Royal Academy of Engineers Fellowships

Summary

Next Internal departmental EOI deadline: ~ May 2026
Next University deadline (IRAMS submission): ~June 2026
Next Funder deadline: ~September 2026

• Supports outstanding early-career researchers in engineering disciplines.
• Funding available for up to 5 years (up to £625,000, at 80% of FEC).
• Includes mentoring, reduced teaching load, and additional funding and networking opportunities.
• Fellowships may be held part-time (minimum 50% FTE).
• Oxford University may submit up to four candidates; at least two must self-identify as from underrepresented groups in UK engineering.
• All queries should be directed to: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship scheme supports early-career researchers who are ready to establish independent academic careers in engineering. The scheme offers five years of funding and professional development, including mentoring, teaching relief, networking, and further funding opportunities. The goal is to foster global connections and provide the necessary resources to help fellows develop independent research careers.

Oxford Physics participates in a competitive internal selection process due to university-wide limits on the number of submissions. At least two of the four Oxford nominees must self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group in UK engineering.

Further information is available on the RAEng website and the MPLS Division's RAEng Fellowships page.

Eligibility

• Open to researchers working in engineering disciplines only (e.g. civil, aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing, electrical/electronic, materials, energy, bio/medical, computing/communications, chemical).
• Applicants must have a PhD/DPhil awarded (or unconditionally approved) no more than four years before the funder deadline.
  • Extensions of up to three additional months may be allowed for extenuating circumstances such as maternity/paternity leave, long-term illness, or other caring responsibilities.
• Applicants who have previously applied unsuccessfully may reapply.
• Fellowships must start between specific dates (typically 1 August and 31 October) .
• Fellowships may be held part-time (50%–100% FTE).
• Any additional employment must be declared and must fall outside the host organisation.

Typical dates and deadlines 

• 14 May  – Internal EOI deadline
  Submit your EOI to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, including:
  • Simplified case for support (template provided below)
  • CV and outputs list (max 3 sides A4; include career breaks/part-time status where relevant)
  • One-page letter of support from an academic colleague able to comment on the impact of your work
  • Sub-department name
  • CC your Oxford Physics sponsor (they must confirm support)
• 29 May  – Selected candidates informed
  Successful applicants will be paired with a Research Facilitator.
• 11 June  – MPLS Division deadline
  Submit your full internal application via IRAMS as a single PDF (case for support, CV, support letter).
• 17 September  – Final submission to RAEng via their online portal

Additional information

Sponsor – You must identify and confirm support from an Oxford Physics academic sponsor before submitting your EOI. The sponsor should be able to help you develop your project and prepare your application. If you have difficulty identifying a suitable sponsor, contact fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

Internal review process – EOIs will be reviewed by an internal panel using the MPLS Division’s criteria:

1. Quality of the applicant
2. Research quality and vision
3. Research environment
4. Beneficiaries and impact

Selection quota - Oxford Physics can put forward a limited number of applicants, and the panel will ensure that at least two self-identifying candidates are supported, as required by RAEng. These individuals will also be nominated for the RAEng Access Mentoring Scheme, which provides additional support in the final application stage.

Underrepresented groups - at least two Oxford candidates must self-identify as from underrepresented groups in UK engineering, including:

• Women
• Black people (including mixed ethnicity with Black backgrounds)
• Disabled people

Oxford’s selected candidates who self-identify as belonging to these groups will also be put forward for the RAEng Access Mentoring Scheme to support their final application. 

Selected candidates – Will receive internal guidance and support from a Research Facilitator. You’ll be guided through the MPLS IRAMS process and receive feedback on your proposal.

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 their EOI submission email,  confidentially if required, 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.