Supporting talent through collective funding
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has today announced the launch of a new fellowship investment framework.
This marks the next step in UKRI’s transition to collective talent funding, first announced in May 2022.
The framework will simplify and align fellowship schemes, improving efficiency for applicants, research organisations and UKRI.
It will also support delivery of the UKRI strategy by:
- helping people and organisations to make the best use of their time and resources
- strengthening support for individuals and teams across disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas
- improving the flow of talent across disciplines and sectors in research and innovation
Why fellowships matter
Fellowships are prestigious funding awards that provide a significant boost to an individual’s career trajectory and represent a key stepping-stone in the career development of many leading researchers and innovators.
UKRI supports around 350 new fellows each year, with a community of more than 2,000 fellows across the UK.
These awards provide talented individuals with the time, resources and support to:
- take on bold challenges
- build new skills
- make career-defining transitions
Many of today’s leading researchers and innovators trace their success back to a fellowship.
A clearer, more consistent offer
The new framework has been shaped by feedback from the research and innovation community.
By introducing a clearer and more consistent offer, UKRI is making it easier for applicants and research officers to focus on what matters: supporting talent to thrive.
The framework will:
- set out distinct, outcome-focused fellowship types
- reduce complexity and administrative burden
- increase flexibility to respond to emerging needs
What this means for applicants
For applicants, this means each fellowship will have a clearly defined purpose.
For example, those seeking to demonstrate their first evidence of independence will be able to identify the right scheme.
While those ready to transition to leadership or build experience in other sectors will be guided to the most appropriate option.
Although all fellowships will fit within this framework, the level of commitment to fellowships will vary between councils.
Councils will retain the ability to launch opportunities as required by their individual strategic needs.
Next steps
UKRI is developing and implementing the fellowship investment framework in stages.
The framework will be applied to any new UKRI fellowship opportunities from late 2025 including those managed by councils.
Existing UKRI fellowship schemes will come in line with the framework as the next associated funding opportunity opens.
Where UKRI has funded longer-term investments with multiple intakes of fellows, the framework does not apply until a new funding investment is made.
The framework will not be applied retrospectively.