The Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship 2025-26 offers an outstanding opportunity for talented researchers in the UK to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the natural sciences. Especially geared towards early career researchers, the fellowship supports dynamic, short-term collaborations, fostering innovation and career development while enhancing science and technology knowledge exchange.
Basic Information About the Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship 2025-26
The Short Industry Fellowship scheme provides funding for UK-based researchers in academia or industry to undertake secondments lasting between three and six months, with part-time options available. Its main goal is to promote mobility and collaborative links between sectors, encourage career growth, and seed longer-term partnerships. Typically, the fellowship supports research in natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
- Application Deadline: October 23, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 3-6 months (full time) or part-time equivalent up to 12 months
- Fellowship Start Window: Between January 1 and March 31, 2026
- Number of Fellowships Awarded: Up to 5 fellowships per round
University/Institution Details
Applicants must be employed in the UK at either:
- A UK university
- A not-for-profit research organization
- UK industry (including small and early-stage companies with established research teams)
The fellowship requires movement between two sectors: private industry and a UK university or not-for-profit organization for collaborative research.
Eligible Study Areas
This fellowship supports research within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, including but not limited to:
- Biological research and biomedical sciences
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
Clinical or interventional human research and social sciences or humanities are generally excluded unless specifically stated.
Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship offers several benefits to fellows:
- Salary Coverage: Basic salary for the applicant and/or their postdoctoral researcher during the fellowship secondment.
- Research Expenses: Up to approximately £1,000 for research-related expenses.
- Flexibility: Fellowships can be full-time for 3-6 months or part-time over up to 12 months, allowing continued involvement with the primary employer.
- Career Development: Enables skill-building and experience gained from cross-sector collaborative work.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates establishment of longer-term collaborations between academia and industry.
Benefits Not Included
- Pension and national insurance contributions remain the responsibility of the employing organization.
- Funding for costs unrelated to the research or fellowship duration (e.g., travel unrelated to the project) is not covered.
Eligibility Criteria for Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship
- Applicants must hold a PhD or be of equivalent standing in their profession.
- Must have a permanent or fixed-term contract in a UK university, not-for-profit research organization, or industry, with an end date beyond the fellowship end date.
- Research must fit within the natural sciences remit as defined by the Royal Society.
- Postdoctoral researchers/PDRAs cannot apply as the main fellow but may be involved in the project if nominated.
- Applicants cannot hold concurrent applications with similar projects to both the Short Industry Fellowship and Industry Fellowship schemes.
- Shareholders owning 25% or more of a company are ineligible to apply with that company but can apply if owning less than 25%, with clear benefits to the research institution.
Required Documents for Application
- Detailed research proposal outlining project goals, methods, and collaborative benefits.
- Evidence of eligibility such as proof of employment contract and PhD qualification.
- Letters or statements from both the employing and partner organizations confirming support and agreement.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and ORCID identifier (if available) with key publications.
- Details of any relevant patents held by the applicant.
- Supporting information on research expenses.
Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Eligibility: Review criteria and ensure your project fits within the natural sciences remit.
- Prepare Research Proposal: Craft a succinct title and clear objectives (max 20 words for title). Include keywords and select appropriate scientific categories.
- Select Partner Organization: Choose a UK-based industry or academic partner not currently your employer. Confirm their eligibility.
- Collect Supporting Documents: Gather employer and partner support letters, CV, and proof of qualifications or employment.
- Complete Online Application: Fill in the Royal Society’s application portal carefully, ensuring all sections are complete.
- Invite Referees/Participants: Ensure all collaborators submit their input and approvals to unlock submission.
- Submit Application: Confirm the application is 100% complete and submit before the deadline (May 28, 2025).
- Await Review and Decision: Fellowship awards are typically announced after an August decision period.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Align Your Research: Clearly demonstrate how your project fosters collaboration and mobility between academia and industry.
- Strong Partner Commitment: Provide explicit written support from your partner organization highlighting mutual benefits.
- Showcase Career Benefits: Emphasize how the fellowship will enhance your career and skill set.
- Clear Project Goals: Present a focused, realistic, and innovative research plan within the natural sciences remit.
- Address Feedback: If reapplying, incorporate previous feedback to strengthen your proposal.
- Adhere to Guidelines: Follow word limits, document formats, and submission requirements strictly.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Estimated in USD)
Since this fellowship targets UK-employed researchers, living costs may reflect those of residents, but typical living expenses in the UK for researchers are roughly:
- Accommodation: $900 – $1,200
- Food & Groceries: $300 – $400
- Transportation: $100 – $150
- Utilities and Internet: $100 – $150
- Miscellaneous: $150 – $200
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,550 – $2,100 USD
Why Choose This Fellowship? Top 5 Reasons
- Prestigious Fellowship: Backed by the renowned Royal Society, known globally for advancing science.
- Career Advancement: Designed for early career researchers to gain valuable cross-sector experience.
- Innovative Collaboration: Encourages impactful partnerships between academia and UK industry.
- Flexible Funding: Allows full or part-time fellowships adapting to personal and professional needs.
- Networking: Facilitates connections that can lead to longer-term funding and research collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I am not a UK citizen?
A: Applicants of any nationality can apply as long as they hold an eligible UK-based position.
Q: Can postdoctoral researchers apply directly?
A: No, but they can be nominated to work on the fellowship project if named by the main applicant.
Q: Are clinical and social sciences eligible?
A: No, the fellowship primarily supports natural sciences research within the Royal Society’s scope.
Q: Can I apply if I have a pending patent?
A: Yes, but any relevant patents should be declared in the application.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: Late applications are not accepted; planning to submit well before the May 28, 2025 deadline is crucial.
Official Link:
This fellowship represents an exceptional gateway for researchers aiming to bridge academic and industrial research in the UK, enhancing scientific impact and career trajectories. For more information and to apply, visit the Royal Society’s official grant page.