Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: November 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (2027/28 university nominations) | Late May–early June 2027 (Interviews) | July 2027 (Award announcement)
Funding Amounts: Approximately HK$5.6 million per fellowship over 60 months; ten RFS awards planned for 2027/28
Summary: Supports mid-career researchers across all disciplines with research funding and teaching relief to advance research and nurture local talent.
Key Information: University nomination is required; RFS targets tenured/substantiated Associate Professors at UGC-funded universities.
Description
The RGC Research Fellow Scheme (RFS), run by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, provides sustained support for outstanding mid-career researchers at Associate Professor rank at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Covering all academic disciplines, it combines research funding with relief from teaching and administrative duties, enabling fellows to advance internationally leading research while developing the next generation of local research talent.
The fellowship is intended to move a researcher’s work to a new level over five years, rather than simply extend a General Research Fund project. Research leadership, mentoring success and clear plans to train postdoctoral fellows and/or research postgraduate students are central priorities. Fellows are expected to commit to the full fellowship period, with research time no less than specified in their nomination or agreed by the RGC.
