The Government Office for Science offers UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships to outstanding early career science or engineering researchers. These Fellowships are designed to promote unclassified basic research in areas of interest to the intelligence, security and defence communities. The National Protective Security Authority, Department for Transport, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Home Office, the National Cyber Security Centre, and UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping are among the organisations represented in the UK Intelligence Community for this scheme.

One round of applications is held annually. Each year members of the IC identify research topics and the Research Fellows work locally with their University Research Advisor to develop and submit research proposals that align with the topics.

The research is conducted by the Research Fellows while working in partnership with the University Research Advisor and collaborating with an advisor from the Intelligence Community (IC Advisor).

The Research Fellowships are aimed at early-career researchers from all branches of science and engineering who have up to five years postdoctoral experience. Only citizens of Australia, Canada, the EEA, New Zealand, the UK or the US can apply.

Each application for the UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships is capped at a maximum contribution of £250,000 over the 2-year period, at 80% of the full economic costs (fEC).   

In addition to the direct financial support, the scheme benefits include:

• Mentoring support from an Academy Fellow to offer advice on research and career development
• Expert advice and support from the IC Advisor
• Reduction of teaching and administrative duties to dedicate time to research
• Training, events and additional funding opportunities
• Networking opportunities with other Research Fellows, Academy Fellows and the IC Community
• Access to the Awardee Excellence Community, that brings together awardees from all career stages and disciplines to share their expertise, to collaborate and to contribute new perspectives to the Academy’s work. The community will give you the opportunity to meet, learn from and support other awardees beyond your immediate cohort, as well as a broader cross section of Academy Fellows through a programme of events, and opportunities to connect in person and online. 

You can find more information here. 

Deadline for applications 23 April 2024, 4 pm BST