UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships in the United Kingdom

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships represent a prestigious and transformative opportunity for early-career researchers and innovators who aim to become world-leading voices in their disciplines. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)—the UK’s national funding agency that brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK, and Research England—this fellowship scheme offers long-term support to individuals with high potential, helping them build independent research careers or accelerate innovation in academic, commercial, public, or third-sector settings.

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships
UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

Summary of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

  • Host Country: UK
  • Host Institute: UK Universities,
  • Level: Master’s, PhD
  • Eligible Nationality: International
  • Scholarship Type: Funded
  • Closing Date: 11/05/2025 4:00 p.m.

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

Established to address the pressing need for sustained support of early-career talent, the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLFs) are unique in their interdisciplinary reach and sectoral flexibility. Whether working in theoretical physics, biomedical sciences, AI-driven innovation, climate change policy, or creative technologies, the fellowship is designed to nurture a new generation of leaders who will influence the UK’s research and innovation landscape for decades to come.

With up to £1.5 million in funding over four to seven years, this scheme not only supports the fellow’s salary but also provides substantial resources for research, innovation, team-building, and collaboration. This financial freedom, combined with UKRI’s backing, offers fellows a rare opportunity to develop bold, ambitious programs of work in a stable environment.

Who Can Apply?

One of the strengths of the UKRI FLF scheme lies in its inclusive eligibility criteria. It is open to:

  • Early career researchers transitioning to or establishing independence
  • Researchers returning from a career break
  • Innovators in business, public policy, or the third sector
  • UK-based and international applicants from any nationality
  • Individuals seeking to move between sectors (e.g., academia to industry or vice versa)

Applicants must have the potential to become a leader in their field and demonstrate a compelling vision for their work. Unlike many traditional fellowships, the FLF supports interdisciplinary approaches, collaborative innovation, and diverse career trajectories.

There is no fixed number of years since a PhD is required, and the assessment focuses more on the quality, ambition, and leadership potential of the applicant rather than rigid career stage metrics.

Fellowship Benefits

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships are more than just a funding scheme—they are a strategic investment in future talent. Benefits include:

  • Up to 7 years of support (4 years initially, with the option to extend to 7)
  • Comprehensive funding: Covers salary, staff costs, equipment, travel, and training
  • Host flexibility: Applicants can be hosted by universities, businesses, research institutions, charities, or public sector bodies
  • Tailored mentoring: Fellows receive high-level mentorship and leadership training
  • Networking and visibility: Fellows become part of a high-profile cohort of change-makers, with access to cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary networks

This level of support allows fellows to pursue transformational ideas—ones that might not yet fit within existing programs or funding frameworks—and build the infrastructure and collaborations necessary for success.

Fields of Study and Innovation

The UKRI FLF scheme is deliberately discipline-agnostic, welcoming applications across:

  • Natural Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Medical and Health Sciences
  • Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Arts and Design
  • Interdisciplinary and Emerging Fields
  • Business and Industrial Innovation

Applicants are encouraged to define their own research questions and agendas. Some successful fellows have worked on quantum computing, bioengineering, AI for healthcare, climate modeling, social justice, and public policy reform, showing the scheme’s broad scope and versatility.

Application Timeline and Deadline

The deadline for the next round of applications is Wednesday, 5 November 2025. The application process involves multiple stages and can take several months, so early preparation is essential. Below is a general overview:

  1. Expression of Interest: Some host institutions may require an internal review before submission. Begin discussions early.
  2. Selecting a Host: Applicants must secure support from a UK-based host organization, which will submit the application on their behalf.
  3. Proposal Preparation: This includes a detailed research/innovation proposal, career development plan, letters of support, and budget.
  4. Submission via Je-S system: The official submission must be made through UKRI’s online system by the deadline.
  5. Review and Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited to panel interviews, typically held several months after submission.
  6. Notification: Results are announced approximately 5–6 months post-submission.

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What Makes a Strong Application?

To be successful, candidates must demonstrate:

  • Clear leadership potential and a vision for driving change in their field or industry
  • A strategic and high-impact research/innovation program that is novel and ambitious
  • Strong track record appropriate to their career stage
  • Commitment from a supportive host organization, including access to resources, mentorship, and time
  • Awareness of broader impacts, such as societal engagement, policy influence, or commercialization

UKRI looks for applicants who are not only technically competent but also visionary thinkers, willing to tackle challenges that require persistence, risk-taking, and innovation.

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Host Institution Commitment

Applicants must have a committed host organization in the UK. This could be a university, research institute, business, or public sector entity. The host plays a critical role in the success of the fellowship by providing:

  • Institutional mentorship
  • Administrative and logistical support
  • Facilities and lab space (if required)
  • Career development planning

Some institutions may offer additional perks like relocation support, start-up funds, or permanent positions contingent on fellowship success.

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Impact Beyond Research

One of the key objectives of the UKRI FLF is to develop not just great researchers but influential leaders who drive change in policy, industry, public life, or global development. Fellows are expected to:

  • Collaborate across sectors and borders
  • Mentor junior researchers or team members
  • Translate research into innovation, products, or public engagement
  • Influence academic, social, or economic ecosystems

This broader impact orientation sets the FLF apart from many other fellowships that focus solely on academic output.

Apply Now.

Conclusion

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for brilliant, bold, and driven individuals to pursue their vision on a grand scale. With a generous and flexible funding model, mentorship, and an emphasis on leadership, the fellowship nurtures the next generation of trailblazers in research and innovation.

If you have a big idea that could redefine your field, now is the time to act. Begin shaping your proposal, speak with potential host organizations, and prepare for a journey that could redefine your career and impact the world.

Remember: The application deadline is Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to become a future leader supported by the UK.

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