Arts and Humanities early career researchers are being encouraged to make the most of a ‘transformational opportunity’ for funding that is being offered through UK Research and Innovation.

The UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship scheme (FLF), aims to develop, retain, attract and sustain research and innovation talent in the UK. Providing up to seven years of funding, for at least 550 early career researchers and innovators, the scheme will tackle difficult and novel challenges.

UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships can be held at any UK-based organisation currently registered as eligible to apply to the Research Councils (e.g. higher education institutes, Research Council institutes and eligible independent research organisations), or Innovate UK.

Companies or other privately owned research organisations are encouraged to host UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships if they can provide an innovation and/or research environment of international standing.

Professor Roey Sweet, The AHRC’s Director of Partnerships and Engagement, said 

“The Future Leaders Fellowship scheme represents a transformational opportunity for early career researchers in the arts and humanities.

“The significance and the length of these prestigious awards are unprecedented in arts and humanities funding and they will give the opportunity for the brightest and best to realise their boundless potential.

“With the call open to researchers from all disciplines, we anticipate there will be stiff competition, but those who are successful will be able to cement their careers. Strong representation from our community will further reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in arts and humanities research.”

There will be six calls for the FLFs, with two calls taking place each year over the next three years. Applications can be submitted in any area of research or innovation covered by the Research Councils and Innovate UK.

The submission deadline for the first FLF call is 3 July 2018, with a mandatory Expression of Interest required by 7 June.

For further information please visit the Future Leaders Fellowships call page: https://www.ukri.org/funding/funding-opportunities/future-leaders-fellowships/