The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme Round 10 is a prestigious funding initiative aimed at fostering the development of the next generation of world-class researchers and innovation leaders across the UK. Specifically tailored for business and non-academic applicants, this round is designed to empower ambitious individuals working in industry, charities, public sector, and other non-academic organizations to undertake bold, original, and multidisciplinary research or innovation projects that have the potential to deliver significant economic, societal, or environmental impact.
This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for individuals who are transitioning to or establishing independence in their careers. It is open to both UK-based and international applicants seeking to work at UK organizations. The scheme supports applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, design, and the creative industries. Proposals that are interdisciplinary or challenge current paradigms are highly encouraged.
Through a combination of salary support and project funding, successful applicants will be provided with the necessary resources to focus on their ideas and establish themselves as future leaders. The FLF also facilitates mobility between academia and industry or across sectors, enabling fellows to build new networks and approaches that transcend traditional boundaries.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate not just technical excellence, but also strong leadership potential, a clear vision for impact, and the ability to drive positive change. Projects should be ambitious, with a strong case for why the proposed fellowship will provide a transformative step in the applicant’s career trajectory. For business-led proposals, applicants must also articulate how the work will drive innovation and align with the strategic goals of the business or sector.
Each fellowship is designed to be flexible, allowing part-time work or secondments, including international placements. The award is not only about funding but about creating a legacy—helping individuals to embed themselves within the UK’s innovation and research ecosystem for long-term growth and collaboration.
The FLF Round 10 presents an outstanding opportunity for professionals in industry and other sectors to deepen their expertise, scale up their ideas, and lead pioneering efforts that shape the UK’s global competitiveness and societal resilience.
2. This round is specifically for individuals hosted by UK businesses, charities, public sector, or other non-academic organizations.
3. Applicants from outside the UK are eligible but must have or plan to establish a working relationship with a UK host organization.
4. The host organization must commit to providing appropriate support and a conducive environment for the applicant’s proposed project.
5. Applicants must demonstrate high potential to become global leaders in their field.
6. Proposals must reflect originality, interdisciplinarity (if applicable), and significant potential for societal or economic impact.
7. Projects should be novel, ambitious, and appropriate to the applicant’s career stage.
8. There is no requirement for a PhD; however, applicants must have relevant experience to carry out the proposed work.
9. Applicants must be able to commit substantial time to the fellowship and project (full-time or part-time arrangements allowed).
10. Only one application is allowed per applicant per round.
Duration/Stipend
The Future Leaders Fellowship is offered for up to 4 years, with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years. The award provides support for salary, project costs, and relocation (if applicable). Funding is capped at £1.5 million (80% of full economic cost) over the initial period. Fellows can undertake the award full-time or part-time, and flexible working arrangements are supported.
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