What is a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship?
The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Research Fellowship provides five years of support for exceptional early-career researchers to establish independence, develop an ambitious research programme and build an international reputation in engineering or related fundamental science.
The scheme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Fellows benefit from long-term funding, tailored mentoring and professional development, alongside access to The University of Manchester’s vibrant and supportive research environment.
Research fellowships are primarily aimed at engineering disciplines, but applications are also welcomed from researchers in related areas such as physics and materials science, where there is a strong engineering focus or application.
Early discussion with the relevant department is strongly recommended to confirm suitability, sponsorship and any internal requirements.
Key information
Institutional deadline: This fellowship is subject to an internal deadline. The deadline for this fellowship has now passed and no new applications will be accepted for the current call.
Call deadline: Currently closed.
Eligibility: To apply, you must:
- Be an outstanding early-career researcher
- Have been awarded your PhD within the last four years (career breaks may be considered)
- Be proposing research primarily in engineering or related fundamental science
- Be able to commit to a five-year fellowship (full-time or part-time on a pro-rata basis).
Funding: Up to £625,000 contribution from the Academy over five years, funded at 80% of full economic cost.
Duration: Five years (calculated on a pro-rata basis for part-time awards). Requests for shorter fellowships are not accepted.
Before you apply: Due to the highly competitive nature of this scheme and institutional limits on applications, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline to confirm eligibility, assess alignment with Faculty and University priorities and allow time for internal selection processes.
Benefits of the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship
Fellows receive five years of funding to establish an independent research profile in engineering or related disciplines at The University of Manchester.
Manchester supports researchers at all career stages, promoting equality of opportunity and offering guidance on fellowship applications, funding routes and support for childcare or other responsibilities. Fellows join a collaborative research environment with access to leading facilities, expertise and professional development opportunities.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A strong engineering research environment with interdisciplinary collaboration
- Access to specialist facilities, laboratories and technical expertise
- Tailored mentoring and career-development support
- Opportunities to build international networks and research partnerships
- Support with future major grant applications and leadership development.
Application process
Due to the highly competitive nature of this scheme and institutional limits on applications, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline to allow time for internal selection processes.
Confirm that you meet the Royal Academy of Engineering’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application. You must have been awarded your PhD within the last four years and be at an early stage of your independent research career.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and understand any internal requirements.
Some departments and the Faculty operate an internal selection process due to application limits. This may affect how and when you apply.
Contact:
- For advice on departmental fit and internal processes, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer.
If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department\’s Head of Research for further guidance. - For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.
Be prepared to provide:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed research programme.
Early engagement helps to confirm departmental fit, identify appropriate sponsors and allow time for any required internal review.
Once departmental and Faculty support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission.
Applications are submitted via the Royal Academy of Engineering Grants Management System (GMS).
A typical application includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- Justification of resources
- CV and track record
- Host statement from The University of Manchester
- References (as required by the scheme year).
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before the funder's deadline.
Applications are assessed by the Royal Academy of Engineering through peer review and panel assessment. Final funding decisions are made by the Academy, after which successful candidates will agree start dates with their host institution.
What our fellows say
“I hold a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship at The University of Manchester, where I develop next-generation ceramic coatings for the active protection of light alloys.
This fellowship has not only provided essential support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, but has also allowed me to benefit from Manchester’s outstanding research environment. Access to specialist facilities, tailored career-development training, and a truly interdisciplinary and collaborative community have been fundamental in advancing my work and shaping my career as an independent researcher.”
Dr Beatriz Mingo / Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Due to the Faculty sift, internal deadlines will apply and are typically several weeks earlier than the funder’s deadline.
Yes, provided the proposed research has a strong engineering focus or application. Early discussion with the relevant department is recommended to confirm suitability and sponsorship.
Prospective applicants receive support identifying an academic sponsor, refining their research proposal and navigating internal review. You’ll also have access to guidance on developing a competitive fellowship application, feedback from senior academics, and information about facilities and research groups you can incorporate into your proposal.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Yes. Part-time awards are permitted and calculated on a pro-rata basis, but the total duration must remain five years.
Further questions? Get in touch
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility, funding rules or Academy processes, contact the Royal Academy of Engineering Research team at research@raeng.org.uk.
Manchester-specific queries
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Departmental fit and internal processes
- For advice on departmental fit and internal requirements, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer. If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance.
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Application development and other Faculty queries
- For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.