Royal Society/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship

This scheme is for scientists who would benefit from a period of full-time research without teaching and administrative duties.

The scheme reimburses the employing institution with the full salary cost of a teaching replacement.

The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.

The scheme is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Eligibility requirements

The applicant must:

  • have a PhD or equivalent
  • hold a permanent post at a UK university or not-for-profit institution
  • be at a stage in their career when they would particularly benefit from a period of full-time research

Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes.

Value and tenure

The award lasts between one term and one academic year.

The applicant’s employing institution will be reimbursed for the full salary cost of a teaching replacement (up to the equivalent of the minimum point on the lectureship scale as paid by the host university).

Research expenses up to a maximum of £2,500 are available to each fellow to cover the costs of consumables, equipment, travel and communicating science.

Application process

All applications must be made through the Royal Society’s e-gap system.

Applications are initially reviewed by members of the Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowships Panel with the most appropriate expertise, and are then shortlisted.

The shortlisted applications are reviewed by two independent referees suggested by the panel members.  The selection panel considers each application taking into account the nominated and independent references at a meeting held in May.  Applicants are informed of the result by the end of May. If you are interested in this scheme, please contact Research & Income Generation Support at Research & Enterprise.