Royal Society: Research Grants

The Royal Society Research Grants scheme offers essential funding of up to £30,000 for early-career scientists in the UK. This funding, available for up to 12 months, supports the purchase of specialized equipment and consumables, enabling researchers to gather preliminary data and develop their ideas. The scheme emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from various backgrounds to foster innovation in STEM fields.

About the scheme
A scheme for scientists in the UK who are at an early stage in their career or returning from a career break and want to purchase specialized equipment and consumables. This provides ‘seed corn’ funding for up to 12 months for independent researchers.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
Enable newly independent researchers to gather preliminary data, develop their research ideas and strengthen applications for further fundingSupport independent researchers returning after a career break to enable them to develop new ideas and research questions
Increase the availability of equipment and consumables for researchers at the beginning of their career and those returning from career breaks
The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Society wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximise innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise policies and processes to embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per assessment criteria.
Changes to the scheme
The amount offered through the round opening in August 2024 has increased to £30,000 to enable researchers to purchase consumables and essential pieces of equipment. Any changes to future rounds will be based on the availability of funding.
What does the scheme offer?
The scheme provides up to £30,000 of funding for up to 12 months. Funds can cover:

• equipment
• consumables
• travel costs and subsistence for essential field research