Are you a researcher in the UK looking to bridge the gap between academia and industry? The Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships 2026 Round 1 offers a chance for scientists to collaborate across sectors. This program supports short-term projects that build skills and partnerships in natural sciences.
What Are the Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships?
The Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships 2026 are part of the Royal Society’s Industry program. They allow scientists from industry or academia, along with their postdoctoral researchers, to work on joint projects. These fellowships create dynamic exchanges between UK universities, not-for-profit research organizations, and private industry.
The focus is on natural sciences, including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, math, and physics. Early-career researchers are especially welcome. The goal is to foster mobility and knowledge sharing between sectors.
Key Aims of the Program
This scheme has clear objectives to benefit both fellows and organizations:
- Promote movement of top researchers between academia and UK industry.
- Help start new collaborations that could grow into long-term projects, with options for further funding.
- Build career skills for fellows and their teams through cross-sector experience.
- Boost the exchange of science and technology ideas.
All awards require travel between sectors, such as from a university to industry or vice versa.
Funding and Duration Options
Fellowships provide flexible support. You can hold the award full-time for 3 to 6 months. Or choose 50% part-time for up to 12 months to keep ties with your home institution.
Funding covers:
- Basic salary for the applicant and/or postdoctoral researcher during the secondment. Your employer still handles national insurance and pension costs.
- Up to £1,000 for research expenses.
This setup makes it easier to step into a new environment without losing your base.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships 2026, check these points:
- Hold a PhD or have equal professional experience.
- Have a permanent or fixed-term job in a UK university, not-for-profit research group, or UK industry. The role must last past the fellowship’s end date.
- Work in natural sciences within the Royal Society’s scope.
The program targets UK-based researchers open to sector switches.
Application Process and Deadline
Start your application through the Royal Society’s grant portal. Prepare details on your project, collaboration, and career benefits. The first round closes soon.
Deadline: May 28, 2026.
Visit the Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships page for full guidelines. Apply via grants.royalsociety.org. Act fast to secure your spot in this valuable opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Royal Society Short Industry Fellowships?
These fellowships let scientists from academia or industry, along with their postdoctoral researchers, work on joint projects in natural sciences to build skills and partnerships between sectors.
Who can apply for the 2026 Round 1 fellowships?
You need a PhD or equivalent experience, a UK-based job in a university, not-for-profit group, or industry that lasts beyond the fellowship, and work in natural sciences like biology, chemistry, or physics.
What funding and duration options are available?
Fellowships offer full-time for 3-6 months or 50% part-time up to 12 months, covering basic salary for the applicant and researcher plus up to £1,000 for research expenses.
When is the deadline for Round 1 applications?
The first round closes on May 28, 2026; apply soon via the Royal Society’s grant portal for full details.
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