UK Research & Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships 2026

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme provides up to seven years of funding for early-career researchers and innovators to develop, retain, attract and sustain talent in the UK. Fellowships can be held at UK-based organisations and aim to grow new research and innovation career paths across academic, business and interdisciplinary settings. The total fund is up to £110,000,000 to support sustained funding and ambitious programmes.

Long-term funding and resources to pursue ambitious research and innovation projects; opportunity to develop career paths across academia, business and interdisciplinary settings.

Open to researchers and innovators who are transitioning to or establishing independence or developing their own ambitious plans within a commercial setting, hosted by a UK-based organisation with eligible funding status.

Submit an application to UKRI by the stated deadline; apply through the UKRI funding/service pathways as specified.