FAQ

The scheme allows academics to be relieved of their teaching and administrative responsibilities in order to concentrate full time on engineering research. The Fellowship covers the salary costs of a replacement academic who will take over the awardee’s teaching and administrative duties for up to one year.

The Fellowship covers the salary costs (including pension, NI and any pay awards) of an early career academic who will take over non-research related activities of the awardee for the duration of the Fellowship.

In this round, the Academy's contribution will be capped at a maximum of £55k per annum. 

Up to £2,500 is also available to the awardee to cover miscellaneous research costs, such as conference attendance and public engagement activities.

All engineering disciplines are eligible, including computer science and materials.

There are no age limits but the applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficient experience to evidence their status as that of a Research Fellow.

There are no nationality restrictions but the applicants must currently hold a permanent position at a UK institution.

Between one academic term and one year.

Up to seven Fellowships will be awarded in the current round.

These can be downloaded from the How to apply page.

The following areas are addressed by the panel:

• How strong is the case for relief from non-research related commitments (the ideal situation being 100% relief requested, i.e. more time dedicated towards research)? How significant are the likely benefits of the Fellowship to the researcher?
• Is the candidate suitable for a Research Fellowship? Does the candidate demonstrate quality, experience, scientific insight/originality and independence in their research?
• How high is the quality of the applicant’s proposed research project (including novelty, timeliness and ambition)?
• How strong is the host institution’s support letter and level of commitment?
• Have the beneficiaries of this research been identified and has it been explained how will they benefit? What is the extent of industrial involvement in the project? Are there any societal or economic benefits arising from the research project?
• How is the applicant expected to progress after the Fellowship? What are the related long-term benefits? How will the applicant build upon any existing or future collaborations?
• Has the applicant thought through the proposed dissemination and technology transfer routes? What are the plans for public engagement?

Any research-related expenses such as conference attendance, travel, equipment, public engagement activities etc. NB computers are not eligible.

Any proposal to transfer the Fellowship to a different host institution within the UK would need to be discussed with the existing and proposed host institutions. If the new host institution agrees to host the Fellowship, the Academy will submit and seek approval from the Leverhulme Trust. 

Extensions to the Fellowship are permitted in agreement with the host university. 

If you are successful, your funding will be awarded under the RD&I Terms and Conditions found on the Academy’s website.

This agreement has been developed to ensure funding aligns with our Academy values, is used for the purposes for which it was awarded and is managed in compliance with our own funders’ agreements, UK legislation and funding best practice.

Yes, awardees of this Fellowship will now be assigned an Academy Mentor to offer advice and monitor progress.