The Future Leaders Fellowships 2026 in the UK is a prestigious funding opportunity for early-career researchers and innovators to establish independence and lead ambitious projects. This fully funded fellowship, supported by UK Research and Innovation, provides long-term, flexible support across all disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and medical sciences. It aims to develop the next generation of research and innovation leaders with up to seven years of funding.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. Comprising seven research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK, UKRI supports cutting-edge research and innovation that drives economic growth and addresses global challenges. The Future Leaders Fellowships scheme is a key part of UKRI’s commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining the UK’s world-class research and innovation ecosystem.
Future Leaders Fellowships Benefits
- Funding for up to 7 years (initial 4 years + optional 3-year extension)
- Salary support (tapered, with host organisation increasing contribution)
- Flexible funding for research, innovation, training, and career development
- Opportunities for international collaboration, skills development, and sector mobility
Future Leaders Fellowships Eligibility Criteria
- Researchers and innovators transitioning to or establishing independence
- Hosted by a UK-based eligible organisation (academic or non-academic)
- Demonstrate originality, ambition, and leadership potential
- Have host organisation support (including salary commitment)
- Not eligible if already independent (e.g., managing significant programmes or holding funding at this career stage)
- Not eligible if senior academics or innovators
How to Apply for Future Leaders Fellowships?
- Apply via the UKRI Funding Service (academic hosts) or Innovation Funding Service (non-academic hosts)
- Create an account, confirm eligibility, and complete application form
- Include research proposal, career development plan, costs, and host support
- Submit via host organisation’s research office by 16 June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Future Leaders Fellowships 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on information from the official UKRI website.
What is the deadline for the Future Leaders Fellowships 2026?
The closing date for applications is 16 June 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. Academic-hosted applicants must submit by this deadline via the UKRI Funding Service, while non-academic hosted applicants have a separate deadline of 4 November 2026 at 11:00am UK time via the Innovation Funding Service.
Who is eligible to apply for the Future Leaders Fellowships?
Eligible applicants are researchers or innovators who are transitioning to or establishing independence. They must be based at and supported by a UK organisation eligible for UKRI funding. Applicants should not already be independent (e.g., managing significant programmes) or be senior academics or innovators.
What funding is provided by the Future Leaders Fellowships?
The fellowship offers funding for up to seven years, with an initial four-year period and an option to renew for three more years. It includes salary support (tapered, with host contribution increasing), flexible funding for research, innovation, training, and career development, and opportunities for international collaboration. The total fund for round 11 is £110 million.
How do I apply for the Future Leaders Fellowships?
Academic-hosted applicants apply via the UKRI Funding Service, while non-academic hosted applicants use the Innovation Funding Service. Steps include creating an account, completing the application form with research proposal and career development plan, and submitting through the host organisation’s research office by the deadline.
What is the duration of the Future Leaders Fellowships?
The fellowship lasts up to seven years. It is funded for four years initially (or pro rata for part-time), with the option to apply for a three-year renewal during the last year of the fellowship. Fellows are expected to spend 100% of working time on fellowship activities.
What fields are eligible for the Future Leaders Fellowships?
Applications are encouraged from all UKRI remits, including arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, physical sciences, medical sciences, natural environment, biotechnology, and technology facilities. Innovation projects translating disruptive ideas into products, services, or systems are also welcome.
Are there any caps on applications from host organisations?
Yes, there is a fixed cap on the number of applicants from each academic host organisation to manage demand. Host organisations must ensure internal shortlisting processes. Additional applications from clinicians are allowed due to expanded MRC funding.
What support does the host organisation need to provide?
Host organisations must support the fellow with a suitable research environment, salary commitment, and an open-ended UK-based position for academic applicants. They should provide career development opportunities, mentoring, and ensure protected time for fellowship activities.
Can international applicants apply for the Future Leaders Fellowships?
Applicants must be based at UK organisations, but international collaborators are allowed under UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation framework. Successful applicants requiring a visa may be eligible for a Global Talent visa under the ‘exceptional promise’ category.
What is the assessment process for the Future Leaders Fellowships?
Applications are checked for eligibility, then assessed by independent expert reviewers. Shortlisted applications proceed to a panel review, and selected applicants are interviewed. Assessment criteria include vision and approach, applicant capability, career development, host support, ethics, and cost justification.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
