🎓 1. Scholarship Name
Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship
This is a prestigious visiting fellowship designed to attract internationally recognized researchers to the UK for a sabbatical period, where they can collaborate, mentor, and contribute to UK science institutions.
2. Provider/Organization
The Royal Society, in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation.
The Royal Society is the UK’s national academy of sciences, promoting excellence in science, and the Wolfson Foundation is a charitable organization that supports higher education and research through strategic funding.
3. Scholarship Type
Senior Research Sabbatical Fellowship
This is a flexible funding opportunity for accomplished research leaders based outside the UK, allowing them to work in a UK institution for up to 12 months (full-time) or spread part-time over 2 years.
4. Eligible Countries / Nationalities
Open to researchers of all nationalities currently based outside the UK.
Applicants must not be employed by a UK institution at the time of application, except in specific refugee or humanitarian protection scenarios. The program encourages global participation.
5. Eligible Degrees/Programs
Open to senior-level researchers across all academic ranks.
There are no specific degree requirements, but applicants must demonstrate a substantial record of leadership and research excellence, equivalent to a full professorship or research director level.
6. Fields of Study
Natural Sciences
This includes disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, engineering, computer science, and biomedical sciences. Applications must align with the Royal Society’s remit and scientific mission.
7. Scholarship Value/Benefits
- Total award value of up to £125,000 per fellowship.
- Up to £80,000 can be used as a bursary to cover the researcher’s salary during the sabbatical.
- Additional funds can support research costs including consumables, small equipment (under £10,000), travel and accommodation, visa and relocation expenses (including for dependents), and family care support.
- Flexible arrangements for part-time or full-time visits and family considerations are available.
8. Application Deadline
Current Round: Closes 4 September 2025
There are three application rounds per year. The selection process typically takes 3–4 months, with outcomes announced in December for the September round.
9. Application Process
- A UK host institution initiates the process by nominating a candidate through internal review and forwarding to their Research Grants Office.
- The candidate is then invited to apply via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant portal.
- The application includes peer review, panel shortlisting, and final approval. The process assesses the researcher’s track record, proposed work, and alignment with UK institutional goals.
10. Required Documents
- Applicant’s full CV
- A detailed research proposal and impact statement
- Nomination and support letter from UK host institution
- Budget justification for funding
- Evidence of invitation or hosting offer from the UK institution
- Letters of recommendation (if requested)
11. Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an internationally recognized research leader based outside the UK.
- Must have a confirmed offer from a UK institution.
- Must work in a scientific discipline covered by the Royal Society.
- Must not use the grant to transfer between UK institutions.
- Must be able to relocate to the UK for at least 3 months.
- Applicants with family, health, or access needs are encouraged and supported with adjustments.
12. Official Link
13. Additional Notes
- Fellows can divide their visit into several shorter stays over two years.
- The scheme provides endorsement support for the UK Global Talent Visa route.
- The host institution manages the grant funds, but the fellow has autonomy over how they’re used.
- The program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, supporting underrepresented groups and offering family-friendly funding provisions.
Job Features
| Job Category | Fellowship |