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Royal Society Newton International Fellowships (NIFs)

Postdoctoral-level fellowships

The internal Oxford Physics selection process for this fellowship is now OPEN.

Summary

Internal Oxford Physics EOI deadline: 14 January 2026, 12:00 GMT
Funder deadline: expected mid-March 2026 (Royal Society Flexi-Grant portal)

  • Supports outstanding early-career researchers based outside the UK to undertake research at a UK institution.
  • Provides two years of funding (up to £280,000) covering salary, research expenses, and relocation/visa costs (including dependents).
  • Fellows must work with an Oxford Physics academic sponsor to develop a mutually beneficial research proposal.
  • The award accommodates personal circumstances, including part-time working and career breaks.
  • All queries: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The Royal Society Newton International Fellowship programme supports exceptional early-career researchers to make the first step toward independence by conducting research in the UK and building international collaborations.

The scheme’s aims are to:

  • attract and retain emerging research talent;
  • support high-quality, innovative research;
  • develop skills and career independence; and
  • foster long-term links between UK and international researchers.

Further information is available on the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship webpage.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • hold, or expect to hold, a PhD by the start of the fellowship and no later than 31 March 2026;
  • have ≤ 7 years of active full-time postdoctoral experience at the application deadline;
  • live and work outside the UK at the time of application and have not lived, worked, or undertaken research in the UK for more than three months during the 12 months preceding the application deadline;
  • not hold UK citizenship (dual citizens are eligible only if they have lived outside the UK for most of their life); and
  • propose to hold the fellowship entirely in the UK, with any fieldwork abroad limited to one month per year.

Applicants who completed their PhD at a UK institution must have been working outside the UK for at least one year before the application deadline.

Key dates and deadlines (2026 round)

  • 14 January 2026, 12:00 GMT – Oxford Physics internal EOI deadline (see below)
  • ~ 29 January 2026 – Results of internal sub-department selection announced
  • Mid-March 2026 – Expected Royal Society funder deadline via Flexi-Grant

Oxford Physics EOI submission

Submit your 2026 EOI to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, copying your Oxford Physics sponsor. Your submission must include:

  • Completed Oxford Physics Newton International Fellowship EOI form (Word template);
  • One supporting document (max 2 pages, PDF) containing your academic CV and outputs list;
  • Sponsor copied into the submission email.  Applications without a sponsor cc’d will not be considered.
Oxford Physics ROyalSoc NIF EOI Form

Additional information

Sponsor
Applicants must secure an Oxford Physics academic sponsor in advance. The sponsor must be copied into your EOI submission email and should contribute to the “Fellowship Benefits” section of the EOI form. If you require help identifying a potential sponsor, contact fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

EOI assessment
Sub-departmental panels will assess EOIs using the following criteria:

  • Applicant’s track record and potential, relative to career stage;
  • Importance, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research;
  • Evidence of independence and momentum;
  • Suitability of Oxford Physics as a host environment;
  • Level of sponsor engagement and alignment with the aims of the Royal Society.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Oxford Physics supports flexible working and recognises that career paths are not linear. Applicants are encouraged to highlight contextual factors such as career breaks, caring responsibilities, or health-related circumstances in the EOI contextual information section.

Alternatively, details can be shared confidentially with the Research Facilitation Team at fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

The department particularly welcomes EOIs from individuals from underrepresented groups in physics. If you have difficulty securing a sponsor or require specific support or accommodations during the process, please contact the Fellowships Facilitation Team (in confidence if required).

For more information, visit our ED&I webpage.