Application Deadline:
28 October 2025
About Organisation
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences and one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions. Its mission is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has a long history of advancing knowledge across the natural sciences, fostering innovation, and shaping policies that address pressing global challenges. By supporting world-class research and nurturing early-career scientists, it strengthens the UK’s role as a global leader in science and technology. The Royal Society is committed to embedding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its grant-making processes. It recognises that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for scientific progress and innovation. To this end, the Society actively works to ensure that all talented individuals—regardless of background or personal circumstances—have equitable opportunities to succeed. Through its fellowship programmes, research funding schemes, and advocacy, the Society aims to create an inclusive and dynamic scientific community that drives transformative discoveries for the betterment of society.
About the Grant
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship Programme is a prestigious scheme designed to support outstanding early career scientists who require flexible working patterns due to personal circumstances, such as caring responsibilities or health-related conditions. Administered by the Royal Society, the programme enables talented researchers to pursue ambitious projects while balancing their professional and personal commitments. Applicants may request funding for up to eight years, with awards covering salary contributions, research expenses, equipment costs, travel, and a PhD studentship. The maximum support available is up to £1.87 million, with the possibility of additional funding to cover relocation and visa expenses. The grant reflects the Royal Society’s broader goal of attracting and retaining diverse global talent to the UK, fostering cutting-edge research across the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. By removing barriers linked to personal responsibilities, the programme empowers researchers to establish independent careers and make meaningful contributions to science.
Who can Apply?
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship is open to researchers in the early stages of their career with no more than six years of research experience since completing their PhD at the time of application. Applicants must not hold a permanent academic post or have previously held an equivalent fellowship providing independence to establish a research group. Candidates must demonstrate a genuine need for flexible working arrangements due to personal responsibilities, such as parenting, caregiving, or managing health conditions. Research proposals must align with the Royal Society’s remit in the natural sciences, including biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. Applicants of any nationality are eligible and those requiring a visa may apply under the Global Talent Visa fast-track route. The fellowship is intended to nurture future leaders in science by enabling them to conduct groundbreaking research while accommodating personal circumstances. Applications will be assessed on both the scientific excellence of the proposed work and the capability of the applicant, with equity, diversity, and inclusion principles guiding the process.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare and submit an online application detailing their research proposal, funding requirements, and personal eligibility criteria. Applications undergo a rigorous review by expert selection panels, with shortlisted candidates potentially moving forward to external peer review.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship Programme is 28 October 2025. All entries must be completed and submitted before this date.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
