The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship offers up to £1,907,400 over eight years to early-career natural sciences researchers who need flexible support. Apply by 29 October 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Royal Society is inviting applications for its Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, a long-term research funding opportunity designed to help outstanding early-career scientists establish independent research careers.
The fellowship supports researchers with innovative research ideas who require flexibility because of ongoing personal circumstances, such as caring responsibilities or a clinically diagnosed health condition.
Successful applicants can pursue independent research, develop their leadership skills and build a research group while receiving tailored career development, mentoring and professional networking opportunities.
Applications for the current round close on 29 October 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | The Royal Society |
| Fellowship | Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship |
| Career stage | Early career |
| Research field | Natural sciences |
| Duration | 8 years |
| Maximum funding | £1,907,400 |
| Application deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| Application platform | Flexi-Grant |
| Official website | Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship |
Research Opportunities and Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship gives researchers the freedom to pursue innovative scientific questions and develop their independence as research leaders.
Key benefits include:
- Long-term research funding: Up to £1,907,400 over eight years to support eligible fellowship costs.
- Flexible working arrangements: Support for part-time working or extended leave related to health circumstances or caring responsibilities.
- Career development: Tailored development opportunities and mentoring to strengthen research and leadership skills.
- Professional networking: Access to a community of research fellows and opportunities to share experiences and establish connections.
- Research independence: The opportunity to develop original research ideas and work towards becoming a leader in the chosen field.
The fellowship is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate a current and ongoing need for flexibility because of personal circumstances. Examples given by the Royal Society include being a primary carer or having a clinically diagnosed health condition.
Applicants must also meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements, including the following:
- Be at an early stage of their postdoctoral research career.
- Have completed a PhD or meet the scheme’s stated limit of no more than six years of actual research experience since the PhD by the application deadline, with career breaks taken into account.
- Not hold a permanent or proleptic position at a university or not-for-profit organisation.
- Not hold, or have previously held, an equivalent fellowship that allows them to lead an independent research group.
- Propose research within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit.
Applicants should read the official scheme notes carefully to confirm that they meet every requirement before applying.
Additional Information
Applications close on 29 October 2026. The Royal Society lists 31 July 2027 as the expected decision date for this round.
Applications must be submitted through the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant system. The Society checks applications for eligibility before assessment by the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships Selection Committee.
How to apply: Visit the official Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship page, read the scheme notes and submit your application through Flexi-Grant before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship?
It is a Royal Society fellowship supporting early-career natural sciences researchers who need flexible working arrangements because of ongoing personal circumstances.
2. How much funding is available?
The fellowship offers a maximum of £1,907,400 over eight years. This is the maximum total funding available for eligible fellowship costs, not a personal cash prize.
3. Who can apply?
Early-career postdoctoral researchers who meet the research experience, employment and other eligibility requirements may apply, provided they can demonstrate an ongoing need for flexibility.
4. What research fields are eligible?
The proposed research must fall within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit. Applicants should consult the Society’s supported subject groups and scheme notes to confirm eligibility.
5. Can applicants request part-time working?
Yes. The fellowship offers flexibility for personal circumstances, including part-time working and extended leave related to health or caring responsibilities, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
6. What is the application deadline?
The current round closes on 29 October 2026.
7. How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through Flexi-Grant. Start with the official Royal Society fellowship page and review the scheme notes before applying.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship may suit early-career scientists seeking long-term support to establish an independent research programme while managing ongoing personal circumstances that require flexible working. Its eight-year duration and substantial maximum funding make it a significant research opportunity for candidates who meet the specific eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares research funding and career opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Royal Society and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should confirm all eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application instructions through the official website.
SEO Keywords: Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship 2027, Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship application, research fellowships UK 2027, early-career researcher funding, natural sciences research grants, eight-year research fellowship, flexible research fellowship, PhD research funding UK, independent research career, Royal Society grants, research funding deadline October 2026
