimed at nurturing early-career postdoctoral researchers at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. The scheme provides resources and structured support for fellows to conduct full-time postdoctoral research for 24 months, with a possible extension to 36 months. It also facilitates the transition of fellows into junior academic positions (Assistant Professor or Research Assistant Professor) at UGC-funded institutions. The JRFS is open to all academic disciplines, grouped into two broad streams: (i) Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies, and (ii) Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology. The program seeks to attract both local and international research talent to strengthen Hong Kong’s research and development landscape.
