Royal Society announces £30m fund to attract global talent over next two years

The Royal Society has announced up to £30 million in funding over the next two years to attract global talent and support the development of world-leading research groups in UK Universities and Research Institutes.

The new Faraday Fellowship accelerated international route will provide up to £4 million per researcher or group over 5-10 years. While up to £4 million will be the normal amount, in exceptional circumstances the Society will be willing to consider larger awards.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

“International science is in a state of flux with some of the certainties of the post war era now under question.

"With funding streams and academic freedom coming under threat, the best scientific talent will be looking for stability. The UK can be at the front of the queue in attracting that talent.

"Our new opportunity, combined with schemes from UKRI and the Royal Academy of Engineering, are a step in the right direction.”

£20 million will be funded from the Royal Society’s Faraday Discovery Fellowship Fund, providing a fast-track option for attracting mid-career researchers looking to relocate to the UK. A further £10 million from the Royal Society will enable the Society to attract researchers at other career stages.

Full eligibility criteria for the Royal Society’s new Faraday Fellowship route will be published by the end of June.

Responding to a further announcement on the Government’s plans for 10-year funding settlement for key sectors, Sir Adrian said:

“Good science can take time, the pay-off can be decades later.

“That is why investing in research has to be a long game. The Government recommitting to the principle of ten year cycles of public investment is very welcome.

“It provides stability to those doing the research and shows businesses that the UK is a reliable place to invest. We look forward to seeing the details.”