UKDorothy Hodgkin Scholarship supports outstanding early career researchers who need flexible working arrangements to develop an independent research career. The scheme provides a route to lead your own research programme while accommodating personal circumstances that require part-time working or extended leave.
The scholarship is run by the Royal Society and funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST). The Royal Society provides career development, mentoring, networking opportunities and a supportive community of research fellows.
Benefits of Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship 2027
- Eight-year fellowship with a maximum of £1,907,400 in funding
- Freedom to pursue your innovative research questions and become a leader in your field
- Flexibility for personal circumstances requiring part-time working or extended leave periods due to health reasons or caring responsibilities
- Tailored, high-quality career development, mentoring and engagement opportunities
- A supportive community of research fellows with extensive opportunities to connect, share experiences and build your networks
- Our awards have made a significant impact on many researchers’ careers. Read an in-depth report on our alumni in the Career Pathway Tracker
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Eligibility Criteria of Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship 2027
- You are at an early stage in your postdoctoral research career, ie you have either completed your PhD or have no more than six years of actual research experience since your PhD by the closing date of the round (career breaks are taken into account)
- You do not hold a permanent post (including proleptic position) in a university or not-for-profit organisation
- You do not hold, or have not previously held, an equivalent fellowship that allows you to be an independent group leader
- Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences (for a full list, please see the subject groups and areas supported by the Society)
How to Apply for the Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship 2026?
- You will be able to apply via our grant management system Flexi-Grant®.
- Please read our scheme notes for further information on eligibility and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.
- See our tips for applicants to this scheme via the link to application tips for the URF and DHF schemes.
- Apply for this scheme on Flexi-Grant® using the link: https://grants.royalsociety.org/
- If you have any questions about the DHF scheme contact the team at dhf@royalsociety.org or visit the Royal Society contact us page.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Thursday, 29 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship?
The Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship is an eight-year fellowship offered by the Royal Society for outstanding early career researchers who require flexibility due to personal circumstances. The scheme supports independent research careers, offering funding, mentoring, development and networking opportunities as described on the Royal Society programme page.
Who funds the Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship?
This scheme is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and administered by the Royal Society. The Royal Society provides scheme notes, funding guidance and manages the assessment and award process through its selection committee.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 round?
The closing date for the 2026 round is 29 October 2026. The 2026 round opened on 03 September 2026 and the Royal Society indicates decisions will be made by 31 July 2027, as shown on the scheme’s application dates and timeline.
How much funding is available through the fellowship?
The scheme offers up to £1,907,400 in funding for an eight-year fellowship. Applicants should consult the Royal Society Funding Guidance and the scheme notes for details on how funds can be used and any conditions attached to awards.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must be at an early stage in their postdoctoral research career (completed PhD or no more than six years of actual research experience since PhD, with career breaks considered), not hold a permanent post, not have held an equivalent independent group leader fellowship, and have research within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are checked for eligibility by the Royal Society Grants team and assessed by the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships Selection Committee. Initial review is by two panel members, longlisting, independent peer review for longlisted candidates, panel assessment of peer review comments, shortlisting for interview and final recommendations after interviews.
How do I apply for the Dorothy Hodgkin Scholarship?
You must apply via the Royal Society’s grant management system Flexi-Grant®. The programme page provides a direct link to Flexi-Grant and advises applicants to read the scheme notes and application tips before submitting their application.
Can disabled applicants request adjustments during assessment?
Yes. The Royal Society welcomes applications from disabled scientists and can provide confidential adjustments, which may include deadline extension, additional support to complete the form, alternate document formats, interview support, and coverage of extra costs incurred to attend interviews. Requests are handled confidentially.
Where can I find scheme notes and conditions of award?
Scheme notes and the Conditions of Award are available for download from the Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship page. The downloads section on the page includes links to the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme notes and the standard Conditions of Award PDF documents.
Who can I contact for further information about the scheme?
For questions about the DHF scheme, applicants are directed to read the scheme notes, email the Grants team at dhf@royalsociety.org, or visit the Royal Society’s contact details for grants programmes. For adjustments, contact adjustments@royalsociety.org or call +44 20 7451 2666.
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