Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme 2025–2026

Apply to the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme 2025–2026. Open to industry experts and scientists globally, this UK-based opportunity offers £50,000 in funding to lead innovation and research translation at universities. Deadline: 17 September 2025.

About the Scheme

The Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Scheme is part of its Science, Industry and Translation Programme and aims to embed cutting-edge industrial research and innovation into the heart of UK academic institutions. This prestigious opportunity enables experienced industrial scientists or entrepreneurs to spend one day a week for two years at a UK university, delivering bespoke projects that bridge the gap between industry and academia.

The scheme supports up to 10 awardees who will contribute to:

• Exposing students and faculty to real-world scientific challenges faced by industry

• Promoting innovation and translating research into practical applications

• Enhancing understanding of business and entrepreneurship in academic environments

• Fostering professional development and recognition for award holders

---

Funding and Support

Each award is valued up to £50,000 over two years, covering:

• Salary Support: Up to £20,000/year as a 0.2 FTE salary contribution (20% working time at the host university)

• Travel and Project Costs: Up to £5,000/year for travel, accommodation, conferences, and training-related expenses

---

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have a background in science or engineering

• Demonstrate significant experience in industrial research

• Be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the award

• Show expertise in one or more of the following:

  • University-business collaboration and research commercialization

  • Entrepreneurship (company formation, investment, etc.)

  • Mentoring, training, or coaching

Applicants may be full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. The scheme is open to individuals of all nationalities. Host organizations must be UK-based universities or not-for-profit research institutions.

---

Areas of Research

Projects must fall under the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, including but not limited to:

• Biological research

• Chemistry

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Physics

Note: Clinical, social science, and humanities-focused research is excluded unless explicitly stated.

---

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® platform. Applicants will be evaluated in three stages:

1. Review by Industry Experts: Initial scoring by former awardees and industry leaders

2. Panel Verification: Scores verified by the Chair of the Science, Innovation, and Translation Committee

3. Final Selection: Based on overall project merit, applicant qualifications, and institutional support

Applicants must provide:

• Research proposal with outlined impact, feasibility, and deliverables

• CV and career summary

• Budget and financial justification

• Institutional approvals and referee statements

The award is expected to commence by March 2026.

---

Commitment to Inclusion

The Royal Society welcomes applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Adjustments can be made throughout the application process to ensure equal access.

---

Key Dates

---

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online.

For inquiries or adjustments, contact the Industry team at: industry@royalsociety.org

---

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.