The Career Development Fellowship is a Royal Society pilot that helps early-career researchers of Black heritage, including mixed Black heritage, build independent research careers in UK academia.
Fellows spend four years on curiosity-led research at a UK host institution, with a tailored programme of mentoring, training and networking. One fellowship, co-funded with Alzheimer’s Society, supports dementia research.
Benefits & funding
- Up to £703,800 over four years (the 2025 cohort’s cap was £690,000, per the Society’s news release)
- Covers 80% of salary, on-costs and directly allocated costs, and 100% of research expenses
- Relocation and visa costs for the fellow, partner and children can be requested on top of the cap
- Bespoke training and mentoring; part-time working and parental leave provisions
Eligibility
- Self-identify as being of Black heritage, including mixed Black background
- Be a UK national, OR have studied part of an undergraduate, Master’s or PhD degree in the UK, OR hold or have held a UK postdoctoral post
- Hold a PhD (or will by the funding start) with less than 24 months of postdoctoral experience
- Research within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit
- Any nationality, UK or non-UK domiciled; the research must be done in the UK, and those needing a visa can use the fast-track Global Talent Visa route
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“You are a UK national or you have completed a part of your education in the UK through your Undergraduate, Master’s or PhD degree studies or you hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK” Eligibility
Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD
Experience required
≤ 1 yrs
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Application process
- 1Agree hosting with an eligible UK host department and its research office.
- 2Apply on Flexi-Grant by 18 November 2026; the host’s approval must also arrive by the deadline.
- 3Shortlisted applicants attend an in-person interview at the Royal Society.
Program timeline
Applications open
22 September 2026
Application deadline
18 November 2026
Decisions
By 30 June 2027
Next round expected
September–November 2027