🇬🇧 £110 Million UK Future Leaders Fellowship 2025–2026

Are you ready to shape the future with your bold ideas? The UK is investing in the next generation of global changemakers with its Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) Round 10, offering up to £110 million in funding. This is your chance to lead cutting-edge research or innovation that makes a real impact — with long-term career support and international recognition.

   

What Is the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship?

The FLF is a prestigious program by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that supports outstanding early-career researchers and innovators — from any discipline or sector. Whether you’re in science, tech, humanities, social science, arts, or engineering, the FLF gives you the freedom to work across boundaries and take your ideas to the next level.

With support lasting up to seven years, fellows can establish themselves as leaders in their fields — all while being based at a UK institution or organization.

Key Benefits and Funding Details

• Total Funding Pool: £110 million
• Amount per Fellow: From £100,000 up to £3 million
• Project Duration: 4 years (extendable to 7)
• Funding Type: Grant

Depending on the nature of your project:

• Academic institutions may receive up to 80% of full economic costs
• Businesses can receive 25% to 70% of eligible costs depending on size and project type
• Charities and Research Tech Organisations may be eligible for 100% cost coverage

The FLF is flexible, encouraging job shares, part-time roles, and applications from those returning from a career break.

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Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is open to global applicants from all sectors. You do not need a PhD to apply. What matters most is your ability to demonstrate leadership potential, a vision for your project, and a record of excellence in your field.

You can apply if you are:

• A researcher or innovator working in academia, business, or the public/third sector
• Based outside the UK but have a UK host organization
• Transitioning between sectors or disciplines
• Returning to work after a break or career change

Your project must be hosted by a UK-based academic institution, registered business, charity, Catapult, or Agri-Tech Centre.

Collaborations are welcome! You can include:

• UK-based companies, public sector bodies, or non-profits as project partners
• Non-UK collaborators (as non-funded participants)
• Visiting researchers for up to 12 months

What Kind of Projects Qualify?

The FLF is perfect for high-risk, high-reward ideas that don’t fit traditional funding schemes. Whether you’re solving major global challenges, pioneering digital innovation, or reshaping policy and culture — the FLF supports bold, interdisciplinary projects that need time and space to grow.

Successful fellows have led initiatives in:

• Artificial intelligence and robotics
• Climate change and sustainability
• Public health and biotech
• Creative arts and digital storytelling
• Inclusive economic policy

Important Application Dates

• Competition Opens: 23 June 2025
• Online Briefing Event: 26 June 2025 at 10:00 AM (UK time)
• Application Deadline: 5 November 2025 at 11:00 AM (UK time)
• Interview Period: 11 to 31 May 2026
• Award Announcements: 31 July 2026
• Earliest Start Date: 1 October 2026

How to Apply

1. Secure a Host Organisation in the UK willing to support your application.
2. Register and submit your application via the UKRI portal:
   https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2058/overview
3. Join the briefing event to get insight into the selection process and strengthen your proposal.
4. Prepare a compelling pitch that shows your leadership potential and long-term impact.

Why This Fellowship Matters

This isn’t just about funding. It’s about establishing your presence as a global leader in research or innovation — with a flexible, long-term career path and institutional backing.

The Future Leaders Fellowship is built for people who think beyond the boundaries of their field and are ready to lead change. Whether you’re tackling real-world challenges or creating next-gen technology, this program gives you the tools, funding, and freedom to go further.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need a PhD to apply for the Future Leaders Fellowship?
No, a PhD is not mandatory. What matters is your proven track record of innovation, research, or leadership potential.

Q2: Can non-UK citizens apply?
Yes. International applicants are welcome as long as they have a UK host organization.

Q3: What types of organizations can host my project?
Eligible hosts include UK-registered academic institutions, charities, businesses, public research centers, and Catapults.

Q4: Can my project include partners from other countries?
Yes. You may collaborate with international partners, but only UK organizations can receive funding.

Q5: Is the fellowship full-time?
Not necessarily. The fellowship supports part-time, job-sharing, and flexible working arrangements.

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