Pre-announcement: Newcastle University Internal Selection and Support Process for UKRI Future Leader Fellowships – round 12
UKRI have indicated that round 12 of the Future Leader Fellowships will run to a similar timeline as round 11. Therefore, we expect the call to open in early February 2027 and close in mid-June 2027.
The scheme is open to early career researchers and innovators from across business, universities, and other organisations, and welcomes applicants from around the world. Awards are for an ambitious programme of research and to support career development for up to four years, with the ability to extend for a further three years, to focus and continue your development. There is no lower or upper limit on the funding that can be requested. UKRI wants to fund the best fellows no matter what their background. The Future Leaders Fellowships scheme has been developed with unprecedented levels of flexibility to support applicants from a wide range of experiences, disciplines and sectors.
Newcastle Internal Selection and Support Process
To provide potential candidates with optimal time and support, the Internal Selection and Support Process will open in September, with a webinar on 22 September 2026, offering information about the scheme, details of the internal selection and support process, and sharing the experience of an FLF holder. The deadline to submit an internal expression of interest is 16 November 2026. The expression of interest application form is attached to this email.
If you are considering applying, you are encouraged to:
- Identify an academic mentor based at Newcastle who can offer guidance on the development of the concept of your fellowship and your career aspirations.
- Register for the applicant webinar on 22 September by completing this form.
- Be aware that you will need to seek approval from your Host Unit by 12 October 2026. The Head of Unit (or nominated representative) will need to complete a Microsoft form to confirm their support. Please contact your Director of Research and Head of Unit in the first instance. For clinical candidates, please note that you will need approval from your Trust/NHS employer.
If you have any questions, or wish to discuss your suitability for the scheme, please contact Elizabeth Jones (elizabeth.jones@newcastle.ac.uk) or Jo Gascoigne-Owens (johanna.gascoigne-owens@newcastle.ac.uk). You can also access the information via a news item here.