The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Program 2025 offers a unique and prestigious opportunity for experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs worldwide to engage with UK universities. This part-time, two-year initiative empowers awardees to bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and industrial innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, career growth, and impactful collaborations.
Basic Information about the Programs and Application Deadline
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Program Duration: Two years (part-time, 0.2 Full-Time Equivalent, approx. one day per week)
- Application Deadline: September 17, 2025 (3:00 PM UK Time)
- Funding Amount: Up to £50,000 over two years, including salary support and project/travel costs
- Number of Awards: Typically up to 10 per cycle
- Program Start: Expected from early 2026 or as arranged with host institution
- Language: English
University/Institution Details
The program is hosted at UK universities or not-for-profit research organizations with strong academic-industry collaboration goals. Hosts can be individual university departments, schools, faculties, or interdisciplinary institutes. Partner universities benefit from EiRs’ industry insights, enhancing innovation and commercial translation of research. The Royal Society facilitates these placements to promote entrepreneurial mindsets in academia.
Study Areas
The EiR scheme welcomes applicants with expertise across life and physical sciences—including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics—excluding clinical medicine. Ideal candidates have industrial science backgrounds and experience bridging university-business partnerships.
Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program Benefits
- Salary Contribution: Up to £20,000 per annum as a 0.2 FTE salary contribution to support the award holder’s time at the host
- Travel and Project Costs: Up to £5,000 per annum to cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, conference attendance, workshops, and project delivery
- Professional Growth: Opportunity to develop and deliver bespoke university projects that increase industry research awareness and entrepreneurial skills for students and staff
- Networking: Build valuable relationships with academics, students, industry leaders, and startups to foster impactful collaborations
- Recognition: Enhance professional profile as a recognized Entrepreneur in Residence supporting innovation and commercialization
Benefits Not Included
- Full-time salary (the program funds only 20% of working time salary; primary employers continue other salary and benefits)
- Comprehensive relocation or living expenses outside of allocated travel/project budget
- Clinical medicine or social sciences related research support
- Guaranteed long-term employment—this is a part-time, secondment role
Eligibility Criteria for the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program
- Applicants of any nationality are eligible but must have the legal right to work in the UK for the award duration
- Strong background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM fields, excluding clinical medicine)
- Demonstrable experience in industrial research or entrepreneurship, including university-business collaboration and research commercialization
- Interest or experience in mentoring, coaching, or delivering entrepreneurial education
- Candidates may be full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired professionals eligible to dedicate approx. 20% of their time
- Applications must be supported by a UK host university or not-for-profit research organization
Required Documents for the Application
- Up-to-date CV highlighting industrial experience and entrepreneurial achievements
- Detailed project proposal outlining the bespoke project to be undertaken during the placement, including goals and impact
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
- Letters of support or collaboration agreement from the proposed host institution
- Any additional documents requested by the Royal Society or host as per application guidelines
Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Prepare your application: Gather CV, project proposal, and host institution support details.
- Identify and secure a UK host institution: Engage with a UK university or research organization willing to support your project.
- Submit the online application: Complete the Royal Society EiR application via their official portal before the deadline.
- Application review: Applications are assessed based on criteria including industrial experience, project quality, and alignment with scheme aims.
- Interviews or further information: Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or requested to provide clarifications.
- Award decision: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for beginning their placement.
- Begin the placement: Commence your part-time secondment, typically dedicating one day a week over two years, contributing to university innovation and industry collaboration projects.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly articulate how your industrial expertise will benefit the host university’s research and entrepreneurial environment
- Develop a compelling, achievable project proposal focused on research translation, innovation support, or entrepreneurial education
- Secure strong support and collaboration commitment from your chosen UK host institution early
- Highlight previous experience with university-business collaborations and entrepreneurship
- Demonstrate commitment to mentoring and knowledge exchange activities
- Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for revisions and host coordination
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Monthly Living Expenses for International Students / Residents in the UK (in GBP and USD Approximate)
Living costs vary by city and lifestyle but general estimates for the UK in 2025 include:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Monthly Cost (USD Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £500 – £1,200 | $615 – $1,480 | University halls or private rentals |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 | $185 – $310 | Cooking at home reduces costs |
| Transportation | £40 – £80 | $50 – $100 | Local buses, trains, and travel cards |
| Utilities & Internet | £90 – £130 | $110 – $160 | Electricity, gas, water, internet |
| Leisure & Miscellaneous | £50 – £150 | $60 – $185 | Entertainment, personal expenses |
| Total Estimated | £830 – £1,810 | $1,020 – $2,230 | Depending on city and lifestyle |
London tends to be on the higher end, while costs in smaller cities like Manchester or Birmingham are comparatively lower.
Why Choose This Internship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Prestigious Association: Backed by The Royal Society, a world-renowned scientific academy enhancing your professional credibility.
- Bridging Academia and Industry: Unique opportunity to influence UK academic research commercialization and innovation.
- Financial Support: Generous funding covering part of your salary and project-related expenses during the two-year placement.
- Part-Time Flexibility: Continue your current professional role while contributing meaningfully to academic entrepreneurship one day a week.
- Professional Development: Gain recognition, expand your network, and mentor future industry-ready graduates in UK universities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Internship
Q: Who can apply for the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program?
A: Experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs of any nationality who are eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the award.
Q: What are the project expectations?
A: Develop and deliver projects that promote innovation, entrepreneurial skills, and industry-academia collaboration within the host university.
Q: Is this a full-time position?
A: No, it is a part-time role requiring approximately one day per week for two years.
Q: What funding does the award provide?
A: Up to £20,000 per year towards salary (0.2 FTE) and up to £5,000 per year for travel and project costs.
Q: Which fields of science are eligible?
A: Life and physical sciences including engineering, excluding clinical medicine.
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program 2025 is a distinguished platform empowering industrial leaders to shape academic innovation and entrepreneurship in UK universities. Combining financial support, professional prestige, and impactful collaboration, this internship inspires transformative knowledge exchange and career enrichment in the heart of the UK’s research ecosystem. If you are an industrial scientist or entrepreneur looking to extend your influence in higher education and innovation, seize this exceptional opportunity by applying before the September 17, 2025 deadline.
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