Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Faraday Stage 2, invited) | June 2027 (Exchanges Round 2) | September 2027 (Exchanges Round 3) | September 2027 (URF) | September 2027 (Faraday Stage 1) | February 2028 (Faraday Stage 2, invited)
Funding Amounts: URF: up to £1,907,400 over eight years; Exchanges: up to £12,000, plus overseas cost-share support where applicable; Faraday: up to £8 million over ten years
Summary: Royal Society fellowships and exchanges support independent scientific careers, UK research teams and new international collaborations.
Key Information: These are Royal Society programmes highlighted by the NRF, with distinct career-stage and location requirements.
Description
The National Research Foundation highlights three Royal Society programmes supporting scientific research, career development and international collaboration. The University Research Fellowship (URF) gives outstanding early-career scientists long-term support to build independent research careers in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Faraday Discovery Fellowships support mid-career research leaders developing world-leading teams and pursuing high-quality, original research in the UK.
International Exchanges supports UK-based scientists establishing new collaborations overseas through short visits or bilateral travel. It provides seed funding to develop ideas, gather preliminary data and exchange expertise. Global rounds cover countries and territories outside the UK, while Cost Share rounds involve partner funders in Italy, Japan, China and Taiwan. Eligible South African researchers are encouraged to explore the opportunities.
