UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Supports early career researchers in science and engineering to conduct basic research relevant to UK intelligence, security, and defence, guided by topics set annually by the UK Intelligence Community.
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to £250,000 over 2 years (at 80% full economic cost) per fellowship; max £125,000 per year.
Summary: Supports outstanding early career researchers in science and engineering to conduct basic research relevant to UK intelligence, security, and defence sectors.
Key Information: Strict citizenship and security requirements; must be hosted at a UK institution eligible for UKRI funding.
Description
The UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, offered by the Government Office for Science in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, are designed to support early career researchers in science and engineering. The fellowships promote unclassified basic research addressing topics relevant to the UK intelligence, security, and defence communities. Each year, research topics are set by the UK Intelligence Community (IC), and fellows work in collaboration with both university and IC advisors. The programme provides not only financial support but also mentoring, expert guidance, reduced teaching loads, training, networking opportunities, and access to a broader community of awardees and Academy Fellows. The scheme is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who meet the eligibility criteria.
