The Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious program designed to bring internationally leading researchers to UK universities and non-profit research institutions for 3–12 months—or flexibly across two years. Jointly funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation, this fellowship opportunity promotes international scientific collaboration and advancement in the natural sciences.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Up to £125,000 in funding covering salary bursary, research costs, visa, relocation, and dependents
• £80,000 annual bursary (tax-free), not a salary top-up
• £10,000 research allowance for consumables, travel, or equipment
• Visa and relocation support for you and dependents
• Flexible duration: continuous or split across up to two years
• Inclusive policies, including childcare support and allowances for personal circumstances
• Opportunity to build long-term academic partnerships with UK institutions

Who Should Consider Applying

This fellowship is ideal for candidates who:

• Are international researchers or established leaders in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, mathematics, or environmental sciences
• Hold a firm written invitation from a UK host institution
• Reside outside the UK and are eligible (or in the process) for a Global Talent Visa
• Demonstrate a track record of high-quality, independent scientific research

Timeline at a Glance

• Open for applications: 11 June 2025
• Closing date: 4 September 2025
• Award announcements: by 31 December 2025
• Fellowship tenure begins: spring/summer 2026

What Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2026 Covers

Coverage Item	Details
Bursary	You’ll be reviewing up to £80,000 per annum, supplementing your existing salary
Research Allowance	£10,000 for consumables, equipment, fieldwork, or small travel expenses
Visa & Relocation Support	Includes dependents—full relocation assistance
Childcare & Leave Support	Available for maternity, paternity, shared parental, and part-time scenarios
Flexible Term	3–12 months continuous or part-time spread over up to 2 years
Long-Term Collaborations	UK host institution partnerships encouraged

What’s Not Included

• Tuition fees or overhead
• Conference travel costs (must be justified separately)
• Major fieldwork funding beyond the £10,000 allowance
• Supplemental salary if already employed by another institution

Application Guide

1. Secure a UK host—must have a firm offer from a UK university or research institute.
2. Host submits a nomination request via email to the Royal Society.
3. You’ll get an application link (“Flexi‑Grant”) to submit your detailed proposal.
4. Prepare your application, including:
   • Comprehensive CV and publication list
   • Detailed research plan and timeline
   • Budget for bursary and research allowance
   • Confirmation of host support and visa intent
5. Undergo selection process involving peer review, longlisting, panel evaluation, and final interviews.
6. Receive decision by late December and begin your fellowship in 2026.

Comparison of Fellowship 

Feature	Visiting Fellowship (This Program)	Standard Wolfson Fellowship (5-year)
Duration	3–12 months (split over 2 years)	Up to 5 years
Total Funding	Up to £125,000	Up to £300,000
Salary Inclusion	Bursary only (no salary top-up)	Salary + possible top-up
Target Audience	Sabbatical or short-term researchers	Permanent recruitment
Dependent Support	Yes	Yes
Research Expenses	Limited (£10k)	Included
Long-Term UK Commitment	Flexible and temporary	Covenanted for long-term stay

FAQs About Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2026

1. Can UK-based applicants apply?
   No—this fellowship is only for researchers outside the UK with a confirmed UK host.
2. Is the bursary considered a salary?
   No. It supplements but does not replace your current income.
3. Can family join me?
   Yes—spouses and children can receive visa and relocation support.
4. Are part-time options available in Wolfson Visiting Fellowship?
   Yes—part-time arrangements aligned to your situation are supported.
5. How many fellowships are available?
   Around 3 application rounds per year, with several fellowships awarded; exact numbers vary annually.
6. Do I get funding for conference travel?
   Not automatically—conferences are not included in the standard allowance but may be justified.
7. Can I hold two Royal Society grants simultaneously?
   No. You cannot hold overlapping awards from the same funding body.
8. What’s the selection process?
   Peer reviews → longlisting → independent evaluations → panel decision → interviews.
9. Do I require UK visa for Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 2026?
   Yes—a Global Talent Visa is recommended for smooth entry.
10. When will I get the results?
    By 31 December 2025, following the September application deadline.

The Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for leading international researchers to elevate their work through a prestigious, well-funded UK experience. With generous support, inclusive policies, and strong research flexibility, this program acts as a launchpad for global scientific collaboration. If you want help drafting your proposal, finding a UK host, or preparing supporting documents, I’m here to help! APPLY NOW.