What is a Royal Society Newton International Fellowship?
The Royal Society Newton International Fellowship provides two years of funding for exceptional early-career researchers from outside the UK to undertake high-quality research at a UK host organisation.
Funded by the Royal Society, the fellowship supports researchers at an early stage of their career to develop their research profile through international mobility, access world-leading expertise and facilities and build long-term international collaborations.
At The University of Manchester, Newton Fellows join a vibrant research environment aligned with the Royal Society’s remit in the natural sciences, with access to internationally recognised facilities and expertise that support the development of independent research careers. The Society defines this remit broadly; applicants should refer to the Royal Society’s guidance for full details of the subject groups and research areas supported.
Key information
Status: Open. Closes 11 March 2026. Decision expected by 31 August 2026.
Eligibility: To apply, you must:
- Hold a PhD, or have successfully defended your doctoral thesis before the application deadline
- Have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience post-PhD at the time of application (career breaks discounted; teaching and research in industry included)
- Be based outside the UK
- Not hold UK citizenship
- Be competent in oral and written English
- Propose research within the Royal Society’s remit of the natural sciences.
Funding: Up to £280,000 over two years, subject to Royal Society rules.
Before you apply: To help you develop a competitive proposal, we encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Confirm departmental support
- Ensure your research vision aligns with Manchester’s strengths.
Benefits of the Newton International Fellowship
Newton International Fellows receive two years of funding to develop their research profile and gain international research experience 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.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A world-leading research environment across the natural sciences
- Access to specialist facilities and dynamic research communities
- Opportunities to establish long-term international collaborations
- Mentoring from experienced academics and support with career development
- Exposure to UK research culture and pathways towards research independence.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply, you must:
- Be an outstanding early career researcher with the potential to develop an independent research career
- Have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral research experience post-PhD (excluding eligible career breaks)
- Be based outside the UK and not hold UK citizenship
- Propose research within the Royal Society’s remit of the natural sciences.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and identify an academic sponsor.
Some departments and institutes may operate additional internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants. These arrangements may affect how and when you apply and, in some cases, require an Expression of Interest (EOI) or internal selection before submission to the funder.
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.
As part of this initial engagement, you may be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed research project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
Be prepared to share:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed fellowship project.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission to the funder.
Applications must be submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant system.
The Newton International Fellowship uses a single submission process, with applications reviewed in two stages:
- An outline application assessed for triage and longlisting
- A full application for applicants who are longlisted
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before the funder’s deadline.
After submission, applications are assessed by the Royal Society. This typically includes:
- Committee review of outline applications
- Peer review and panel assessment of full applications.
Final funding decisions are made by the Royal Society. Successful candidates will then agree start dates with their host institution.
What our fellows say
“I am honoured to hold the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship at The University of Manchester’s Department of Materials, working with Professor Philip Withers. This fellowship enables me to continue my career in the UK and lead my research while benefiting from Manchester’s outstanding collaborative, world-class facilities and gaining essential academic experience.”
Jianguang Bao / Royal Society Newton International Fellow
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because the University must prepare a host statement and complete internal quality checks, we typically require applicants to submit draft materials several weeks before the funder's official deadline. Exact timelines vary by department, so contact your potential supervisor early to confirm dates.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
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.
Further questions? Contact us
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility, funding rules or Royal Society processes, contact the scheme's fellowship team at info@newtonfellowships.org.
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.