Application process
The RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships must be held at a UK university and cannot be jointly hosted by multiple institutions. The proposed research project can be in any engineering discipline. The Fellowships can be held part time (not less than 50%).
We want to ensure all applicants can participate and present their best selves during the application process, and for the duration of the award if you are successful.
Supporting adjustments
If you need any adjustments or changes to support your participation in the process or throughout the programme, please contact Programme Manager Olivia Saunders on +44 207 167 8149 or via email at [email protected] to discuss your needs.
All information shared will be treated confidentially in line with GDPR principles. For more details, please see the Academy’s privacy policy.
We encourage you to get in touch at least 10 working days before the submission deadline, so we can respond accordingly and tailor possible adjustments to your circumstances.
Applications must be submitted via the Academy's online Grants Management System (GMS)
Guidance notes and policies
Please read the RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships Guidance Notes 2026-27 for full details of the RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship scheme. Instructions on how to apply start on page 9.
Please ensure you have read the Academy’s Grant Policies in Appendix B of the RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships Guidance Notes 2026-27 and on our grant policies webpage before starting your application.
Selection process
There is a simple one-stage application process. There is no interview stage.
Applications are reviewed by expert reviewers and then moderated by the Selection Panel, who will shortlist the top-ranked candidates for awards.
In principle, seven Fellowships are awarded each year, subject to budget.
Post-award guidance
The RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Fellowship contract will be signed between the host institution and the Academy. The RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Fellowship grant will be paid directly to the host institution as outlined in the grant agreement.
Awarded Research Fellows will work with the Academy to identify an Academy Fellow to be their mentor. The mentor will provide expert, independent advice and support for the duration of the Research Fellowship and will also formally monitor the Research Fellow’s progress for the Academy.
Research Fellows must submit an interim progress report and a final report, both including expenditure statements, to the Academy. At the review meeting the Research Fellow, mentor and Academy staff will discuss the report, progress made and future plans.
Applicant webinar
If you're looking to apply to the RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship, watch this webinar to learn about the scheme, the application process, how to structure a strong application and the experiences of a previous awardee.