The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support outstanding early-career researchers in the field of engineering. The program aims to provide these talented individuals with the funding, resources, and mentorship needed to develop their independent research careers and become future leaders in engineering.
The Research Fellowship Program offers funding for a period of five years to support the Fellow’s research activities, including salary support, research expenses, and travel costs. In addition to financial support, Fellows receive access to the Academy’s extensive network of engineering professionals, as well as opportunities for training, professional development, and collaboration.
Applicants for the Research Fellowship Program are typically early-career researchers who have completed a PhD or equivalent degree and have demonstrated exceptional promise in their field of engineering. They are selected based on the quality and novelty of their research proposal, their potential for academic and research excellence, and their alignment with the strategic priorities of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Successful applicants become Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellows and are expected to undertake a program of research that advances knowledge and innovation in engineering. They are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research, engage with industry partners and stakeholders, and contribute to the broader engineering community through outreach and knowledge exchange activities.
Throughout the fellowship period, Fellows receive support and guidance from experienced mentors and advisors, who help them navigate the challenges of establishing an independent research career and maximizing their impact in the field of engineering. The program aims to empower Fellows to become leaders in their respective areas of expertise and make significant contributions to engineering research, education, and practice.
The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship Program plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting the next generation of engineering talent, fostering innovation and excellence in engineering, and advancing the frontiers of knowledge to address global challenges and improve lives.
The Academy welcomes applications from early-career researchers worldwide who have been awarded their PhD in the last four years. The scheme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and provides funding for five years. Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625,000 over the five-year period, at 80% of full economic costs. Research Fellowships must be held at a UK higher education institution/university or at a UK research organisation eligible to receive UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships each year to outstanding early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering. The scheme’s objectives are to:
- support the best early-career researchers in establishing their independence and international reputation
- provide long-term support enabling the pursuit of an ambitious programme of engineering research and impact
- develop ambassadors for the Academy and advocates for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines
Benefits
- Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625,000 over a five-year period at 80% of full economic costs.
In addition to the direct financial support, the scheme benefits include:
- Mentoring support from an Academy Fellow to offer advice on research and career development.
- Reduction of teaching and administrative duties to dedicate time to research.
- Training and additional funding opportunities.
- Networking opportunities with other Research Fellows and Academy Fellows.
- An opportunity to establish a strong research track record which will improve the chances of securing additional funding and expanding their own research teams.
- Be part of the RAEng Awardee Excellence Community.
Requirements For The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship Program
- Early-career researchers worldwide with a PhD, which was awarded (or the PhD has been unconditionally approved) no more than four years before the submission deadline.
- There are no nationality and age restrictions for applicants, but Research Fellowships must be held at a UK higher education institution/university or a UK research organisation that is eligible to receive UKRI funding and in a department that can show it is capable of fully supporting an engineering-focused research project and researcher. In addition, the host institution must agree to provide the Research Fellow all the support normal for a permanent employee.
- The host institution is responsible for securing all necessary work permits and related costs for the Research Fellows. Applications will be assessed on the assumption that applicants have obtained the necessary work permit in the UK.
Selection Process
Selection process
The scheme has a three-stage selection process:
- Stage one: general review
Each eligible application will be assessed by three non-expert reviewers (Academy Fellows or former Research Fellows). The selection of applications proceeding to next stage assessment is made by a sift panel (consisting of Academy Fellows).
- Stage two: expert review
Each selected application will be assessed by three expert reviewers, who have expertise in the proposed research. This will be followed by a shortlist panel to select the most competitive applications to proceed to Stage three: interviews.
- Stage three: interviews
Interviews will take place online or at the Academy in London. Each interview will be conducted by a panel of four Academy Fellows and will be 30 minutes long. This includes a five-minute presentation from the candidate. Following the interviews, the panel will rank the applications and select the top ranked candidates for awards.
The assessment criteria include the following subjects:
- Candidate
- Research quality and vision
- Research environment
- Resource and management
- Beneficiaries and impact
Method of Application
Applications must be submitted via the Academy’s Grants Management System. Please read the How to apply page for details.
Application Deadline: September 18, 2024.
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