Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2027 (Up to £703,800)

What Is the Career Development Fellowship?

The Career Development Fellowship (CDF) is a four-year postdoctoral fellowship from the Royal Society, the UK's national academy of sciences. It supports early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and helps them build an independent research career in the UK.

The scheme is currently a pilot for researchers of Black heritage, including those of mixed Black heritage. It focuses on the important move from PhD to early postdoctoral research, a stage where many talented researchers leave science.

Through a partnership with Alzheimer's Society, the scheme also funds research directly relevant to dementia.

Important Dates

• Applications open: 22 September 2026
• Application deadline: 18 November 2026
• Decision: by 30 June 2027
• Duration: 4 years
• Location: a UK research institution of your choice

Who Can Apply?

• Researchers who self-identify as being of Black heritage, including mixed Black heritage
• People who have a PhD, or will have one by the time the fellowship starts
• Less than 24 months of postdoctoral experience
• Research within the Royal Society's natural sciences remit, such as biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, maths and physics

UK link required. You must meet at least one of these:

• You are a UK national
• You did part of your undergraduate, Master's or PhD study in the UK
• You hold or have held a postdoctoral job in the UK

Nationality: applicants of any nationality can apply if they meet the UK-link rule above and plan to do their research in the UK. Those who need a visa can use the fast-track Global Talent Visa route.

What You Get

• Up to £703,800 over four years
• 80% of your salary and related costs
• 100% of research expenses
• Relocation and visa costs for you and your dependants, on top of the £703,800 cap
• A dedicated programme of training, mentoring and networking
• Flexible working, including part-time options, sabbaticals and secondments
• Support with parental leave, sick leave and childcare costs for conferences or research visits
• Access to Royal Society opportunities in leadership, public engagement and science policy

How to Apply

1. Find a UK host institution to support your research.
2. Read the scheme notes and conditions of award on the Royal Society website.
3. Book a place at an online information session if you'd like guidance.
4. Apply through the Royal Society's Flexi-Grant online system.
5. Submit before 18 November 2026.

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview at the Royal Society in London.

Simple Tips

• Contact your chosen UK host institution early, as they need to support your application.
• Explain clearly why your research matters and how it will move your field forward.
• Show your plan for becoming an independent researcher over the four years.
• If your research links to dementia, mention it, as there is extra funding through Alzheimer's Society.
• The scheme is very competitive (fewer than 10 awards each year), so ask mentors to review your proposal.

Apply Here

• Official page: https://royalsociety.org/grants/career-development-fellowship/
• Application portal (Flexi-Grant): https://grants.royalsociety.org/
• Contact: CDF@royalsociety.org

Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Royal Society. Please check all details on the official website before applying.

| Organization | The Royal Society | | Region | United Kingdom (Europe) | | Deadline | 18 November 2026 | | Level | Early postdoctoral researchers | | Funding | Up to £703,800 over 4 years |