UK Royal Society – Newton Advanced Fellowships 2018

This scheme provides established international researchers with an opportunity to develop the research strengths and capabilities of their research group through training, collaboration and reciprocal visits with a partner in the UK. The skills and knowledge gained should lead to changes in the wellbeing of communities and increased economic benefits.

This award is currently available to international early career group leaders to develop their research by linking them with some of the best research groups in the UK. The aim is to:

  • Support the development of a well-trained research community who can contribute to poverty alleviation by transferring new skills and creating new knowledge which can lead to changes in the wellbeing of communities and increased economic benefits.
  • Strengthen research excellence in partner countries by supporting promising independent, early-career scientists and their research groups and networks to develop their research through training, collaboration, reciprocal visits and the transfer of knowledge and skills from the UK.
  • Establish long-term links between the best research groups (and networks) in partner countries and the UK to ensure that improvements in research capacity are sustainable in the longer term. Such long-term links will also benefit the UK, securing our position with partner countries as the scientific partner of choice.

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent research experience and hold a permanent or fixed-term contract in an eligible university or research institute, which must span the duration of the project. Applicants should have no more than 15 years of postdoctoral experience. Collaborations should focus on a single project involving an overseas-based scientist (“the Applicant”) and a UK-based scientist (“the Co-applicant”).

Researchers from the countries listed below are eligible to apply for the Newton Advanced Fellowships.  The Royal Society and Academy of Medical Sciences have established partnerships with funding organisations in each of these countries (listed below).  These partners are offering similar opportunities for UK researchers wishing to visit partner countries.

Awards are currently only available for scientists in the following countries:

The Royal Society (Natural and Physical Sciences)

  • Brazil (in partnership with CONFAP)
  • China (in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences)
  • Mexico (in partnership with the Mexican Academy of Sciences (MAS) and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT)) 
  • South Africa (in partnership with the National Research Foundation)
  • Thailand (in partnership with The Thailand Research Fund (TRF))
  • Turkey (in partnership with TUBITAK)

The Academy of Medical Sciences (Clinical and Patient orientated research)

  • Brazil (in partnership with CONFAP)
  • Mexico (in partnership with the Mexican Academy of Sciences (MAS) and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT)) 
  • South Africa (in partnership with the National Research Foundation)

Awards last for up to three years. Up to £37,000 is available each year.

Please find further details and apply here.

The Newton Advanced Fellowship is in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences and British Academy. Applicants for social science and humanities should apply to the British Academy.  This scheme is funded by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as part of the Newton Fund.