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Grants

Royal Society Research Professorship

This scheme is for world-class scientists who would benefit from a period of long-term support to allow them to focus on research and collaboration based at an institution in the UK.

Saturn at its equinox. Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute. Professor Michele Dougherty was Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instruments for two major outer planetary space missions.

The scheme provides salary costs, a one-off start-up grant and research expenses.

The Professorships may be awarded in any field across the natural sciences. Some awards will be restricted to specific areas as follows:

  • Royal Society Darwin Trust Research Professorship for research in the field of biomolecular sciences
  • Royal Society GSK Research Professorship in Molecular aspects of Medicine
  • Royal Society Napier Research Professorship to ascertain the cause of cancer, including any corresponding allied disease and the means of prevention, cure and alleviation.

These prestigious posts provide long-term support for internationally recognised scientists of outstanding achievement. Previous holders of Royal Society Research Professorships include Nobel Laureates and Presidents of the Royal Society.

Am I eligible to apply?

Applicants can be of any nationality, and applications are particularly welcomed from scientists currently resident outside the UK.

Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes (PDF).

Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes.

What is the scheme’s value and tenure?

The scheme provides salary costs, a one-off start-up grant and research expenses. Appointments are usually made for up to 10 years.

After this period, all responsibility for the post, financial and otherwise, will pass to the host organisation alone. A representative of the host organisation will be asked to agree in principle to make this commitment, when an application is submitted to the Society.

What is the application process?

Applications should be submitted through the Royal Society’s electronic grant application system (e-GAP).

All Research Professorship applications will be initially assessed by the Research Professorship Panel, and a shortlist will be drawn up. The shortlisted proposals will be reviewed by a minimum of five independent referees who have been suggested by the panel. A second shortlist is then drawn up. Applicants that pass this stage will be invited for interview at the Royal Society. Final decisions will be made at a meeting of the selection panel.

There is scope to assess applications before the closing date by means of a fast-track assessment procedure for cases where a rapid decision is required. Fast-track applications will be considered for truly exceptional overseas candidates only. Please refer to the scheme notes for further information. If you wish to discuss this option then please contact the Senior Fellowships team (seniorfellowships@royalsociety.org).

Case studies

Sir Alec Jeffreys

Professor Michael Cates