Boldly shape the future of discovery and innovation in the UK. The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships empower early-career researchers and innovators to embrace ambitious, high-impact projects—backed by flexible, long-term funding that propels you toward independence and global leadership.↚
Lead Research & Innovation with UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships 2025
What Makes It Exceptional
This prestigious UK-wide scheme is open to individuals based at UK academic institutions or eligible non-academic hosts such as businesses, charities, public bodies, and catapult centres. International candidates are welcome under the UK Global Talent visa. Projects can span any discipline supported by UKRI—including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, social sciences, and technology—with no barriers to interdisciplinary collaborationSupport & Flexibility
Funding spans four years initially, with an optional extension of up to three years, enabling seven years of uninterrupted research or innovation. Budgets range freely—from £100,000 to as much as £3 million—depending on the project's ambition and scope. Fellows receive salary support, research costs, staff, training, and access to facilities, with host organizations committing to long-term career support, including open-ended positions .↚
Eligibility & What They’re Looking For
The program targets early-career researchers or innovators who are establishing independence, transitioning to leadership, or launching original programmes—whether in academia or commercial settings. There are no restrictions based on current employment status; applicants may even propose joint or part-time roles. What matters most is your vision, leadership potential, and roadmap for career development .Key Features
Proposals must demonstrate high-risk, high-reward innovation, backed by a clear career development plan including skills training and mentorship. Projects can pivot midstream, and fellows may pursue secondments abroad or cross-sector collaborations. Host organisations pledge transparent intellectual property strategies and career progression post-fellowshipImportant Dates
The academic round opened on 3 February 2025 and closes on 18 June 2025 at 4pm UK time. The non-academic (business and innovation) round opens 23 June and ends on 5 November 2025 at 11am UK time. Interviews are scheduled for May 2026, with funding decisions due by July 2026↚
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship is your launchpad to lead transformational work, gain mentorship, and join a network of exceptional peers across academia and industry. With flexible terms, global mobility, and resources to pursue cutting-edge research, you’ll gain the independence to make lasting impact.Lead Research & Innovation with UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships 2025