UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Forecasted
UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships support early-career scientists and engineers undertaking unclassified basic research to address intelligence, security and defence priorities.
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £250,000 over two years, covering 80% of full economic costs
Summary: Supports early-career scientists and engineers undertaking unclassified basic research relevant to intelligence, security and defence.
Key Information: Restricted citizenship eligibility applies, and fellows must pass a basic security check.
Description
The Government Office for Science offers UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, for outstanding early-career researchers across science and engineering. The programme funds unclassified basic research addressing topics identified annually by the intelligence, security and defence communities. Applicants develop proposals with a university research advisor and, if awarded, collaborate with an IC Advisor responsible for the chosen topic.
Research areas have included radar, antennas, quantum sensors, forensic analysis, artificial intelligence, cybercrime and security-related behaviour. Fellows receive mentoring from an Academy Fellow, expert IC advice, training and networking opportunities, and access to the Awardee Excellence Community. The 2026 awards were jointly funded by the Government Office for Science and UK Research and Innovation.
