The Royal Society Career Development Scholarship 2027

This scheme supports talented early-career researchers from underrepresented (Black) heritage to undertake four-year postdoctoral research with funding, mentoring and training to establish a research  career in the UK.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 18, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorThe Royal Society
• City to studyDundee, Cambridge, Coventry, Bournemouth, Birmingham, London, London, London, Birmingham, Birmingham, London, Lincoln, London, Bournemouth, London, London, Wycombe, Cambridge, London, Cardiff, Cardiff, Wrexham, London, Coventry, London, Leicester, London, Ormskirk, Edinburgh, Falmouth
• School to studyAbertay University, Aberystwyth University, Anglia Ruskin University, Arden University, Arts University Bournemouth, Aston University, Bangor University, Bath Spa University, Beacon Change Makers, Beit Trust, Birkbeck University of London, Birmingham City University, Birmingham Newman University (BNU), Bishop Grosseteste University, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), Boston University, Bournemouth University, BPP University, Brunel University London, Buckinghamshire New University, Cambridge Regional College, Canterbury Christ Church University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Centre for Alternative Technology, City University London, Coventry University London, Cranfield University, De Montfort University, Durham University, Edge Hill University, Edinburgh Napier University, Falmouth University, Fund for Women Graduates (FfWG)
• Course to studyBiological Sciences , Biomedial Science , Chemistry , Engineering , Mathematics , Physics
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Contribution to the Research Fellow’s salary and associated on-costs (at 80%)
• Directly allocated costs (at 80%)
• Research expenses (at 100%)
• Relocation and visa costs for themselves and their dependants (partner and children) can be requested in addition to the total grant cap of £703,800 over four years.

Requirements

• You self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background; 
• You are a UK national or you have completed a part of your education in the UK through your Undergraduate, Master’s or PhD degree studies or you hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK;
• You have a PhD, or will have one by the time the funding starts, but have less than 24 months post-doctoral experience
  and
• Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. 

Selection Process

• Applications are primarily assessed based on scientific merit of the individual(s) and the research proposed . Note that criteria for success is specific to each scheme and will be detailed in the individual scheme notes. 
• We regularly review and revise policies and processes to embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per assessment criteria. 

Application Documents

biological sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, visit The Royal Society scholarship webpage.