researcher wearing spectacles and safety glasses on top, and a white lab coat, looking intently at a large instrument made of silver metal. A row of bright green LEDs are visible through a clear window in the side of the instrument. There are fumehoods in the background.

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships

Independent-level fellowships

The internal physics selection process for the current round of this fellowship is now open

Summary

Internal departmental EOI deadline: 26 August 2025, 12:00 BST
Funder call opens: 2 September 2025
Funder deadline: 28 October 2025 (via Flexi-Grant)

  • Supports outstanding early-career researchers who have a demonstrable need for flexible or part-time working (e.g. due to caring responsibilities, disability, or health conditions).
  • Provides up to 8 years of funding, including the award holder’s salary and generous research expenses.
  • Open to applicants of any nationality and eligible for the Global Talent visa.
  • Applications are submitted through the Royal Society's Flexi-Grant system.
  • All queries should be directed to: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The Royal Society’s Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (DHF) enables excellent early-career scientists to establish independent research careers while working in a flexible or part-time capacity. The scheme is designed for researchers who face personal circumstances that create barriers to traditional full-time academic roles, including parenting or caring responsibilities, disability, or health issues.

Fellows receive up to 8 years of support, including salary and research expenses, as well as opportunities for training, career development, and academic progression. Oxford Physics manages an internal selection process due to competitive institutional demand.

More details can be found on the Royal Society's DHF scheme page.

Eligibility

  • You must be at an early stage of your career, with no more than 6 years of actual research experience post-PhD by the funder deadline.
    • Career breaks (e.g. parental leave, long-term illness) and part-time working are considered.
    • Additional allowance is made for some breaks, beyond actual time away.
  • You must not hold a permanent academic post or a fellowship that allows you to establish an independent research group.
  • You must have a current and demonstrable need for flexible support due to personal circumstances (this need must still apply at the start of the fellowship).
  • The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality and is eligible for the Global Talent visa.

Examples of relevant circumstances include (but are not limited to):
• Raising children
• Acting as a primary carer for an ill or elderly relative
• Managing a clinically diagnosed health condition or disability

You do not need to disclose the nature of your personal circumstances at the EOI stage — only that you meet this core requirement.

Key dates and deadlines (2025 round)

  • 26 August 2025 (12:00 BST) – Internal EOI deadline
    Submit your Expression of Interest to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, including:
    • 1-page outline of your proposed research project
    • CV
    • List of publications and research outputs
    • Identify your intended Sub-department (Astrophysics; Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics; Atomic and Laser Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Particle Physics; or Theoretical Physics)
    • Confirmation that you meet the funder's flexible working requirement
    • CC your Oxford Physics sponsor (who must confirm support)
  • 2 September 2025 – Royal Society call opens
  • w/c 8 September 2025 - Candidates informed of outcome of internal selection. Selected candidates will be supported by a Research Facilitator.
  • 28 October 2025 – Funder application deadline via Flexi-Grant

Additional information

Sponsor
Applicants must identify and confirm support from an Oxford Physics academic who will host and advise on the research project. If you experience difficulties securing a sponsor, please contact fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

Assessment criteria
EOIs and full applications will be reviewed using Royal Society criteria:

  • Scientific track record, appropriate to career stage
  • Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research
  • Potential of the applicant to become a future research leader
  • Suitability of the host department, including infrastructure and research environment
  • Commitment to supporting the fellow’s career development

You are encouraged to read the Royal Society's application tips for early-career fellowships, which provide useful guidance on how to present a strong proposal.

Support from the Royal Society

  • Flexibility in working pattern (including part-time work, sabbaticals, secondments)
  • Financial support for childcare during conferences and research visits
  • Reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities (see “Support for Disabled Applicants” on the scheme page)

Applicants who may also meet the eligibility criteria for the University Research Fellowship (URF) may apply to both schemes, provided they satisfy each scheme’s specific requirements.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Oxford Physics supports flexible working and career breaks and recognises that a range of personal circumstances may influence career progression. We welcome applications from those with non-linear career paths or those returning to research following a break (e.g. due to illness, caring responsibilities, parental leave, or work outside academia). Applicants are encouraged to highlight any relevant circumstances in their EOI or to discuss them confidentially with the Research Facilitation team at fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

We particularly encourage EOIs from individuals from underrepresented groups in Physics. Should any candidate have difficulty in securing a sponsor within the department or need further guidance on this, please contact the facilitation team and we will endeavour to support you. If you require specific support or accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

For further information on our approach to EDI, visit our ED&I webpage.