Research Ready

Our Research Ready programme will fund undergraduate students and recent graduates from underrepresented groups to undertake research in science and engineering. We have invited UK universities to share their proposals to host six participants for eight-week placements in summer 2027.  

With generous support from the Leverhulme Trust Centenary Partners fund, we have partnered with the Royal Society to launch this new Research Ready summer placement opportunity for 2027. 

We particularly invite proposals for discovery and interdisciplinary research, which can be in any Science, Engineering or Technology field. The placements must be targeted at groups that are underrepresented in relevant fields – especially those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds, Black students and other underrepresented minority ethnic groups, women and disabled students.

What will be funded?

Host universities will be responsible for designing and delivering their placements, and for recruiting students. In a package worth some £50,000 per institution, funding will cover:

• above-living wage stipend for participants
• accommodation
• travel
• event costs
• administrative costs

Who is the scheme for?

Summer research placements are available to undergraduate students and recent graduates from underrepresented groups. Equity, diversity and inclusion is essential to delivering excellence in science, engineering and technology. 

By providing opportunities for summer research placements for people from under-represented groups, Research Ready aims to build a more diverse research community, better equipped to reflect and respond to the needs of society. 

Alongside this, we will work with university science and engineering departments to help create more equitable and inclusive cultures, and research environments where students and researchers from diverse backgrounds can thrive. 

Reasonable adjustments for prospective hosts

We want to ensure all applicants can participate and present their best selves during the application process, and for the duration of the programme if you are successful.

If you need any adjustments or changes to support your participation in the process or throughout the programme, please contact Genevieve Dobinson-Addo by telephone (020 7766 0697) or at Genevieve dobinson-addo 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.