Deadline:
February 21, 2025
Location(s)
United Kingdom
Overview
The Newton International Fellowship (NIF) programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships.
Details
his scheme is jointly run by the British Academy and the Royal Society.
The overarching aim of the Newton International Fellowship programme is to attract and retain emerging talent in the UK and build a globally connected, mobile research and innovation workforce. The objectives are to:
- Attract talented international early career researchers to establish and conduct their research in the UK
- Support early career researchers to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of research
- Provide opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge through training and career development
- Foster long-term relationships through networking opportunities and the Newton International Fellowships alumni programme.
Applications for the humanities and social sciences should be made to the British Academy.
If you are unsure about which academy to apply to, contact info@newtonfellowships.org.
The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Society wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximise innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise policies and processes to embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per assessment criteria.
See below for details of adjustments we can provide for disabled applicants.
ISPF-Funded and Privately-Funded Fellowships
We welcome applications from all countries. The Royal Society also has funding through the International Science Partnerships Fund to support additional Newton International Fellowships for applicants applying from Switzerland.
The Royal Society’s partnership with the K C Wong Education Foundation also allows us to fund additional fellowships for applicants applying from China. These awards are termed Royal Society K C Wong International Fellowships.
It is not possible to apply directly for one of these fellowships. They are selected from the same pool of applicants as the Newton International Fellowships and are of equal value and prestige.
About the Newton Fund
The Newton Fund is part of the UK’s official development assistance. Its aim is to develop science and innovation partnerships that promote the economic development and welfare of partner countries.
The Newton Fund was launched in 2014 and originally consisted of £75 million each year for 5 years. In the 2015 UK Spending Review it was agreed to extend and expand the Fund. The Newton Fund was extended from 2019 to 2021 and expanded by doubling the £75 million investment to £150 million by 2021, leading to a £735 million UK investment to 2021, with partner countries providing matched resources within the Fund.
The skills and knowledge gained through these awards should lead to changes in the wellbeing of communities and increased economic benefits. The Royal Society is one of several contributing partners to this scheme.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
This scheme is for you if:
- You have a PhD, or will have a PhD by the time the funding starts
- You have no more than seven years of active full time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (discounting career breaks, but including teaching experience and/or time spent in industry on research)
- You are based outside the UK
- You do not hold UK citizenship
- You are competent in oral and written English
- Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society. Applications for the humanities and social sciences should be made to the British Academy.
Dates
Deadline: February 21, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
What does the scheme offer?
The maximum award value will be £280,000 over two years.
Funds can cover:
- basic salary as set by the host institution and associated on-costs
- research expenses
- relocation and visa costs for Newton International Fellows and their dependents (partner and children). The total grant cap may be exceeded to cover relocation/visa costs if this is well justified in the application
- estate costs and indirect costs
Further detail on these changes is available in the scheme notes and in our Royal Society Funding Guidance (costing policy)
We provide flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances including part-time working for health reasons or caring responsibilities. There is provision for maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoptive or extended sick leave, as well as financial support for childcare costs that arise from attending conferences and research visits.
Royal Society Research Fellows also have the opportunity to access a range of career development and engagement opportunities including training on leadership, science communication and public engagement, and activities coordinated by our science policy and schools engagement teams. For further detail on these additional benefits, read our opportunities page.
Successful applicants may also be eligible to receive alumni funding to support continued networking activities with UK-based researchers following completion of their fellowship.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
