Applications for the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are now open for its Round 10 of its Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) program. The program supports early-career researchers and innovators by giving them funding and opportunities to grow their careers. With up to £110 million up for grabs the initiative looks for creative minds who can drive impactful research or innovation projects in the UK. Winners will get support for at least four years including tailored resources mentorship and chances to develop their long-term goals. Applicants need to team up with a host organisation and apply via the UKRI Funding Finder Service. The process is tough and not all strong applications will secure funding due to high competition.
Key points:
- For early-career researchers and innovators.
- Up to £110 million total funding.
- At least four years of support per fellow.
- Apply through UKRI Funding Finder.
- Highly competitive not all top projects will get funds.
UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships Summary
| Fellowship In | UK |
| Available For | Internationals |
| Fellowship Type | Funded/Grant |
| Duration | 4 year (Minimum) |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2025 |
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Fellowship Benefits
- Funding pool: Up to £110 million available for innovation-focused grants.
- Economic activity rules: Funding caps apply if your organisation does commercial work that includes normally non-commercial organisations.
- Cost-sharing requirements: Your organisation pays for costs not covered by the grant.
Funding Limits by Project Type and Size
- Industrial Research Projects
- Micro/Small Organisations: Up to 70% of costs
- Medium Organisations: Up to 60%
- Large Organisations: Up to 50%
- Experimental Development Projects (Near Market)
- Micro/Small Organisations: Up to 45%
- Medium Organisations: Up to 35%
- Large Organisations: Up to 25%
Eligibility Criteria
- Funding amount: Request between £100,000 and £3 million.
- Minimum project duration: 4 years and it is extendable for p to 3 more years.
- Location: All work must be done in the UK.
- Results: Must be used or developed in/from the UK.
- Must have support from an eligible non-academic host organisation.
- Start date: Must begin on the 1st of any month (even weekends/holidays).
- You must clearly say when you want to start in your application.
- Only include costs that the funding rules say are allowed.
- The project must follow all official guidance requirements.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
- Demonstrate you have the expertise to successfully deliver the project.
- You don’t need a PhD but must prove you have equal research or innovation experience.
- People from outside the UK can apply if they have a UK host organisation.
- You might qualify for a Global Talent visa under the ‘exceptional promise’ route.
Who Can Apply
- People from different career backgrounds.
- Those returning after a career break or non-research jobs.
- Those needing part-time or job-share arrangements.
Time Allocation Rules
- You can spend up to 50% of your time on unfunded non-FLF work.
- These activities must help your career growth.
- They can include other contracts grants or normal work duties.
- FLF won’t pay extra salary for these outside activities.
- If needed the fellowship length can be adjusted to match your time commitment.
How to Apply? UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships 2025
The complete application process is available on the official UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships website. The link is given below. Visit the link and apply now.
Apply Now For The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships 2025