Note: This fellowship application cycle has expired. The following information is for reference purposes only.
Royal Society UK Wolfson Fellowship 2025 – Lead Global Research in the UK
The Royal Society UK Wolfson Fellowship 2025 was a prestigious opportunity for internationally recognized researchers to lead cutting-edge scientific research in the UK. Offering up to £300,000 in funding over five years, the fellowship enabled top scientists to establish long-term research programs at UK universities or non-profit research institutions.
Application Deadline: 4 September 2025
Funding: Up to £300,000
Duration: Up to 5 years
Location: United Kingdom
About the Wolfson Fellowship
The Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, jointly funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation, was created to attract world-class researchers to the UK. It targeted individuals with a proven track record or strong leadership potential in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
Objectives of the Fellowship:
Build critical research capacity in key scientific areas
Strengthen the UK’s global standing in research
Promote long-term collaboration between researchers and institutions
The fellowship was ideal for senior scientists looking to make a strategic impact in UK research.
Who Could Apply?
The fellowship welcomed global applicants, particularly candidates who:
Were based outside the UK at the time of application
Held senior academic or research positions
Had international recognition in their field
Were willing to relocate and commit long-term to a UK institution
Aligned their research with the host institution’s strategic priorities
Diversity Encouragement: Researchers from underrepresented groups and women in STEM were strongly encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
The Wolfson Fellowship offered a comprehensive support package, including:
Salary Enhancement: Up to 20% of base salary
Research Costs: Up to £10,000 for consumables, travel, and small equipment
Research Assistant and PhD Studentship Support
Relocation and Visa Costs for fellows and dependents
Childcare Support for travel and research trips
Flexible Work Options: Parental leave, health accommodations, part-time work
Additional benefits included:
Leadership development programs
Networking and public engagement opportunities
Tailored career support aligned with institutional goals
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship supported all STEM disciplines, including but not limited to:
Biomedical Sciences
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Climate Change Technologies
Materials Science and Engineering
Environmental Sustainability
Each project needed to demonstrate long-term institutional impact and research excellence.
Application Process
Applicants were required to:
Contact a UK host institution to support the application
Develop a strategic research proposal aligned with institutional goals
Submit the application via the Royal Society Flexi-Grant® portal before the deadline
The Royal Society offered accommodations for applicants with disabilities at all stages of the application process.
Why Choose the Wolfson Fellowship?
The fellowship provided more than funding—it offered prestige, flexibility, and long-term support:
Prestige: Highly respected globally through the Royal Society and Wolfson Foundation
Impact: Supports research that advances institutional and scientific goals
Support: Includes relocation, flexible work arrangements, and family support
Inclusivity: Promotes diversity and equality in UK research
Whether advancing climate science, engineering innovation, or biomedical research, the fellowship enabled researchers to achieve international impact.
Key Details
Status: Expired
Deadline: 4 September 2025
Funding: Up to £300,000 over 5 years
Location: United Kingdom
Submission Portal: Royal Society Flexi-Grant® System
FAQs
Q1: Who was eligible to apply?
A1: Senior researchers worldwide, particularly those based outside the UK with recognized expertise in STEM.
Q2: What funding did the fellowship cover?
A2: Salary enhancement, research costs, research assistants, PhD studentships, relocation, visas, childcare, and flexible work options.
Q3: What disciplines were eligible?
A3: All STEM fields, including biomedical sciences, AI, climate technologies, engineering, and materials science.
Q4: Could applicants from underrepresented groups apply?
A4: Yes, diversity was strongly encouraged, including women in STEM and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Q5: How was the application submitted?
A5: Applications were submitted via the Royal Society Flexi-Grant® portal after securing a supporting UK host institution.
Reference Link (Expired): Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship