Royal Academy of Engineers Fellowships

Summary

Internal departmental EOI deadline: 14 May 2025, 12:00 BST
MPLS Division deadline (IRAMS submission): 11 June 2025, 12:00 BST
Funder deadline: 17 September 2025, 16:00 BST

• 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 (17 September 2025).
  • 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 1 August 2026 and 31 October 2026.
• Fellowships may be held part-time (50%–100% FTE).
• Any additional employment must be declared and must fall outside the host organisation.
• The scheme is eligible for the Global Talent visa.

Key dates and deadlines (2025 round)

• 14 May 2025 (12:00 BST) – 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 2025 – Selected candidates informed
  Successful applicants will be paired with a Research Facilitator.
• 11 June 2025 (12:00 BST) – MPLS Division deadline
  Submit your full internal application via IRAMS as a single PDF (case for support, CV, support letter).
• 17 September 2025 (16:00 BST) – 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 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 engineering, including women, Black researchers, and disabled people. Should any candidate have difficulty in securing a sponsor within the department or need further guidance, 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.